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This microwave peanut brittle recipe is such a fun twist on regular nut brittle, except it is made in the microwave instead of on the stovetop! It uses simple ingredients to create a holiday sweet treat that everyone will be excited to receive. Plus, it is so versatile and can be customized to your liking by mixing in the nuts you like.
This is the best Microwave nut brittle recipe ever!
I personally love no-bake desserts, especially when it’s as simple as this easy microwave peanut brittle! It is made with a few basic ingredients that everyone should have on hand around the holidays, and it comes together in no time. Making it the perfect option if you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying yourself with your family! If peanuts are your thing, my Crumbl peanut butter blossom cookies and peanut butter and jelly cookie sandwiches are up next.
Plus, this sweet treat is a great homemade holiday gift; just bag it up nicely in a holiday-themed bag, add a cute tag, and tie it with a ribbon to really impress whoever you are gifting it to. It fits right in with my other no-bake Christmas treats and my microwave peanut butter fudge. For another quick microwave shortcut, try my microwave lemon curd.
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this brittle candy. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- Corn syrup: Light corn syrup prevents crystallization, ensuring your brittle stays smooth and crunchy
- Granulated sugar: White sugar caramelizes to give the brittle its classic hard texture and rich color. It also will have that caramel-like flavor that you will absolutely adore!
- Butter: Butter adds a touch of creaminess and richness to balance the sweetness.
- Peanuts: Peanuts provide the perfect crunch and nutty flavor that defines this brittle. Have extra roasted peanuts? Fold them into these sweet and salty peanut cookies with candy corn.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the peanut flavor
- Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies the sweetness and depth of the brittle’s flavor
- Baking soda: Baking soda creates tiny bubbles, giving the brittle its airy, crunchy texture. We are using a small amount here, but it will give you that perfectly crisp texture; don’t worry!
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Mix the sugar base. Grease or line a baking sheet and have your spatula ready, because things move fast. Stir the sugar, corn syrup, and salt together in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave until bubbly. Microwave until the mixture bubbles and starts turning a light golden color.
- Stir in the peanuts. Stir in the butter, peanuts, and vanilla until the butter melts in.
- Microwave again. Return the bowl to the microwave until the mixture turns a deep golden brown.
- Add the baking soda. Quickly stir in the baking soda. It will foam up and lighten in color, which is what gives the brittle its airy crunch.
- Spread and set. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it thin right away. Let it set completely, then break into pieces.
Why do you need to make this recipe?
- This is a great recipe for Christmas time when you are a little short on time, just like my soft microwave caramels.
- This recipe can be made using whatever nuts you like, not just peanuts! Get creative :)! And if you want chocolate with your peanuts, try my crockpot peanut candy.
- It is also a great homemade gift, and an even better last-minute gift because of how quick it is! Pair it in a tin with my Ritz cracker Christmas crack.
Microwave Peanut Brittle FAQs
You can store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Make sure your container is airtight because if any humidity gets to your brittle for extended periods of time, it will turn soft and sticky.
Of course! Freezing it might make life much easier. Allowing you to make your homemade peanut brittle and save it for the Christmas season! To do so, store it in an airtight container (to protect it from any moisture) and freeze for up to 3 months.
Absolutely, I love using a silicone mat because it means less waste, and it’s an easy clean-up too. So win-win!
Yes! This method is designed to reach the right temperature by following the specified times and visual cues like color, texture changes, and smell.
Stirring the mixture too much or not enough can introduce air bubbles. We want to make sure that we are stirring everything together gently and consistently between each heating interval to prevent this issue.
Since we are cooking this brittle in the microwave, it is not recommended to double this recipe. Your best bet is to make multiple different batches. This way they all turn out well every time.
The cooked sugar can be a little tough to clean, but don’t worry! Just soak the bowl in hot soapy water for a few minutes to dissolve the residue. This will make it much easier to scrub that sugar off and keep your bowls squeaky clean!
More Easy Christmas Candy Recipes
If you made this microwave peanut brittle, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐ star rating and a comment below, and tell me which nuts you used. Happy candy making!!
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup peanuts dry roasted, salted or unsalted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Have a spatula ready to spread the brittle once it’s cooked.
- In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Microwave the mixture on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will start to bubble and turn light golden.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be very hot). Stir in the butter, peanuts, and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.1 cup peanuts, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 & 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a deep golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam and bubble up, which is normal. Stir until the baking soda is fully mixed in.1 teaspoon baking soda
- Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin layer as quickly as possible.
- Let the brittle cool completely, about 30 minutes. Once it’s hardened, break it into pieces.
- Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The biggest thing with this recipe is having everything ready before you start the second microwave step. Once the baking soda goes in, the mixture foams up and sets quickly, so I have the parchment-lined baking sheet and spatula right next to me and spread it immediately.