Go Back
+ servings
Pieces of peanut brittle on a pewter rectangle platter.
Print Recipe
4.93 from 13 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
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time13 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Calories: 127kcal
Cost: 6

Equipment

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.
  • Most critical step: Microwave, uncovered, 4 minutes or until the mixture begins to turn golden on the bottom. If it's amber color at this point, it's gone too long.
  • This can happen fast! Once it starts to turn golden, it will continue turning darker, even as you are removing it from the microwave. Remember, it's HOT!
  • Carefully remove the bowl with pot holders and stir in the cocktail peanuts and butter until the butter melts. It will be sticky.
  • Microwave another 1 minute or until the mixture is almost all bubbly on top.
    WATCH CAREFULLY through the microwave window.
  • 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. 
  • Yield: 15 ounces peanut brittle

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 4 minutes of cooking. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 127kcal