Ever thought making peanut brittle at home was too complicated? Think again. We’ve simplified the process without sacrificing that classic, crunchy texture and nutty flavor you love.
An Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe that will be your new staple
This microwave peanut brittle will be your new go-to during this holiday season! Forgot to pick up ingredients? Forgot to make a dessert for a gathering? Need a quick gift to give? No worries! You can throw this peanut brittle together super quickly, with ingredients that you most likely already have in the pantry at home.
Our recipe delivers a foolproof way to create this timeless treat, and it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever considered store-bought options.
This recipe is a no-fuss method. Not only do we break down the steps to make it simple, but we also sprinkle in those little tips and tricks that have been game-changers for us. This isn’t just another peanut brittle recipe; it’s your path to nailing that homemade taste and texture that’s steeped in memories and traditions.
The best part of all? This peanut brittle is made in the microwave! All you have to do is throw together all of your ingredients, microwave them, and in no time at all you have a crunchy and yummy treat. It’s seriously that simple.
Why we love Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Delicious homemade candy
- Quick and easy to make.
- 7 pantry staple ingredients
- Kid-friendly and approved.
- Makes a great DIY holiday gift for friends and family! Just put some in a holiday tin or bag with a bow!
Peanut Brittle Ingredients
- Sugar
- Salt
- Karo syrup
- Raw peanuts
- Vanilla
- Butter
- Baking soda
Microwave Peanut Brittle Substitutions and Additions
- Peanuts: I like this recipe best with peanuts, but sometimes if I don’t have peanuts on hand and I do have some other kind of nuts like almonds or pecans, I will throw those in instead!
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- 1½ quart microwavable dish
- Cookie sheet
SEE FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD BELOW
How to make Peanut Brittle
- In a 1 ½ quart microwave dish, place the sugar, salt, syrup, and nuts. Microwave them all together on high for about 4 minutes. Remove from microwave and give it a quick stir.
- Return the mixture to the microwave and microwave again for 3 ½ minutes longer.
- Add vanilla and butter and stir well.
- Microwave for one more minute.
- Remove from microwave and add baking soda to the mixture. Stir well.
- Pour onto a well-buttered cookie sheet.
- Tilt the cookie sheet to spread the peanut brittle to a thin layer.
- Let cool for at least one hour, until solid. Then, breaking into pieces to serve.
Tips for making Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
- Use caution! Everything is very HOT. Removing the bowl from the microwave, pouring the peanut brittle onto the cookie sheet, even tilting the cookie sheet to spread the peanut brittle in the cooke sheets gets warm to the touch underneath!
- You can get creative with your brittle! Don’t feel like you have to stick to peanuts. You can switch up your recipe and replace the peanuts with any type of nut!
- You have to work a little bit quickly when making this recipe in the microwave. You never want to let the mixture cool off for too long (until the very end). So stirring, and putting it back in the microwave in a fast manner is important!
How to store Peanut Brittle
How long does Peanut Brittle last?
Peanut Brittle stays fresh at room temperture for up to 8 weeks. Store in an airtight container (humidity will affect the texture). Do not refrigerate.
Can you freeze Peanut Brittle
Let the peanut brittle cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Microwave Peanut Brittle FAQs
Peanut brittle is a type of candy treat that is made of flat broken pieces of hard sugar. Usually brittle has some type of nut in it as well. Traditionally, the mixture of sugar is heated up to a very high temperature, then the peanuts or other ingredients are added. The mixture is left to harden before being broken into small pieces.
Baking soda creates lots of little air bubbles which helps to create the proper texture for peanut brittle!
If you follow the directions as written, your peanut brittle should not be chewy. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp.
Other Easy Homemade Candy Recipes
- Jello Divinity Candy
- Rocky Road Fudge
- Easy Candy Cane Sleighs with Candy Bars!
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Chocolate Cashew Clusters
- Chocolate Turtles
- Graham Cracker Toffee Bars
- Jello Roll Ups
- Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Tanghulu (Candied Fruit on a Stick)
Peanut Brittle Recipe (Microwave)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup Karo syrup
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- In a 1½ quart microwavable dish place the sugar, salt, syrup and nuts. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Remove and give a quick stir.
- Return to microwave and microwave for 3 ½ minutes longer.
- Add vanilla and butter and stir well.
- Microwave for one minute more.
- Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda. Mix well.
- Pour onto a well-buttered cookie sheet.
- Tilt the cookie sheet to spread the peanut brittle to a thin layer.
- Let cool at least one hour until solid. Break into pieces to serve.
Jenn’s Notes
- Use caution! Everything is very HOT. Removing the bowl from the microwave, pouring the peanut brittle onto the cookie sheet, even tilting the cookie sheet to spread the peanut brittle in the cooke sheets gets warm to the touch underneath!
- You can get creative with your brittle! Don’t feel like you have to stick to peanuts. You can switch up your recipe and replace the peanuts with any type of nut!
- You have to work a little bit quickly when making this recipe in the microwave. You never want to let the mixture cool off for too long (until the very end). So stirring, and putting it back in the microwave in a fast manner is important!
- To Store: Peanut Brittle stays fresh at room temperture for up to 8 weeks. Store in an airtight container. Do not refridgerate.
- To Freeze: Let the peanut brittle cool completly and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I can’t wait to try this