Microwave Peanut Brittle

Microwave Peanut Brittle is one of the quickest and easiest holiday candy recipes with a taste just like grandma’s classic recipe you grew up with.

Looking for a fun and easy Christmas recipe? Why not try microwave peanut brittle? This tasty treat is simple to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover peanuts you might have lying around. Give it a try!

Is there anything more delicious than peanut brittle? This sweet and salty snack is the perfect treat to have on hand when the craving strikes.

And luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make at home – all you need is a microwave! This recipe is simple and straightforward, and all it takes is a handful of ingredients and a microwave.

No more standing over the stove cooking hot candy. This recipe is fast and easy.

homemade peanut brittle

Here are some commonly asked questions

What is Peanut Brittle?

Peanut brittle is a type of candy made from peanuts and often coated in chocolate. It is typically crunchy and sweet, with a slightly salty taste. Peanut brittle can be made at home or bought pre-made from stores.

Can you make this with raw peanuts?

Yes, you can make peanut brittle with raw peanuts. The peanuts will need to be roasted first, however, in order to bring out their flavor. Roasting the peanuts is a simple process that can be done in the oven or on the stovetop.

Once the peanuts are roasted, they can be added to the candy mixture and cooked until the candy is brittle.

What is the difference between peanut brittle and chocolate peanut brittle?

Chocolate peanut brittle is simply peanut brittle that has been coated in chocolate. The chocolate can be added to the candy mixture before cooking, or it can be melted and poured over the cooked candy. Either way, the result is a delicious and sweet treat.

Can you use baking powder instead of baking soda in peanut brittle?

No, you should not use baking powder instead of baking soda in peanut brittle. Baking powder is not as strong as baking soda and will not produce the same results. Peanut brittle made with baking powder will be dense and chewy, instead of light and crunchy.

Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Brittle

• granulated sugar
• light corn syrup
• dry-roasted peanuts
• butter
• vanilla extract
• baking soda

Why is my peanut brittle chewy?

If your microwave peanut brittle is chewy, it means that the candy was not cooked long enough. Peanut brittle should be cooked until it is hard and crunchy, not soft and chewy.

Be sure to cook the candy for the full amount of time indicated in the recipe, or longer if necessary. You may need to experiment a bit to get the cooking time just right.

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray it lightly with cooking oil and then blot the excess with a paper towel. Set aside.
2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir together until you have a thick paste mixture.
3. Microwave that mixture for 4 minutes.
4. Carefully remove and gently stir. (caution – it will be very hot and bubbly)
5. Return the bowl back to the microwave and cook for another 2-4 minutes. Watch it closely as it can go from looking like it might be too light in color to completely burnt and smoking in just a few seconds. The color should be light amber. It is always best to pull it out a bit early than to overcook it.
6. Once it has finished cooking you will need to work quickly. Very carefully add in the peanuts, butter, vanilla, and baking soda and stir well to combine. The mixture will bubble up and thicken quickly.
7. Spread the mixture onto the prepared pan and then set it aside for about 15-20 minutes to cool completely. I popped mine in the fridge.
8. When it has cooled, break it apart into bite-sized pieces. You can use your hands or tap it with a meat mallet.

What is the best way to store peanut brittle?

Peanut brittle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For best results, store the candy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• No need for a candy thermometer when making this easy recipe for brittle candy.
• Keep in mind the power of your microwave. Cooking time will depend on the wattage. I have heard some say that you need 1100 watt microwave for this brittle mixture.
• This recipe can be made on the stove top. You would need to cook the sugar and corn syrup until it resembles the images below. However, this would also require the candy thermometer as it would need to be cooked to the hard crack stage.
• Making this candy recipe for the holiday season using simple ingredients is a family favorite.
• Use a glass bowl and a cookie sheet for this microwave peanut brittle recipe.
• The sugar mixture should be a light brown or golden brown color when it reaches a high temperature.
• Cooking times will vary based on the microwave’s wattage – especially if you have a new microwave. However, ours is at least 8 years old and it cooks this delicious treat quite efficiently.
• If you are new to candy making, this definitely beats making this favorite candy the traditional way.
• Be sure to use oven mitts as the bowl will be quite hot with the hot sugar.

Why is my microwave peanut brittle too hard?

This is a common problem when the mixture gets too hot. This can happen if you cook it for too long. Always lean on the side of undercooked. See the image above – this happened when I cooked my bowl for 1-1.5 minutes too long.

I just wasn’t watching or paying attention. So don’t get distracted. Watch it the whole time when you pop it back in there for the final cooking.

Variations and Ideas

• Try adding a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to this delicious microwave peanut brittle.
• This recipe is also commonly made using honey, maple syrup, dark corn syrup, or brown sugar.
• You can make this without adding peanuts at all. The result is a toffee-like candy that is just as delicious.
• This recipe can be made without corn syrup. It does require that you make your own by increasing the granulated sugar and adding water. Since corn syrup is actually just liquid sugar, you will basically be melting down the sugar into the water. Then you proceed with the remainder of the recipe.
• I have not tried this easy microwave recipe using Spanish peanuts or a sugar substitute.

Why do you put baking soda in peanut brittle?

Baking soda is added to peanut brittle to help the candy become crisp and crunchy. The baking soda reacts with the other ingredients in the candy mixture to create little pockets of air. This helps to make the candy lighter and easier to bite into.

Equipment needed for this recipe

• microwave
• microwave-safe bowl
• firm rubber spatula
• baking sheet

Why did my peanut brittle burn?

If your microwave peanut brittle burns, it means that the candy was cooked for too long. Peanut brittle should be cooked until it is hard and crunchy, but not burnt.

Be sure to cook the candy for the recommended amount of time, or less if necessary. You may need to experiment a bit to get the cooking time just right.

Here are a few tips for making perfect peanut brittle:

– Use fresh, dry peanuts for the best flavor.

– Roast the peanuts before adding them to the candy mixture to bring out their flavor.

– Cook the candy until it is hard and crunchy, but not burnt.

– Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

– For best results, store the candy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

With these tips, you should be able to make delicious and perfect peanut brittle every time.

If you love this easy peanut brittle recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Homemade Candy Recipes

• Candied Pecans
• Buckeyes
• Meringue Cookies
• Easy No-Cook Fudge
• Oreo Peppermint Bark
• Divinity Candy
• No-Bake Chocolate Haystacks
• Homemade Gumdrops
• Sugar Cookie Truffles
• Chocolate Nut Clusters

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