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A plate of microwave peanut brittle.
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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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, christmas, holiday, holidays
Servings: 40 servings
Calories: 66kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups salted roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together sugar and corn syrup until combined. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
  • 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.)
  • Remove from the microwave and quickly stir in, butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
  • 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.
  • Once hardened, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

Storage: 
Store the microwave peanut brittle in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 1 week. 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!
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 smooth 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. 
Nutrition info provided is for 40 even pieces. The actual amount will depend on how big/small the brittle is broken.

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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