Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

A Sweet Start

I love making candy on a cool afternoon. It makes the whole house smell like a party. This peanut brittle is my new favorite. It is so easy and fast.

You just need a microwave and a few simple things. No fancy candy thermometer is needed. I promise it is not scary. Have you ever made candy before?

The Magic of Bubbles

My grandson watched me make this last week. His eyes got so wide at the magic part. You add baking soda and vanilla to the hot sugar.

It foams up like a science experiment! I still laugh at his surprised face. Those tiny bubbles are the secret. They make the brittle light and easy to bite. This matters because it keeps your treat from being a tooth-breaker.

A Little Story About Peanuts

When I was a girl, we bought peanuts in a big sack. My job was to shell them for my mom. My fingers would get sore, but it was fun.

Now I just use raw peanuts from the store. It saves so much time. *Fun fact: Peanuts are not really nuts. They grow underground and are part of the bean family!* Isn’t that funny? What is your favorite nut to snack on?

Working Fast and Safe

The hot sugar mixture is very, very hot. You must be careful, just like a scientist. Use a big bowl so it does not bubble over.

Have your pan ready before you even start. This is the most important step. This matters because being prepared keeps you safe and makes the recipe fun, not stressful. You can do this.

The Best Part: Breaking It!

Waiting for it to cool is the hardest part. Doesn’t that smell amazing? When it is completely cool, you get to break it.

You can use your hands or a small kitchen tool. I like to put it in a clean towel and give it a gentle tap. It makes such a satisfying crack. Do you like big pieces or little pieces of brittle best?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Sugar	1 cup
Light corn syrup	1/2 cup
Raw peanuts	1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	1 1/2 teaspoons

A Sweet, Crunchy Memory

My grandson Tommy calls this “magic candy.” He loves watching it foam up. I love how easy it is. We don’t need a fancy candy thermometer. Just our trusty microwave and a big bowl. It always reminds me of snowy afternoons with my own grandma. Her kitchen smelled of sugar and peanuts. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It fills my whole house with happiness. Let’s make some magic together.

Step 1

Grab a big baking sheet. Line it with foil and give it a quick spray. This keeps our brittle from sticking. Set it aside for later. I always do this first. It makes everything less rushed. (My hard-learned tip: spray your spatula now too. You will thank me later!).

Step 2

Mix the sugar and corn syrup in a big glass bowl. It will look very cloudy. Microwave it for four minutes. It will be boiling hot when it comes out. Be very careful. Stir in the peanuts and butter. The butter will melt right in. It gets so shiny.

Step 3

Put the bowl back in the microwave. Cook it for three to five minutes. Watch for a nice golden color. That is our caramel color. No need to check the temperature. Your eyes will know. What color should the sugar mixture become? Share below!

Step 4

This is the fun part. Take the bowl out. Quickly add the vanilla and baking soda. Stir it just until it mixes. Watch it foam up like a science experiment. I still laugh at that. Do not stir too much. Those little bubbles make the brittle light and easy to bite.

Step 5

Work fast now. Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared pan. Use your sprayed spatula to spread it thin. Then just walk away. Let it cool completely. It will get hard and crunchy on its own. Then you can break it into fun, jagged pieces.

Cook Time: 7–9 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 12 pieces
Category: Dessert, Candy

Three Tasty Twists

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many flavors. Feel free to get creative. My friend Martha adds a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives a little surprise kick. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Salty-Sweet Pretzel Crunch

Swap half the peanuts for tiny pretzel pieces. The salt is so good with the sweet.

Christmas Cookie Brittle

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and some red and green sprinkles right after pouring.

Chocolate Drizzle Dream

After it cools, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top. Let it harden.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sweet Creation

I keep a jar of this brittle on my counter. It is perfect for when friends stop by. You can also package it prettily. Tie a ribbon around a bag of pieces. It makes a wonderful homemade gift. Everyone feels so special receiving it.

For a real treat, crumble it over vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold and crunchy is divine. You could also serve pieces on a little plate with some fresh apple slices. The tart apple cuts the sweetness nicely.

What to drink with it? A cup of strong black coffee is my go-to. For the kids, a tall glass of cold milk is perfect. It washes everything down so well. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Peanut Brittle Perfect

Let’s talk about storing your wonderful brittle. Keep it in a container with a tight lid. A cookie tin or glass jar works perfectly.

You can make a big batch ahead of time. It keeps for weeks. This is great for surprise guests or a sweet gift.

I once left a batch out overnight. It got all sticky. Now I always seal it right away. This keeps it crunchy and delicious.

Storing treats well means no waste. It also means you always have a little joy ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Brittle Troubles

Sometimes the brittle is too chewy. This means it did not get hot enough. Use a candy thermometer to be sure.

The baking soda makes the brittle light. I remember when I forgot it once. The candy was hard as a rock. Do not skip the soda.

If your brittle sticks to the pan, spray more nonstick spray. Work fast when you pour it. This confidence makes your treats turn out right.

Getting the texture right matters for that perfect snap. A good snap means you did it just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Peanut Brittle Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Make it up to two weeks before you need it.

Q: What if I don’t have corn syrup? A: You can use honey instead. The flavor will be a little different but still good.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: I do not recommend it. The microwave timing gets tricky. Make separate batches for the best result.

Q: Any extra tips? A: A pinch of salt on top makes the flavors pop. Fun fact: The baking soda creates tiny air bubbles for a lighter crunch. Which tip will you try first?

A Little Note From Fiona

I hope you love making this sweet treat. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. I love hearing your stories too.

Share a picture of your beautiful peanut brittle. I would be so proud to see it. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Fiona Brooks.