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    Home > Cookies and Candy > Best Microwave Peanut Brittle

    Best Microwave Peanut Brittle

    Published: Nov 18, 2017 · Modified: Sep 15, 2023 by Kathleen · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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    This is the Best Microwave Peanut Brittle! I share all my pro tips with you. This easy peanut brittle recipe is ready in 15 minutes from start to finish! No candy thermometer needed! Enjoy the taste of caramelized sugar and nutty richness of peanuts faster in this homemade peanut brittle made with a shortcut!

    Large pieces of peanut brittle on a silver platter.

    Making peanut brittle in the microwave is so quick and easy! My step by step photos and instructions are easy to follow and results in delicious airy peanut brittle every time.

    This easy recipe for microwave peanut brittle can be packaged up and makes a great food gift for the holidays or any day! It freezes well, so enjoy some today and share some with a friend later.

    If you love homemade peanut brittle, you may also like my Microwave Pistachio Cranberry Brittle and Microwave Pecan Brittle recipes.

    Shortcuts

    • The biggest shortcut is making peanut brittle in the microwave.
    • You don't need to use a candy thermometer!
    • Cocktail peanuts are already roasted so you save a few minutes on the cooking time. Plus, I always have a can of roasted nuts on hand at all times.

    To make microwave peanut brittle with raw peanuts, see the NOTES section in the printable recipe at the bottom of the post.

    For years, I sold my gourmet peanut brittle during the holidays as part of my catering business, The Occasional Gourmet. Now, I'm sharing the recipe with you!

    Ingredients

    What you will need to make this crunchy peanut brittle:

    Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.

    Measured ingredients for Microwave Peanut Brittle: corn syrup, peanuts, sugar, vanilla, butter.
    • Granulated sugar
    • Light corn syrup
    • Peanuts - lightly salted cocktail peanuts. See note below if using raw peanuts.
    • Butter- I like salted butter but unsalted will also work.
    • Vanilla extract
    • Baking soda- NOT baking powder. Look closely at the label.

    How to make peanut brittle in the microwave

    Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.

    Pro Tip: My microwave wattage is 1100. If you have the same wattage, you will get the same results with these exact times. If your wattage is higher or lower, adjust the times and watch closely for the amber color in the candy mixture before adding the nuts.

    A glass bowl filled with sugar, corn syrup and water.
    Sugar and corn syrup paste in glass bowl with plastic wrap covering it.
    • Stir together sugar and light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. It will look like a sugar scrub paste.
    • Cover tightly with plastic wrap. This step replaces step in traditional method of washing down the sugar crystals.
    • Microwave (1100 watts) the sugar mixture in the bowl on HIGH for 3 minutes to wash down any crystals from sides of the bowl.

    Pro Tip: I recommend using a large microwave-safe glass bowl, I use a Pyrex I've had for 20 years. You can also use a microwave safe 8 cup glass measuring cup.

    Why cover with plastic wrap?

    Covering with plastic wrap can be optional but I've found it to be helpful to reduce crystalization and produce smooth textured brittle. Don't have it? No worries.

    Microwave peanut brittle recipe ingredients set into individual bowls.
    • While the sugar and corn syrup mixture is cooking in the microwave, take this time to measure your peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda.

    I wait to add the vanilla at the end, otherwise, it mostly evaporates while cooking.

    Plastic wrap halfway covering a glass bowl on top of a wooden cutting board.
    • Remove the bowl from microwave with pot holders or oven mitts. It's hot! Place the bowl on a folded towel or cutting board or stovetop grate.
    • Carefully release one edge of plastic wrap (away from your face) from the bowl to release the steam.

    Pro Tip: When removing the plastic wrap from the bowl, always pull away from you to allow the steam to escape safely away from you face.

    Peanuts and pat of butter in sugar syrup in glass bowl.
    • Microwave, uncovered, for 4 minutes.
    • Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave and place on a cutting board or folded towel. It's hot! Quickly stir in the nuts and butter until butter melts. It will be sticky.

    Most critical step

    • Microwave another 2 minutes or until the candy mixture begins to turn a golden color, mostly on the bottom and in center of the mixture. It's sometimes easier to see from the bottom if your microwave is above your counter.
    • WATCH CAREFULLY through the microwave window.

    Have baking soda and vanilla ready.

    Glass bowl with peanut brittle mixture foaming up with baking soda on top.
    • Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave with potholders. Sprinkle baking soda and vanilla over hot mixture.
    Peanut brittle candy being stirred in a glass bowl.
    Metal spoon spread hot peanut brittle on baking sheet.
    • Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. It will bubble up.
    • Immediately pour hot candy mixture onto the buttered baking sheet, then spreading it out with two forks or a spoon.
    Peanut brittle cooling on baking sheet on cutting board.
    Peanut brittle broken into pieces on baking sheet.
    • Let cool completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
    Peanut brittle arranged on a pewter platter with red napkin underneath.

    My pro tips and step by step pics are just two reasons this is the BEST microwave peanut brittle recipe. The flavor and texture are two more reasons!

    How to make peanut brittle thin?

    I've discovered that if you pour the hot candy mixture onto a warm cookie sheet or sheet pan, it tends to spread out easier than on a cold pan! While the peanut brittle is cooking those last few minutes, place your pan in a hot oven. Another option is to place the pan on a stovetop burner on LOW heat for a minute.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Swap the peanuts for any other dried nut (see list of substitutions in the helpful information section below).
    • Don't limit yourself to only using one nut, you can use a variety of mixed nuts.
    • To make a spicy peanut brittle stir through some ground cinnamon, clove, chili or anise or flavored nuts.
    • Make chocolate covered peanut brittle by dipping some or all of the pieces in melted chocolate or candy melts.
    • Make a chocolate peanut brittle in microwave by stirring 2 tablespoons cocoa powder when you stir in the baking soda.
    • Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.

    This microwave peanut brittle recipe makes fantastic Christmas gifts, hostess gifts and teacher gifts.

    Peanut brittle in a Christmas cookie tin with white paper.

    Tips for making microwave peanut brittle

    Can I make peanut brittle with other nuts?

    Yes! Try these great substitutes:
    - Pecans
    - Pistachios
    - Microwave Pistachio Cranberry Brittle
    - Cashews
    - Mixed nuts
    - Almonds
    - Walnuts
    - Hazelnuts (shells removed)

    How long does it take to make microwave peanut brittle?

    Each batch of peanut brittle takes only 15 minutes to make in a 1100 watt microwave, not counting cooling time.

    Why is my peanut brittle sticky?

    Be sure to cook microwave peanut brittle until it reaches the amber color in the bottom of the bowl. This indicates the hard crack stage which makes it "brittle". If the candy mixture doesn't reach this temperature or color, it can result in sticky brittle.

    Can you overcook peanut brittle?

    Yes you can. Be sure to not overcook the sugar syrup, it should be golden and not dark brown otherwise it will taste burned and bitter. Once it starts turning golden, then it turns amber colored quickly.

    How to remove caramelized sugar from pan or bowl?

    When making homemade candy like peanut brittle, cleaning the bowl seems impossible, at first, but there's a simple solution. The hardened candy actually melts right off when you soak it in warm water 15-20 minutes because it's just sugar!

    A plate of microwave peanut brittle.

    How to store Peanut Brittle

    • To Store. Store any leftovers in an air tight container, in a cool dry place. Do not place in the refrigerator as it will add too much moisture and make the brittle sticky.
    • To Freeze. Peanut brittle can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Be social and share, y'all! Don't forget to sign up with your email so you don’t miss a single post on my Southern shortcut recipes!

    If you make this recipe I'd love to see it! Tag me on social media with #gritsandgouda or @gritsandgouda. Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to rate it 5 stars if you love it!

    Want more shortcut candy recipes?

    • Microwave Pecan Brittle
    • Microwave Cranberry Pistachio Brittle
    • Pecan Pie Bark
    • 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
    • Mint Oreo Truffle Balls
    • Cookies 'N Cream White Chocolate Fudge
    Pieces of peanut brittle on a pewter rectangle platter.
    Print Recipe
    4.89 from 9 votes

    Best Microwave Peanut Brittle

    This is the Best Microwave Peanut Brittle! I share all my pro tips with you. This easy peanut brittle recipe is ready in 15 minutes from start to finish! No candy thermometer needed! Enjoy the taste of caramelized sugar and nutty richness of peanuts faster in this homemade peanut brittle made with a shortcut!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time9 minutes mins
    Total Time14 minutes mins
    Course: candy, Dessert, Snack
    Servings: 20 servings
    Calories: 127kcal
    Author: Kathleen Phillips | GritsAndGouda.com
    Cost: 6
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • cookie sheet
    • 4 quart microwave safe bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
    • 1 cup cocktail or roasted Spanish peanuts (see notes for using raw peanuts)
    • 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)

    Instructions

    • Lightly butter a baking sheet and place on a cutting board, folded towel or cooling rack. Have two forks or a spoon ready to spread the hot mixture.
    • Stir together sugar and light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. It will look like a sugar scrub paste. I use a Pyrex bowl I’ve had for 20+ years. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. 
      This step replaces step in traditional method of washing down the sugar crystals.
    • Covering with plastic wrap can be optional but I've found it to be helpful to reduce crystalization and produce smooth textured brittle.
    • Microwave (1100 watts) the sugar mixture in the bowl on HIGH for 3 minutes to wash down any crystals from sides of the bowl.
    • While the sugar and corn syrup mixture is cooking in the microwave, take this time to measure your peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda.
    • Removethe bowl from microwave with pot holders or oven mitts. It's hot! Place the bowl on a folded towel or cutting board or stovetop grate. Then, uncover bowl, removing plastic wrap away from you to avoid steam.
    • Microwave, uncovered, 4 minutes.
    • Carefully remove the bowl with pot holders and stir in the cocktail peanuts and butter until the butter melts. It will be sticky.
    • Most critical step: Microwave another 2 minutes or until the candy mixture begins to turn a golden color, mostly on the bottom and in center of the mixture. It's sometimes easier to see from the bottom if your microwave is above your counter or stovetop.
      WATCH CAREFULLY through the microwave window.
    • This can happen fast! Once it starts to turn golden, it will continue, even as you are removing it from the microwave. Remember, it's HOT!
    • Have baking soda and vanilla already measured out.
    • Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave with potholders. Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. It will bubble up.
      Immediately pour hot candy mixture onto the buttered baking sheet, then spreading it out with two forks or a spoon. Let cool completely and break into pieces.
      Store in an airtight container. 

    Notes

    Pro Tip: If your hot peanut mixture doesn't spread well just pop the pan in a 350 degree oven for 2 minutes and it should warm the sugar mixture just enough to help pull it from the middle to the sides to make it thinner. You can also plan ahead and pour your candy mixture onto a warmed pan, first, and it spreads out easier.
    How to make Microwave Peanut Brittle with Raw Peanuts. First, know that raw peanuts are NOT green peanuts. Raw peanuts are dried to within 7% moisture. Since they are not roasted, I add them to the candy mixture sooner, so they will be nice and toasted when finished. Stir them in right after removing the plastic wrap instead of after the second 4 minutes of cooking. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1piece | Calories: 127kcal
    Did you make this recipe?If you love it, share it! Tag me on Instagram @gritsandgouda using #gritsandgouda Comment below before you go!

    Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.

    Peanut Brittle pieces stacked on a wooden cake stand.
    Microwave Peanut Brittle spread immediately into a buttered baking sheet after stirring in peanuts.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Donna ward

      December 20, 2017 at 9:03 am

      You don’t give the amount of ingredients to make this peanut brittle please give them I want to try this

      Reply
      • gritsandgouda

        December 20, 2017 at 10:18 am

        Absolutely! Check under the recipes tab and search for candy or you can just scroll down on the homepage of the blog and the story is there and then you click at the bottom of the story for the recipe. If you have any trouble at all just email me or message me and I'll send you the recipe directly.

        Reply
    2. Jody P

      December 26, 2021 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      Lots of fun…Easy to follow recipe. How to clean the bowl?lol Definitely need to make two batches.

      Reply
      • gritsandgouda

        December 26, 2021 at 2:57 pm

        Cleaning the bowl seems impossible but the hardened candy actually melts right off when you soak it in hot water 15 to 20 minutes because it's just sugar. I also tilt the bowl in the sink slightly by putting a spoon on one side of it so the water reaches almost to the edge of the side of the bowl where you poured out the candy. I invested in a second bowl because I make so many batches. So glad you loved it!

        Reply

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    Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster.

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    Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster. Learn More…

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