Go Back
–+ servings

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle

Easy microwave peanut brittle made in one glass bowl in about 8 minutes. Written for a 1,000-watt microwave, with a done-ness check so it never burns or stays sticky.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
cooling 30 minutes
Course Candy, Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 2-quart heatproof glass bowl with a handle
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large baking sheet
  • Oven mitts
  • candy or instant-read thermometer (recommended)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 1/4 cups roasted salted peanuts
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions
 

  • (times are for a 1,000-watt microwave; see the notes for other wattages)
  • Grease a large baking sheet well with butter or nonstick spray. Measure every ingredient and set it next to the microwave.
  • In a 2-quart heatproof glass bowl, stir together the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes.
  • Using oven mitts, take out the bowl and stir in the peanuts with a wooden spoon. Microwave for 3 minutes, until the syrup is light golden.
  • Stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter melts. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Take the bowl out and check it: the candy should be deep golden and read 300 to 310°F on a thermometer. If it isn't there yet, microwave in 30-second bursts and check again.
  • Sprinkle in the baking soda and fold gently, just until mixed. It will foam up. Don't overstir.
  • Pour onto the baking sheet right away. Tilt the pan or use a greased spatula to spread it 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  • Let it cool completely, 30 to 60 minutes, then break into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Wattage: For a 1,500-watt microwave, cook 2 minutes 45 seconds, then 2 minutes, then 1 minute 10 seconds. For 1,100 watts, use the times above at 90% power; 1,200 to 1,300 watts at 80%; 1,400 watts at 70%. Use your microwave's output watts, not power consumption.
No thermometer: Drop a little syrup into very cold water. At hard crack, it hardens into strands that snap cleanly.
Don't double it. Make separate batches.
Humidity: Make it on a dry day if you can. On a humid day, cook to the top of the 300 to 310°F range.
Glass safety: Never set the hot bowl on a cold or wet surface or add cold water to it.
Cleanup: Once the bowl cools, fill it with hot, soapy water and the hardened candy dissolves.
Storage: Airtight at room temperature for a few weeks. Don't refrigerate.
Keyword christmas candy gifts, christmas candy recipes, easy microwave peanut brittle, microwave peanut brittle, microwave peanut brittle recipe, peanut brittle in the microwave
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!