Description
This easy Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet treat with the classic flavors of roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar. Ready in just 15 minutes and requiring only simple ingredients and a microwave, it’s perfect for candy lovers wanting a quick homemade snack without the fuss of stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- â…› teaspoon salt (omit if using salted peanuts)
- 1 ½ cups unsalted peanuts
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Butter a rimmed cookie sheet thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick when poured out.
- Cook sugar mixture: In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave on high for 3.5 minutes to start melting and caramelizing the sugars.
- Add peanuts and continue cooking: Stir in the unsalted peanuts and microwave for an additional 3 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light brown color, indicating caramelization.
- Incorporate butter and vanilla: Add butter and vanilla extract to the mixture and microwave for another 1.5 minutes to blend flavors and further melt the brittle.
- Add baking soda and spread: Quickly stir in baking soda until the mixture becomes light and foamy. Immediately pour onto the prepared cookie sheet and gently rotate the pan to spread the brittle evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cool and break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool and set for 20 to 30 minutes. Once hardened, break into small, bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- Use unsalted peanuts unless you omit the added salt for balanced sweetness.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda because the mixture foams and hardens rapidly.
- Ensure thorough buttering of the pan to easily remove brittle once set.
- Store brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
