If you’re searching for the quickest, crunchiest, most addictive candy you can whip up in minutes, Microwave Peanut Brittle is the sweet treat you’ll love! This classic homemade confection brings together roasted peanuts, buttery caramel crunch, and a hint of vanilla, all in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Whether you’re making edible gifts or craving a nostalgic bite, this recipe will have you hooked from the very first crackly shard.

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Microwave Peanut Brittle is delightfully simple; all you need are six pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role—some add crunch, others bring sweetness or that signature golden hue, and every one is essential for that classic brittle snap and flavor.

Granulated sugar: The backbone of any brittle, sugar creates the irresistible caramelized crunch.
Light corn syrup: Helps prevent unwanted crystallization and keeps every bite glossy and crisp.
Roasted unsalted peanuts: These bring the iconic crunch and nutty flavor; unsalted keeps the candy balanced.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish, smoothing out the sugar’s intense sweetness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor, enhancing both the sweetness and the peanuts’ aroma.
Baking soda: The magic ingredient that makes the brittle airy and easy to bite, by creating tiny air bubbles as it foams.

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools

Start by greasing a baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper, then set it aside within easy reach. Since time is crucial, having everything ready ensures you can act fast when the brittle is hot and ready to spread.

Step 2: Combine and Microwave the Sugar and Syrup

In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, combine your granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Give it a quick mix, then microwave on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will start to bubble as the sugar melts into a silky, clear syrup.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Microwave Again

Carefully stir in the roasted unsalted peanuts—they’ll start to roast even deeper and infuse their flavor. Pop the bowl back into the microwave for another 3 to 4 minutes; it should turn a lovely light golden color that signals crunchy brittle is in your near future.

Step 4: Stir in Butter and Vanilla, and Microwave One Last Time

Mix in the butter and vanilla extract to give the brittle its signature perfume and smooth finish. Microwave for one more minute—by now, the kitchen smells like old-fashioned candy shops.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda for That Iconic Brittle Texture

Quickly stir in the baking soda. Get ready for kitchen magic: it will foam up, lightening both the mixture’s color and creating those snappy bubbles. This is your moment to work fast!

Step 6: Pour and Spread the Brittle

Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a heatproof spatula to spread it thin—the thinner it is, the lighter and more shatteringly crisp your Microwave Peanut Brittle will be.

Step 7: Cool, Break, and Enjoy

Let the brittle cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once completely set, use your hands or a mallet to break it into snackable pieces. Tasting that first piece (still slightly warm!) is pure magic.

How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle the brittle with a pinch of flaky sea salt while it’s still warm on the tray, or try a dusting of cinnamon for a holiday twist. Tiny melted chocolate drizzles make it extra decadent and dressy for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Microwave Peanut Brittle is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crunchy-sweet sundae. It’s also a fun addition to a candy platter alongside salted caramels, chocolate bark, or fudge.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your brittle into edible gifts by breaking it into shards and packaging in glass jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. For parties, consider piling the broken pieces onto a platter, or nestle a few bits on top of cupcakes and cakes for a playful, crunchy garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store your Microwave Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll hold its snap and flavor for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long! Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent any humidity from making it sticky.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze peanut brittle. Wrap it well in parchment or wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It stays fresh for up to three months, and you can enjoy it straight from the freezer (it thaws in minutes).

Reheating

Microwave Peanut Brittle really doesn’t need reheating, but if it gets a little sticky on humid days, just spread the pieces on a tray and let them air-dry for an hour or two. They’ll crisp right up again without needing extra cooking.

FAQs

What kind of bowl should I use for making brittle in the microwave?

Use a large, microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl—plastic bowls can warp and may not handle the high sugar temperatures. The bowl should be much bigger than you think you need, as the mixture bubbles up considerably when you add the baking soda!

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or a mix of nuts all work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they’re roasted and unsalted for the best flavor and results. You can even get creative and add seeds like pumpkin for a unique twist.

How do I prevent the brittle from sticking together when stored?

Let the brittle cool completely before breaking and storing. Store in layers separated by parchment or wax paper in an airtight container to keep the shards from sticking, especially in humid environments.

Is there a way to make Microwave Peanut Brittle if I don’t have corn syrup?

Light corn syrup prevents crystallization and gives that glossy snap, but in a pinch, you can substitute with golden syrup or honey. The texture may be a bit different, but the taste will still be deliciously sweet and crunchy.

What’s the secret to getting really thin brittle?

As soon as you pour your mixture out, work quickly to spread it using a heatproof spatula or the back of a spoon. The faster you spread it, the thinner and crispier the final brittle will be—so have your tray ready and move fast once you add the baking soda!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Microwave Peanut Brittle before, you’re in for an incredibly satisfying and tasty treat. This recipe brings the joy of classic homemade candy to your kitchen in less than an hour, and every sweet, peanut-studded bite will remind you why you fell in love with homemade sweets. Give it a try—your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 1 pound 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make quick and easy Microwave Peanut Brittle at home with this simple recipe. This sweet and crunchy brittle is perfect for holiday treats or edible gifts!

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup. Microwave for 4 minutes.
Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and microwave for 3–4 minutes until golden.
Finish the Brittle: Stir in butter and vanilla, microwave for 1 minute. Quickly stir in baking soda. Pour onto baking sheet and spread thin.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 30 minutes, then break into pieces.