10 Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe - Bowl Me Over (2024)

Microwave peanut brittle is an easy homemade candy recipe that only takes a few minutes of cooking time—no stove top needed! The mouthwatering combination of sweet and salty caramelized flavor is totally irresistible.

The only thing that makes it even better? That satisfying, nutty crunch you get in every delicious bite. Make an extra batch and thank me later!

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ Peanut brittle is perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a great homemade holiday gift for friends and family.

✔️ The golden brown shine and buttery crunch in each bite will hit you with a wave of nostalgia, taking you back to the good ol' days.

✔️Microwave peanut brittle is my favorite during the holiday season because prep is quick, it uses simple ingredients, and leftovers last for a while!

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.

• sugar
• peanuts
• white Karo syrup
• pure vanilla extract
• butter
• baking soda

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large microwave glass bowl, add the sugar, peanuts, and Karo syrup. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
3. Remove from microwave and stir well with a wooden or silicone spoon.
4. Return to microwave and cook for another 3 to 3 ½ minutes until the peanuts begin to turn light brown.
5. Remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla and butter. It will hiss and sputter when you add the vanilla, that's ok! It's supposed to do that. Return to the microwave and cook on high for another minute.
6. Remove from the microwave and stir in the baking soda. Stir until light and foaming. Pour onto the prepared cooking sheet and spread out.
7. Allow to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

Equipment

• cookie sheet
• wax paper or parchment paper
• wooden spoon

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FAQ's

Test kitchen tips

• Be sure to use a large, glass microwave-safe bowl. It has to be microwave-safe because this sugar mixture gets super hot!
• Remember, metal is not microwave-safe, and plastic can melt.
• Keep your wooden spoon and oven mitts handy when moving the bowl. It stays piping hot throughout the cooking process!
• Before starting, measure out all your ingredients. The process of making microwave peanut brittle moves quickly.
• Although it's not necessary to use a candy thermometer, peanut brittle has to reach a temperature of around 300°F (150°C) to set correctly.
• Make sure you have enough room in the bowl when you add the baking soda. Watch out—it'll foam up a little!
• After pouring the sugar mixture onto the pan, tilt it around a bit until the brittle spreads to your desired thickness.
• Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into pieces. Trying to break the brittle while it's still warm can cause it to crumble or stick together, ruining the texture.
• Finally, I don't recommend doubling the recipe because it'll throw off the microwave time. Instead, just repeat the process for each new batch.

Variations

Feel free to use different nuts in this easy peanut brittle recipe—almonds, pistachios, pecans, macadamia nuts, and so on. They'll all work great!

Of course, there is always the option to add toppings. I recommend drizzling dark or milk chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle for a chocolate/peanut combination!

On the other hand, get festive and add some sprinkles or colorful candy overtop before the microwave peanut brittle sets. Switch up the colors for holidays, or just choose your favorite!

Also, some people like to finish with a pinch of sea salt, too—this will really amp up the sweet and salty flavor combo.

Storage

Store the microwave peanut brittle in an airtight container for a few weeks. The less air that gets in the container, the longer it'll stay crisp.

However, avoid storing leftovers in the fridge, as this will expose the peanut brittle to a lot of humidity, making the brittle chewier.

Alternatively, keep peanut brittle in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months—just be sure to squeeze any air out and allow frozen brittle to thaw at room temperature before enjoying it.

• For more old-fashioned peanut goodness, try this Crispy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie recipe. It's been in my family for generations!
• These Peanut Butter Snowballs are super easy to make, full of peanutty flavor, and always hit around Christmastime.
• Scrumptious Butterscotch Cookies take me back to childhood because they're tender, chewy, and full of sweet brown-butter flavor.

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