Microwave Peanut Brittle

Microwave peanut brittle is a sweet, salty, nutty treat. This holiday classic can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes. No candy thermometer required!

A stack of sweet and salty microwave peanut brittle.

I’ve been on a mission this holiday season to make classic holiday candy in them microwave. Why? Because homemade candy is Achilles heel. Especially the kind you make on the stovetop! I’m sure some of you feel the same way.

Last year I shared microwave caramels, this year I tackled toffee and peanut brittle. There was a lot of trial and error involved, but I think I’ve nailed it! This brittle is sweet, crunchy, and loaded with roasted peanuts. It’s going to be a holiday favorite!

A plate full of homemade microwave peanut brittle.

What do you need to make microwave peanut brittle?

  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Peanuts
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Vanilla
  • Baking Soda

I bet you have most of those on hand! You also need parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to spread the brittle on after it gets cooked. A lined quarter sheet pan is the perfect size.

Microwave peanut brittle on a lined sheet pan, cooling and ready to be broken.

To make the peanut brittle, you’ll start by whisking the sugar and corn syrup together in a 2 quart bowl. Microwave it on HIGH for 4 minutes. 

Mix in the roasted peanut (I use lightly salted or unsalted), then microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.

Microwave peanut brittle broken into pieces and ready to be stored.

Mix in the butter, vanilla and salt. Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 10 minutes. The color of the sugar will turn golden brown (not quite the color of the finished brittle, a few shades lighter).

Whisk in baking soda and quickly pour onto the prepared baking sheet. You don’t want the brittle to start setting so move fast! Spread it into a thin layer. I kept mine pretty thick, that’s just how I prefer it. If you want a thinner brittle simply spread it out more.

A tall pile of microwave peanut brittle made from scratch in just minutes.

Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour until it’s firm and set. Then break it into a bunch of pieces and enjoy!

Candy making doesn’t have to be intimidating. Using the microwave is a quick and easy way to make holiday treats in half the time!

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Microwave peanut brittle is an easy, festive holiday treat.

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

Microwave peanut brittle is a sweet, salty, nutty treat. This holiday classic can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes. No candy thermometer required!
4.75 from 8 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Candy & Snacks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 343kcal
Author: Andrea
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Ingredients

  • 1 c. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 c. corn syrup
  • 1 c. unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
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Instructions

  • Line a quarter or half sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, set aside.
  • In a 2 quart or larger microwave-safe glass mixing bowl combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes.
  • Mix in peanuts, then microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.
  • Mix in butter, vanilla and salt. Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes. Whisk in baking soda and quickly pour onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread into a thin layer.
  • Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour until cool and set. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

NOTES

-My microwave is 1000 watts. If yours is lower, you may need to add a minute or so to step 4. If yours is higher you may need to cook it for a minute less.
- have not tried doubling this recipe. I prefer making 2 batches. If you do I would recommend using a 4 quart bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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Comments:

  1. I’ve made peanut brittle this way for over 10 years! 8 minutes….start to finish!! Peanuts, sugar and syrup for 8 minutes! Stir in butter, vanilla, salt and baking soda. After stirring, immediately pour on buttered pan. I butter my silpat even!  If you want it darker, than maybe a minute more….no longer!!!  Hope everyone reads this first!!!   Enjoy!