Microwave Peanut Brittle

This Microwave Peanut Brittle is the easiest holiday dessert recipe using 6 pantry-staple ingredients. Forget the hassle of a candy thermometer, our version uses the microwave for ease as well as a foolproof method.

Peanut brittle was always one of my favorite Christmas treats growing up. The caramel-candy crunch with the salty peanuts is so delicious. I’ve made this easier Microwave Peanut Brittle for years. It’s so much simpler than the stovetop method and also creates less mess too.

If you’re new to making candy at home, this is the method for you. The key to success is adding the ingredients in the correct order and making sure it doesn’t burn in the microwave. Give it a try and add it to your holiday dessert spread, everyone will think you bought it at a store and you can impress them with that it’s homemade! If you need other simple holiday treats, our Saltine Cracker Toffee and Graham Cracker Toffee as so good as well!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• No candy thermometer needed. While we love the classic method of making brittle, it can be complicated and confusing. Our version needs no candy thermometer and makes less mess thanks to using the microwave.
• Easiest 10 minute peanut brittle recipe. Forget standing over the stovetop and checking the caramel temperature, this microwave version is quick and ideal for beginner bakers.
• The perfect holiday treat for a crowd. It’s easy to make this brittle even days in advance for your parties and gatherings. Place it into bags for fun gifting too!

Laura Ashley’s Tip: Before starting the recipe, be sure you have a sturdy microwave-safe bowl to use to assemble the peanut brittle base. The mixture gets very hot, so it’s crucial to have the correct bowl before starting the recipe.

Key Ingredient Notes

Scroll down to the end of this post for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Granulated sugar: The base to any good peanut brittle to sweeten it perfectly.
• Light corn syrup: Responsible for making the texture crunchy and candy-like.
• Salted roasted peanuts: Adds that nutty and rich flavor that’s classic to the recipe.
• Salted butter: The base of the brittle to add the fat for balancing out the sweetness.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps give the brittle a light and airy bite.
• Vanilla extract: Adds nice caramel and floral notes. (not pictured)

Tools You’ll Need

• Parchment Paper
• Cookie Sheet (Half Sheet Pan Size 13″x18″)
• Offset Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Microwave Safe Bowl

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

1. Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together sugar and corn syrup until combined. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.

3. Stir in the peanuts, then microwave again on high for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color. (Watch closely. Microwaves vary, and it can burn quickly.)

4. Remove from the microwave and quickly stir in, butter, vanilla, and baking soda.

5. Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it thin with a spatula (spray it with nonstick spray for easier spreading). Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

6. Once hardened, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Have all of your ingredients measured and prepped in advance. You need to work quickly with this microwave peanut brittle recipe to make sure it sets correctly.
• Add the ingredients in the exact order of the recipe. When you’re making candy from scratch, it’s important that the steps are followed precisely to make sure the peanut brittle comes out correctly.
• After you add the peanuts, watch your microwave closely so the caramel doesn’t burn. All microwaves vary in strength; you are looking for that classic golden caramel color, then you can spread the mixture thin and allow it to cool.
• Be sure the peanut brittle in the microwave cools completely before you break it into pieces. You don’t want to burn yourself and also want to make sure the candy sets before enjoying.
• Buy roasted and salted peanuts for the brittle. This is key to adding lots of flavor into every bite. Raw peanuts don’t yield as much flavor.

Storage

Store the microwave peanut brittle in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks. It’s a great recipe for any holiday party or gathering to make in advance. We even like to package it into cellophane bags for easy gifting!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Holiday Dessert Recipes

• Mini Pecan Pies
• Avalanche Cookies
• Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
• Saltine Cracker Toffee