Microwave Peanut Brittle

Name: Microwave Peanut Brittle (10-Minute)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Butter, for greasing

Microwave peanut brittle delivers crispy, buttery candy in just 10 minutes without special equipment or candy thermometer skills. The microwave method eliminates stovetop monitoring while producing the same classic texture and flavor.

🌍American 🏷️Peanut brittle 🏷️Candy 🏷️Dessert 🏷️Snack Peanuts

🏷️

🏷️Holiday

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dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

10 min

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

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dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups salted peanuts
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
Butter, for greasing

7 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir to mix.
2
Microwave the mixture on high for 4 minutes.
3
While the sugar is cooking, generously grease a baking sheet with butter.
4
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave using an oven mitt. Stir the mixture, then add the peanuts and stir again to fully combine.
5
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Watch it closely until the mixture turns a light amber color.
6
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Immediately add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir quickly; the mixture will foam up.
7
Quickly pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
8
Using a butter knife or spatula, spread the brittle into a thin, even layer as quickly as you can before it sets.
9
Let the brittle cool completely on the baking sheet until it is hard.
10
Once hardened, break the peanut brittle into pieces and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Stir the mixture every 1–2 minutes during cooking to prevent hot spots and ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.
Add baking soda immediately after the mixture reaches golden-amber color; it will foam up and aerate the brittle, creating the characteristic crunch.
Spread the hot mixture on a buttered baking sheet quickly—it hardens fast once poured, so work with speed and use a buttered spatula to help spread if needed.
Use a high-powered microwave; cooking times vary by wattage. Start at 5 minutes and check color before adding additional 30-second intervals.

Substitutions

Light corn syrup → honey (slight flavor change, may caramelize slightly darker)
Salted peanuts → unsalted peanuts or roasted cashews (adjust salt to taste)
Vanilla extract → almond extract (changes flavor profile, use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks; protect from humidity to maintain crispness.

Equipment

microwave · microwave-safe bowl · baking sheet · butter for greasing

Common Questions

Do I need a candy thermometer for microwave peanut brittle?

No. This recipe relies on microwave timing and visual cues (the mixture darkening) rather than temperature monitoring, making it beginner-friendly.

Why did my peanut brittle turn out chewy instead of crispy?

The mixture likely didn't cook long enough in the microwave. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until it darkens to a golden-amber color before adding baking soda.