Transform simple ingredients into a dazzling, light, and exquisitely crisp peanut brittle right in your microwave! This ingenious microwave peanut brittle recipe isn’t just easy; it promises a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect balance of sweet caramel and a subtle hint of salt. It’s an irresistible confection that makes for the ultimate homemade holiday gift, sure to delight friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to receive a batch. Dive into the world of effortless candy making and discover how quickly you can create this beloved classic with a modern twist.
Peanut brittle has long been a cherished classic, especially during the festive holiday season, renowned for its crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. This microwave adaptation, however, elevates the experience, making it not only more accessible but also producing a uniquely delicate result. Forget the arduous task of stirring over a hot stove or the need for a precise candy thermometer. This method brings together all the delightful elements of traditional peanut brittle with unparalleled speed and simplicity, dramatically cutting down on prep and cook time. It’s so remarkably good and efficient that you’ll find yourself effortlessly whipping up multiple batches, making it your go-to recipe for thoughtful, handmade gifts that everyone will rave about.
What truly sets this microwave peanut brittle apart is its superior texture. It’s noticeably lighter and crispier than its conventional counterparts, dissolving beautifully on the tongue rather than clinging stubbornly. Each bite offers the rich, robust flavor of perfectly roasted peanuts, enveloped in a golden, sweet caramel base that’s subtly enhanced by a touch of salt. This harmonious combination culminates in a truly perfect homemade candy – a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that satisfies every craving. The airy quality comes from a simple ingredient that creates tiny bubbles, ensuring a delicate crunch instead of a hard, dense chew.
Even if you’ve previously shied away from making homemade candy, fearing it might be too complex or require specialized skills and equipment, this recipe is designed to be absolutely foolproof. Its simplicity far surpasses that of old-fashioned stovetop peanut brittle, making it an ideal project for novice and experienced candy makers alike. You won’t need to master tricky sugar stages over direct heat or invest in a candy thermometer, which often intimidates beginners. Furthermore, you only need six fundamental ingredients, many of which are likely already staples in your pantry, proving that extraordinary treats don’t require an extraordinary shopping list or a trip to a specialty store.
For those who adore all things peanut, beyond this brittle, you might also enjoy exploring my traditional homemade nut brittle, which features a delightful blend of both peanuts and almonds for a richer flavor profile and an added layer of complexity. Alternatively, if you’re yearning for that classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these crockpot peanut clusters are an incredibly easy and satisfying choice, requiring minimal effort for maximum indulgence. Don’t forget to check out Polar Bear Claws for another fantastic candy option, perfect for any occasion, especially if you love white chocolate and nuts. These recipes are all designed to be simple, ensuring more time for enjoyment and less time for stressing in the kitchen.
But for now, let’s focus our attention on crafting this ultimate sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy microwave peanut brittle. It’s a recipe that promises to be not just a fleeting treat, but a cherished family favorite for years to come, perfect for sharing joy, creating memories, and delighting every palate.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Microwave Peanut Brittle
This section provides detailed notes on each ingredient, including their purpose, how they contribute to the final product, and valuable substitution options to ensure your brittle turns out perfectly every time. Understanding the role of each component is key to successful candy making. For precise measurements, the full ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
- Salty Peanuts: The star of our brittle! You can use either dry roasted peanuts or cocktail peanuts. The key here is to ensure they are *salted*. This is crucial for achieving that quintessential sweet and salty flavor profile that makes peanut brittle so addictive and balanced. The roasting process enhances their nutty depth, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet caramel. If, by chance, you only have unsalted peanuts on hand, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of extra salt when you incorporate the baking soda at the final stage of cooking to compensate. This ensures your brittle still has that delightful contrast that elevates the taste.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the primary sweetener and the backbone of the hard candy structure. When heated with corn syrup, it undergoes a caramelization process, creating a sugar syrup that, upon cooling, solidifies into the brittle’s characteristic hard, glassy texture. White granulated sugar is essential for achieving the clear, amber caramel color and consistent crystallization needed for perfect, non-grainy brittle. Using other sugar types can alter the texture and flavor significantly.
- Light Corn Syrup: A crucial ingredient for candy making, especially when preventing crystallization! Light corn syrup plays a vital role in inhibiting the sugar from crystallizing too quickly and becoming grainy. It helps create a smooth, pliable caramel base that sets into a clear, crisp brittle. Without it, your brittle might become sugary and crumbly. While dark corn syrup can be used in a pinch, be aware that it will impart a more pronounced molasses flavor and a darker color to your brittle, altering the classic taste and potentially overwhelming the delicate peanut flavor.
- Butter: Butter contributes significantly to the brittle’s rich flavor and helps with its texture, adding a slight creaminess and preventing it from becoming overly hard or sticky. Its fat content also lends a luxurious mouthfeel. Both salted or unsalted butter work well, especially since your peanuts are already salted. However, if both your butter and peanuts are unsalted, remember the earlier note about adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt along with the baking soda for optimal flavor balance. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract is indispensable for adding depth, warmth, and a complex sweetness to the caramel flavor. It rounds out the taste profile beautifully, enhancing the overall deliciousness of the brittle and adding a subtle aromatic note. Always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best flavor impact. Add it at the right moment to preserve its delicate compounds.
- Baking Soda: This is the secret ingredient that transforms dense sugar syrup into light, airy, and crispy brittle! Believe it or not, this common pantry staple is what gives brittle its signature texture. When added to the hot sugar mixture, baking soda reacts with the acidic components (like the corn syrup), producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These tiny air pockets become trapped within the candy as it cools, giving peanut brittle its signature porous, delicate, and easy-to-break texture. It’s essential for that satisfying snap and melt-in-your-mouth quality, differentiating it from a dense hard candy.
Essential Equipment for Your Microwave Peanut Brittle Adventure
Gathering the right kitchen tools before you begin ensures a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable candy-making process. Having these items ready and within reach will help you create this easy and delicious microwave peanut brittle with confidence and minimize any last-minute scrambling. Precision and safety are key when working with hot sugar mixtures.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet: Crucial for containing the hot, liquid brittle mixture. The raised rim prevents the candy from spreading off the sheet as it cools, keeping your workspace clean and tidy. A standard half-sheet pan works perfectly.
- Parchment Paper: Absolutely essential! Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the brittle from sticking to the pan, making it incredibly easy to remove once set and simplifying cleanup significantly. Wax paper is not a suitable substitute as it can melt under the hot brittle.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is paramount in candy making. Precise measurements of ingredients ensure the correct ratios for a perfect brittle texture and flavor balance. Use dry measuring cups for sugar and nuts, and liquid measuring cups for corn syrup.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the hot sugar mixture. Wood is a poor conductor of heat, making it safer to handle compared to metal spoons, which can become very hot. It’s also less likely to scratch your microwave-safe glass bowl.
- Large Microwave-Safe Glass Bowl: A substantial, deep bowl is vital as the mixture will foam up significantly when baking soda is added, and it expands during heating. Glass is preferred for its excellent heat retention and ability to safely withstand high microwave temperatures. Ensure it’s large enough (at least 2-quart capacity) to prevent any messy overflow.
- Airtight Container for Storage: Once cooled, your brittle needs to be stored properly to maintain its crispness and prevent stickiness due to humidity. An airtight container is perfect for preserving its freshness and delicate texture for weeks.
- Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe is designed to be thermometer-free, an instant-read thermometer can remove all guesswork. It helps ensure the sugar mixture reaches the precise “hard crack” stage (300–310°F), guaranteeing perfect results every time, especially if your microwave’s power output is unfamiliar.
Effortless Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
This section guides you through the entire process of making this incredible microwave peanut brittle, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions and important tips for success. For a full, printable version of this recipe, including all precise measurements and a comprehensive ingredient list, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
Important Safety Tip: When working with hot sugar mixtures, extreme caution is paramount. The sugar mixture reaches very high temperatures (over 300°F), and dishes can become incredibly hot in the microwave. Always use thick pot holders or oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave to prevent painful burns. Never touch the hot mixture directly. Additionally, always double-check that the glass bowl you are using is specifically labeled as microwave-safe to avoid any accidents or damage to your kitchenware.
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface. Before you even begin heating, ensure your cooling surface is ready. Line a rimmed cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures that your brittle won’t stick and will be incredibly easy to remove once it has cooled and set, making cleanup a breeze. Set this prepared sheet aside, ready for the hot mixture to be poured onto it immediately after cooking.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Syrup. In your large, microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly with your wooden spoon until they are well combined, forming a thick, clear syrup. Place the bowl into the microwave and heat on high power for precisely 3 minutes. During this initial cooking phase, it’s very important to resist the urge to stir the mixture; let it heat undisturbed to avoid premature crystallization.
Step 3: Add Peanuts. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave (always remember to use those oven mitts!). Stir in your salted peanuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the hot sugar mixture. The peanuts will warm up and absorb some of the caramelizing sugar. Return the bowl to the microwave and continue heating on high power for another 3 minutes. This stage allows the peanuts to begin toasting gently, enhancing their flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla. Once the second 3-minute microwave cycle is complete, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Immediately add the butter and vanilla extract to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously with your wooden spoon until the butter has completely melted and both ingredients are fully incorporated into the sugar syrup. The mixture should look cohesive and glossy. Place it back in the microwave for a final 2 minutes of cooking. This step is critical for ensuring the mixture reaches the vital “hard crack” stage, which guarantees crispness.
Step 5: The Magic of Baking Soda. This is where the brittle truly comes to life and gains its airy texture! Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave for the last time. Without delay, vigorously stir in the baking soda. You will observe a remarkable transformation: the mixture will rapidly become foamy, expanding significantly, and turning a lighter, opaque color. This foaming action is exactly what you want, as it creates the multitude of tiny air bubbles that make the brittle light and wonderfully crispy. Work quickly but carefully.
Step 6: Pour and Set. Immediately and carefully pour the entire foamy brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not attempt to spread the mixture with a spoon or spatula. Allow the hot brittle to naturally spread out on its own. Spreading it manually can collapse the precious air bubbles created by the baking soda, resulting in a denser, harder, and less desirable brittle. Let gravity and the heat work their magic.
Step 7: Cool and Break. Let the peanut brittle sit undisturbed at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, or until it has completely cooled and hardened. The cooling process is crucial for it to achieve its characteristic snap. Once the brittle is firm and fully set, you can easily break it into irregular, delicious pieces using your hands (a gentle tap often works well) or a sharp knife. Then, it’s ready to enjoy – a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy that’s sure to impress!
Pro Tip for Perfect Brittle Consistency:
Achieving the ideal consistency in peanut brittle is often about precise temperature control, even in a microwave. Cooking times can vary significantly based on the specific wattage and size of your microwave oven. A higher wattage microwave (e.g., 1200W) will cook faster than a lower wattage one (e.g., 700W). To eliminate guesswork and ensure your brittle consistently reaches the perfect “hard crack” stage, an instant-read thermometer is an invaluable tool. You’re aiming for the sugar mixture to reach a temperature between 300–310°F (149–154°C). This precise temperature range guarantees a crisp, snappy brittle that’s not too soft and chewy, nor overly hard and difficult to eat.
Serving Suggestions: Share the Sweetness
This delectable microwave peanut brittle is not just a treat; it’s a perfect canvas for festive gifting and sharing joy. Its homemade charm makes it a standout. It pairs beautifully with any of our Christmas cookies, creating an impressive and heartfelt homemade holiday gift assortment that shows you care. For a truly charming presentation, arrange pieces of brittle in pretty holiday tins, such as these convenient disposable cookie tins that are just the right size for individual gift-giving, making it easy to spread deliciousness throughout the Christmas season. Consider adding a ribbon and a handmade tag for an extra personal touch. It’s also wonderful crumbled over ice cream or as a crunchy topping for desserts.
Storage and Freezing for Lasting Freshness
Proper storage is essential to keep your microwave peanut brittle wonderfully crisp and prevent it from becoming sticky or losing its delicate texture due to moisture absorption.
Room Temperature: Once the brittle has completely cooled and hardened (this is crucial!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Kept away from humidity and air exposure, it will retain its quality and delicious crispness for up to 2 months. It’s important to avoid leaving it exposed to the air for extended periods, as sugar-based candies tend to absorb moisture from the environment, causing them to become sticky and soft.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze peanut brittle. Place individual pieces of the candy in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen successfully for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight, and then allow it to come to room temperature for an hour or so before serving to restore its optimal texture and crispness. Avoid rapid temperature changes which can affect texture.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Microwave Peanut Brittle Success
- Resist the Urge to Spread: After pouring the hot brittle mixture onto the parchment paper, it’s absolutely vital to let it spread naturally. Do not try to spread it with a spoon or spatula. Manual spreading will inevitably deflate the crucial air bubbles created by the baking soda, resulting in a dense, hard, and significantly less desirable brittle. Patience here is key to achieving that signature light, airy crunch.
- Achieve Thinner Brittle (The Gentle Way): If you prefer a thinner brittle without compromising its airy texture by spreading, here’s a clever trick: pre-warm your rimmed cookie sheet in the oven at a very low temperature, around 200°F (93°C), for about 10 minutes before pouring. The gentle warmth will help the brittle mixture spread more thinly on its own before it cools and sets, preserving those essential air bubbles while giving you a delicate, thin snap.
- Prevent Sticking: To make cleanup even easier and prevent the hot mixture from stubbornly sticking to your utensils and bowl, lightly spray your large microwave-safe glass bowl and your wooden spoon or spatula with cooking spray before you begin mixing and stirring. This creates a non-stick barrier that will save you time and effort when it comes to washing up.
- Parchment Paper Alternative: While parchment paper offers the best and easiest release, if you find yourself without it, a greased baking sheet can serve as an alternative. Just ensure you grease it thoroughly and evenly with butter or a neutral oil to minimize sticking. Be prepared for a slightly more challenging removal process compared to parchment.
- Mind Your Microwave’s Power: Microwave wattages vary significantly (e.g., a standard 1000W vs. a less powerful 700W or a more powerful 1200W). A higher wattage microwave will cook faster, while a lower wattage one will require more time. Adjust your cooking times accordingly, typically in 15-30 second increments, and always use an instant-read thermometer to verify the hard crack stage (300-310°F) for consistency.
- Humidity Matters: Candy making, especially brittle, is highly sensitive to humidity levels. On very humid or rainy days, sugar mixtures tend to absorb moisture from the air, making it incredibly difficult for the brittle to set properly or causing it to become sticky quickly, even after it cools. For the crispest and best results, aim for a dry, sunny day to prepare your brittle.
- Don’t Scrape the Bowl: Once you’ve poured the brittle onto the parchment, resist the urge to scrape the remaining bits from the bowl. These residual pieces often contain sugar crystals that could cause your entire batch to become grainy. Leave them be for the best texture.
Delicious Additions and Creative Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic microwave peanut brittle, you can easily experiment with these fun additions and creative variations to customize your crunchy treat and impress your taste buds even further:
- Swap Out the Peanuts: While peanuts are the timeless classic, this easy recipe is incredibly versatile and accommodates other nuts beautifully. Instead of peanuts, try using other nuts like cashews for a rich, buttery flavor; blanched almonds for a slightly bitter note that complements the sweet caramel; or even pecans for a richer, earthy taste. You can also mix and match different nuts for a unique nut brittle experience.
- Dip in Decadent Chocolate: Elevate your peanut brittle to a whole new level of indulgence by dipping pieces in melted chocolate! Have you ever experienced chocolate-covered peanut brittle? It’s truly heavenly. Simply melt your favorite type of chocolate (dark for intensity, milk for sweetness, or white for a creamy contrast) and dip half or fully coat the brittle pieces. Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper for an extra sweet and luxurious treat that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Chop the Nuts for Even Distribution: If you prefer a more uniform texture in your brittle or find large pieces of nuts challenging to eat, simply chop your nuts before adding them to the sugar mixture. Finely chopped nuts will distribute more evenly throughout the candy, ensuring every bite has a perfect amount of crunch and flavor without being overwhelming. This also makes the brittle easier to break into smaller, more consistent pieces.
- Add a Touch of Spice: For an adventurous and sophisticated twist, consider adding a pinch of a complementary spice to the mixture. A tiny dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a delightful sweet and spicy kick, while a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can provide a warming, autumnal flavor that’s especially appealing during the holidays. Add these in with the vanilla extract for even distribution.
- Seed Brittle: For a nut-free option or simply to experiment with different textures, try a seed brittle! Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even sesame seeds can create an equally delightful crunch and unique flavor profile. Adjust quantities as needed, generally using the same volume as peanuts. Ensure seeds are roasted for best flavor.
- Citrus Zest: A little citrus zest (lemon or orange) added with the vanilla can brighten the flavor of the brittle and add an unexpected aromatic note, cutting through some of the sweetness for a more complex profile.
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe FAQ: Your Questions Answered
If your peanut brittle turns out excessively hard or feels like it could chip a tooth, it typically indicates that the sugar mixture was cooked at too high a temperature or for too long, causing it to pass beyond the optimal “hard crack” stage (300-310°F). When sugar is overcooked, it becomes extremely dense. For your next batch, try reducing the cooking time for each microwave segment by about 15-30 seconds. Using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the mixture doesn’t exceed 310°F is also highly recommended for precise control over the final texture.
Chewy brittle is usually a frustrating sign that the sugar syrup did not reach the correct “hard crack” stage, which is absolutely crucial for its crisp, snappy texture. This stage occurs when the syrup temperature is between 300°F – 310°F (149–154°C). If the temperature is too low, the sugar won’t solidify properly. If you’re using a lower wattage microwave or experiencing difficulties, you might need to add an additional 30 seconds or so to each cooking segment. Also, ensure your microwave is operating on high power for consistent and effective heating.
While peanut brittle can often set quite quickly, sometimes within 20-30 minutes, I highly recommend allowing it to sit undisturbed at room temperature for a full 60 minutes. This extended cooling time ensures complete hardening and optimal crispness, especially if you live in a more humid climate where setting can take longer. Rushing the cooling process can result in a softer, less brittle candy. Your delicious microwave peanut brittle should be perfectly ready to enjoy in approximately one hour.
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade microwave peanut brittle can maintain its quality and crispness for an impressive period of up to 2 months. It’s crucial not to store the candy until it has completely cooled and fully set. Exposure to air and humidity will cause it to absorb moisture, leading it to become sticky and lose its desirable crisp texture over time. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Baking soda is a magical ingredient in brittle that performs a crucial chemical reaction! When it’s stirred into the hot sugar syrup, it reacts to release countless tiny carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These bubbles become trapped within the candy mixture as it cools and sets. This process creates a light, airy, and porous texture, making the brittle delightfully crispy and easy to bite into, rather than being overly dense and hard like a traditional hard candy. Always use baking soda, not baking powder, for this specific chemical reaction.
As sugar cooks and caramelizes, it naturally develops a beautiful light golden brown or amber color – this is the ideal stage for peanut brittle. If your brittle has turned a dark brown, almost burnt color, it means the sugar has been overcooked and burned. Burnt sugar will result in a bitter, unpleasant taste and a very dark appearance. Keep a close eye on the mixture, especially in the final stages of microwaving, and rely on an instant-read thermometer if possible, to prevent over-caramelization.
While possible, it’s generally recommended to avoid making peanut brittle on rainy or highly humid days. Sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. High humidity can cause the brittle to remain soft, become sticky, or fail to set properly, regardless of whether you’ve cooked it to the correct temperature. For the crispest, best-setting, and longest-lasting results, aim for a dry, sunny day to prepare your brittle.
For this specific recipe and to achieve the classic light and crisp texture, granulated white sugar is highly recommended. It provides consistent results in caramelization and sets into a perfect brittle. Other sugars like brown sugar (which contains molasses) or confectioners’ sugar (which contains cornstarch) have different properties that can significantly affect the final texture, color, and flavor of the brittle. Sticking to granulated sugar ensures the light, clear, and classic brittle experience.
The “hard crack stage” is a critical temperature point in candy making, occurring between 300°F and 310°F (149-154°C). At this precise stage, a small amount of the cooked sugar syrup dropped into very cold water will immediately form hard, brittle threads that snap easily when bent. Reaching this stage is absolutely essential for peanut brittle to have its characteristic firm, glassy, and snappy texture upon cooling. If the temperature is too low, it will be chewy; if too high, it will be burnt and too hard.
More Easy Peanut Butter Treats to Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’ve fallen in love with the nutty goodness of this microwave peanut brittle recipe and are searching for more delightful peanut butter-centric goodies, especially for the upcoming holiday season or just everyday indulgence, these recipes are perfect for you. They offer a range of flavors and textures, all focusing on the beloved peanut butter:
- Peanut Butter Fritos Candy – A wonderfully unique and fun spin on classic cornflake cookies, offering an irresistible salty/sweet flavor combination that’s surprisingly addictive. The crunchy Fritos add an unexpected and delightful texture.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – These gooey, delightful bars are a crowd-pleaser any time of year, combining two beloved flavors – rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips – in an easy-to-make and even easier-to-share format. Perfect for parties or a casual treat.
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – Perfect for busy holiday baking or when you just need a quick dessert, these quick and easy cookies are another fantastic addition to your holiday tins and require absolutely no oven time! They’re chewy, rich, and intensely satisfying.
- Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies – A timeless classic, just like Grandma used to make, with that perfect crisscross pattern and rich, comforting peanut butter flavor that brings back nostalgic memories. Simple ingredients, incredible taste.
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge – Indulge in this incredibly easy and creamy fudge that’s ready in a flash, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. It’s an instant favorite for anyone who loves the smooth, rich taste of peanut butter.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Author: Jaclyn
5 minutes
10 minutes
1 hour
1 hour
15 minutes
10
servings
Save
Saved!
Ingredients
-
1 ½
cups
dry roasted or cocktail peanuts -
1
cup
granulated sugar -
½
cup
light corn syrup -
1
Tablespoon
butter -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1
teaspoon
baking soda
Instructions
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
-
In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir to combine. Microwave for 3 minutes. Do not stir during cooking.
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Stir in the peanuts and microwave for another 3 minutes.
-
Add the butter and vanilla extract; stir until fully melted and combined. Microwave for 2 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 300–310°F on an instant-read thermometer.
-
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and immediately stir in the baking soda. The mixture will become foamy and lighter in color.
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Pour the foamy mixture out onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Do not try to spread it; allow it to spread naturally.
-
Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or until completely cool and set.
-
Once set, break the candy into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife and enjoy.
Notes
- Dry roasted or cocktail peanuts both work well for this recipe – just ensure they are salted to achieve that perfect sweet and salty balance.
- This recipe was developed using a 1000W Whirlpool microwave. Keep in mind that microwave wattage and temperatures can vary significantly. You may need to adjust your cooking times by adding or subtracting 15-30 seconds per cooking segment. For best accuracy, an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended; aim for a temperature between 300–310°F (hard crack stage).
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts! You can substitute any nut for peanuts, such as cashews, almonds, or pecans. For larger nuts, chop them into bite-sized pieces for better distribution in the brittle.
- Always store your cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness and prevent it from becoming sticky due to humidity.
Nutrition
Calories:
171
kcal
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