8-Minute Peanut Brittle
A quick and crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and vanilla, perfect for snacking or gifting, appealing to sweet and salty flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter or spray Pam on a cookie sheet.
- In a deep microwave dish, stir together sugar and syrup.
- Cook on High in the microwave for 4 minutes.
- Add peanuts and stir.
- Cook on High for 2 minutes.
- Add vanilla and butter; stir.
- Cook on High for 2 minutes.
- Stir in soda. Pour onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Break into pieces once cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture. If you prefer, you can substitute the peanuts with almonds or cashews for a different nutty taste. Make sure to watch the microwave closely to prevent the sugar from burning, as cooking times may vary based on your microwave's wattage.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful snack on its own but also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside other sweets like Gran'S Cookies for a fun dessert platter. It makes a great gift packaged in a decorative box for special occasions or holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. If you live in a humid area, you may want to place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if it becomes too hard.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 8-Minute Peanut Brittle contains roughly 381 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of syrup instead of light Karo syrup?
Yes, you can use other light corn syrups or even maple syrup as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly. It's best to avoid dark syrups since they can alter the color and taste of the brittle.
How can I prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously butter or spray your cookie sheet before pouring in the mixture. You can also line the sheet with parchment paper for easier removal once the brittle has cooled.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make this peanut brittle vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Ensure that your vanilla extract is also alcohol-free, as some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).