Microwave Pecan Brittle

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Believe it or not, you can make homemade Pecan Brittle in the microwave! You don't even need a candy thermometer. Sounds crazy, but this 15-minute microwave pecan brittle recipe is just crazy good!

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Thank you to my friends at Whaley Pecan Company for sponsoring this post.

Do you love to eat pecan brittle but scared to try making homemade pecan brittle? I've got you covered!

Making pecan brittle in a microwave oven (Mine is 1100 watts.) is a genius shortcut and makes it easy to succeed. No need to stand over pots of molten liquid only to have your brittle crystalize and become grainy.

You don't even need a candy thermometer to make pecan brittle in the microwave! Just use the microwave timer and watch for the golden color I'll tell you more about in the recipe.

The only equipment you'll need for this easy pecan brittle recipe is a large microwave-safe glass bowl, a cookie sheet, spoons and measuring cups.

Shortcuts

This pecan brittle recipe is made in the microwave. That's a shortcut!
You don't need to use a candy thermometer!
When it comes to cleaning the glass bowl, soak it in boiling warm water for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the hardened sugar mixture to dissolve and melt right off.

Ingredients

Here's what you will need to make this microwave pecan brittle recipe:

Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.

Measured and labeled ingredients for microwave pecan brittle.

Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Pecans - Of course, I'm going to use Whaley Pecan Company pecans because I know they are always fresh and sourced locally. You can use pecan halves, pieces or coarsely chopped pecans.
Butter- Salted or unsalted
Vanilla extract
Baking soda (not baking powder)

Whaley's pecans are packaged in Troy, Alabama. They have everything from Mammoth-size halves to fine ground pecan meal. They ship to the United States and Canada. Order your pecans from Whaley's today!

What if my microwave wattage is NOT 1100 watts?

No worries. This recipe will work with all microwaves. You will just have to watch the times closely.

If your wattage is lower than 1100, you may have to go a few more seconds longer to reach the golden color. If your microwave is fairly new and your wattage is higher, be ready to stop the microwave a up to a minute early as it will cook faster.

How to make Microwave Pecan Brittle

Out of all the pecan brittle recipes out there, this will be the easiest one you can find!

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

Sugar and corn syrup paste in glass bowl.

Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter. A nonstick cookie sheet will also work.
Stir together sugar and light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. Make sure all the sugar is stirred in.
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.

Why do I need to cover with plastic wrap?

Covering with plastic wrap can be optional but I've found it to be helpful to reduce crystalization which makes homemade candy grainy.

Hand covering glass bowl with plastic wrap.

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.

Completely remove the plastic wrap and throw it away.

Pecans stirred in candy mixture in glass bowl.

Microwave, uncovered, for 4 minutes for 1100 watts or 3 minutes 30 seconds for 1650 watts. You will begin to see the candy mixture turn golden. Watch closely and stop the microwave if you see this golden color before 4 minutes.
Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave and place on a cutting board or folded towel. It's hot! Quickly stir in the pecans and butter until butter melts. It will be sticky.
Microwave another 1 minute or until the candy mixture is bubbly all over. This is when it reaches hard crack stage if you were using a candy thermometer.

Pro Tip: To find your microwave wattage, open the door and look inside the microwave, usually on the left.

WATCH CAREFULLY through the microwave window. Don't overcook it. It will continue to turn amber even after you take it out of the microwave.

Baking soda sprinkled over pecan brittle mixture in glass bowl.

Foamy pecan brittle mixture in glass bowl.

Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave with potholders. Sprinkle baking soda and vanilla over hot mixture and stir it in quickly. It will bubble up.

I wait to add the vanilla at the end so it won't evaporate when cooking.

Hot pecan brittle mixture being poured onto a baking sheet.

Two forks spreading hot pecan brittle mixture over baking sheet.

Quickly pour the pecan candy mixture onto the buttered baking sheet. Use two forks or a spoon to quickly spread it out as thick as you like it.

Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces and eating.

Pecan brittle broken into pieces on brown parchment paper.

Enjoy and don't forget to share your brittle with your friends! Microwave Pecan Brittle makes wonderful food gifts!

Can I double this pecan brittle recipe?

The short answer is no. I have doubled the ingredients to make a double batch several times and it is harder to spread out thinly and the microwave times are off.

I have two large glass bowls that I use when making lots of microwave brittle at one time. While one bowl is in the sink soaking in warm water, melting away the caramelized sugar, I'm making brittle in the other one.

Substitutions & Variations

Make Jalapeno Pecan Brittle- Simply stir in some freshly chopped jalapeno peppers, adding them to the mixture along with the pecans. Be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
Add dried fruit to the mixture, try cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
Gild the lily and make chocolate dipped pecan brittle by dipping one side (or the whole piece) into melted chocolate or candy melts.

Tips for making Microwave Pecan Brittle

Why is my pecan brittle sticky?

Too much moisture can ruin brittle and make it sticky. The trick is to store it in an airtight container in a cool place in your cabinets. Don't store in the refrigerator as the moisture in the fridge will cause it to soften!
Another reason brittle may be sticky is under cooking it.

Why do you put baking soda in brittle?

When baking soda is added to a hot sugar syrup ,it creates lots of air bubbles, giving the mixture the light and airy texture you expect from a good pecan brittle.

Can you overcook pecan brittle?

Yes you can. Be careful not to cook it past the amber color or the candy will taste burned and even bitter.

Red snowflake bowl full of pecan brittle.

Storage Tips

To Store. Store any leftovers in an air tight container, in a cool dry place. Do not place in the refrigerator or it may become sticky.
To Freeze. Pecan brittle can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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I make pecan brittle all year round but especially during the holidays. They make wonderful hostess gifts and last minute gifts.

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 easy candy recipes?