This Microwave Peanut Brittle is quick, easy and makes a perfect gift for family and friends. Sweet mixes with salty for the perfect bite every time!
My Dad was a huge peanut brittle fanatic. The man loved all things brittle. So, I grew up with a huge appreciation for the stuff.
This girl loves ALL candy. I’m sure that sounds like a normal statement from anyone in the world. Seriously, I think everyone loves it.
Honestly though, pretty sure I love it a little too much. I’m clearly obsessed with candy. In fact, sometimes I think I’m an 8 year old kid trapped in a grown up body!
Candy recipes are a staple during the holiday season. We love making holiday fudge, bars, bark and candy!
What is peanut brittle
- Peanut brittle is a confection made with sugar, corn syrup, peanuts and butter. It’s a hard candy that you break into pieces to eat.
Options for making peanut brittle
- Brittle is traditionally made on the stovetop in a large pot. You will need a candy thermometer when making it this way. Typically you wait for the mixture to hit between 290 – 300 degrees F.
- You can also make it in the microwave. It’s a quick and easy way to make peanut brittle without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Sugar – I used granulated sugar for this recipe.
- Corn syrup – For this recipe, I used light corn syrup. It’s a must for peanut brittle.
- Peanuts – I used roasted and salted peanuts. You can use unsalted peanuts if you prefer.
- Butter – You can use unsalted or salted butter for this brittle.
- Vanilla – I used vanilla extract for this recipe. It’s the only option for this one, in my opinion.
- Baking soda – This is a required ingredient. Do not omit or adjust this one.
- Sugar – I used Demerara sugar to sprinkle on the top of the peanut brittle. This is completely optional.
Directions
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for FULL ingredients and directions!
- Take out your pan of choice.
- Combine sugar and corn syrup in a microwave safe measuring cup.
- Place the measuring cup in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes.
- Remove the measuring cup and add peanuts, pop back in the microwave to cook for another 3 minutes.
- Again, remove the measuring cup from the microwave, add butter and vanilla. It may bubble up, that’s normal. Then, place back in the microwave and cook for 1 minute.
- Lastly, add the baking soda to the measuring cup and mix while the foaming slows down.
- Pour onto a cookie sheet then smooth out.
- If desired, you can toss some Demerara sugar over top.
- Allow the candy to cool completely.
- Break into pieces.
- Serve or store!
Other types of nuts you can use
- pistachios
- cashews
- almonds
- hazelnuts
- pecans
- toasted pumpkin seeds
How to Store
- First of all, make sure you allow the brittle to cool completely before storing. Store in an air tight container at room temperature. Wrap brittle in waxed paper or plastic wrap to keep it from sticking together. It can be stored this way for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Do NOT store in the fridge. Storing in the fridge will cause moisture issues that will soften the brittle.
- However, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow the peanut brittle to cool completely before wrapping and storing.
More great candy recipes
- Oreo Bark
- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Candies aka Turtles
- Red Velvet Fudge
- Microwave Pistachio Brittle
- Peanut Butter Fudge topped with Chocolate and Mini Peanut Butter Cups
- Cream Cheese Candies
- Brown Sugar Fudge
- Old Fashioned Pink Popcorn
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Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Optional
- 2 tsp Demerara sugar
Instructions
- CAUTION: Make sure you are super careful not to touch the liquid during the cooking process, and do NOT lick the spoon. It's wicked hot and can burn. I know it's tempting but don't do it!!
- Place a rimmed cookie sheet aside for the finished candy.
- In a large glass measuring cup, or microwave safe container, combine sugar and corn syrup. Stir with a spoon.
- Place the measuring cup in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes. The mixture is going to get extremely hot so don't touch the mixture by accident, or on purpose. Use your noggins, peeps.
- Remove the measuring cup from the microwave and add the peanuts to the measuring cup and microwave on high heat for 3 minutes. Again, don't touch the mixture, it's flipping hot!
- Next, remove the measuring cup from the microwave and add butter and vanilla, it may bubble up, it's okay, just stir until well combined. Place back in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Again, do not touch it, this stuff is piping hot.
- Now add the baking soda to the measuring cup and mix for about 20 to 30 seconds while the foaming slows down. Once it's all settled you can pour it onto an ungreased cookie sheet, or large pan. Smooth out with a scraper or the back of a spoon. I spray the back of a spoon with non-stick spray then smooth mine. If desired you can toss some demerara sugar over top of the surface. Allow the candy to cool completely.
- Cut with a knife or a toffee hammer to break the peanut brittle into pieces. You can eat it right away or store it in airtight container.
- Serve with a big old candy loving smile!
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for visiting today!
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Toodles! xx
movita beaucoup says
Two words: TINY HAMMER.
Tiny things are the best. Also, my BFF has IBS. I will make her this brittle, and save her life. (Or, at the very least, make her day.)
Kim Beaulieu says
I know right. My sister sent it to me and I love it so much. I want to just walk around wielding it like Thor.
I hope she likes it. I have a few IBS cookbooks but this one was fabulous. I’m pretty lucky because I’ve had it so long I know what my triggers are. Luckily I can eat sugar, and nuts. Some people can’t.
My big ones are alcohol which sucks for me. I also trigger with whole wheat really bad. Pork and corn are more mild.
I’m not kidding, when I saw the peanut brittle I KNEW I had to try it. Not only is it IBS friendly but it’s microwavable. I thought it would fail but was pleasantly surprised how well it worked.
Kristina says
I NEED a toffee hammer. I didn’t know it until just this moment, but yep – I need it.
then I need to make some peanut brittle… ooooh…
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, You do, you need one right this minute. Toffee hammers are amazing. Good for so many things.
This peanut brittle honestly rocked my little world. I was sort of sceptical about the use of a microwave but it worked perfectly.
Naomi says
Oh, this is the kind of things Christmas gift giving is made of!
Kim Beaulieu says
I loving giving away containers full of it for the holidays.
Marye says
I love that this is a microwavable recipe! It looks amazing!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Marye. I really appreciate it.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Peanut brittle is my FAVORITE!!! And I LOVE that this is IBS friendly, as my hubby has it pretty severly! Can’t wait to make this girlfriend! Pinned!
Kim Beaulieu says
It was my Dad’s favourite too so I have such a soft spot for it. I’m not sure I knew your hubby had IBS. Hope you get a chance to make it for him. Thanks for pinning girl.
Ali @ Home & Plate says
I love peanut brittle. There is something about the salt and the sweet. This is perfect for having at the holidays!
Kim Beaulieu says
Me too, it’s the perfect candy. Thanks for visiting.
The Food Hunter says
I always forget about brittle. I need to make this.
Kim Beaulieu says
I’m genetically incapable of forgetting about peanut brittle, my Dad was the biggest fan of it I’ve ever seen. We always had some in the house. Ha. It’s just so darn good.
Lora says
I love candy but maybe not as much as others. But peanut brittle happens to be an all-time favorite of mine!! What a great idea to have special recipes for your IBS. I know a few people that suffer from it. It can be so painful and so hard to eat out. A great holiday gift giving idea, Kim (and that little candy hammer!)
Kim Beaulieu says
IBS blows. It makes life way too complicated. Luckily you learn what not to eat pretty quickly.
Thanks Lora. That hammer is just the cutest. My sis gave me one and I’ve been obsessed with it since.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
I love brittles and toffees more than anyone has a right to love brittles and toffees. I put salty seeds in mine, since nuts are a no-go in our house. That tiny hammer, though! I neeeeeed a toffee hammer something fierce. I didn’t know that I did, but I definitely do!
Kim Beaulieu says
I love the idea of seeds in it.
You do NEED a toffee hammer. You MUST buy one.
Ginny McMeans says
That is rally cool to have a cookbook that has recipes to love the food that loves you back. Beautiful job with the recipe and I need that little hammer too 🙂
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Ginny. I love that hammer. It’s on my desk every single day.
Dee Dee says
Good tip about not licking the spoon! LOL. I’m pretty sure I would be the one to test that theory! Haha
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I love peanut brittle and love how simple this is using a microwave! And I must have one of those toffee hammers!!
Rose | The Clean Dish says
I love that this Peanut Brittle is allergy friendly! I’m sorry you have to take medication -that sucks. At least you don’t have to go without holiday treats! Yay!!
[email protected] is How I Cook says
I can not wait to try this. I just wish my dad was still here to eat it!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks Abbe. I feel the same way about my Dad. He loved peanut brittle so much. Sending love your way!