Bernie'S Peanut Brittle(Microwave)
A delightful microwave peanut brittle with crunchy, salty peanuts and rich caramel flavor, perfect for sweet snack lovers and quick treats. Crispy, sweet, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, stir together sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Stir in roasted, salted peanuts.
- Microwave on High for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Add butter and vanilla extract to the syrup. Blend well.
- Microwave on High for 2 minutes.
- Peanuts will be lightly brown and syrup very hot.
- Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy.
- Do not microwave again.
- Pour mixture onto lightly greased aluminum foil on a cookie sheet.
- Let cool for 1/2 to 1 hour.
- When cool, break into smaller pieces.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your microwave is calibrated properly to avoid burning the sugar mixture. If you don't have white corn syrup, you can substitute with light corn syrup or even honey, though the flavor may vary slightly. Stirring the mixture thoroughly after adding the baking soda is key to achieving that light, foamy texture. Always keep an eye on the mixture while microwaving to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade peanut brittle as a delightful treat during gatherings or as a sweet snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Cathy Janke'S Tea Cakes for a cozy dessert platter. For a fun twist, crush the brittle and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled, store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If you have leftovers, it's best consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness. To enjoy later, just break into pieces and serve as a crunchy snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bernie'S Peanut Brittle(Microwave) contains roughly 79 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% 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 unsalted peanuts instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be less savory, and you may want to adjust the salt content in your recipe or add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste.
What should I do if my mixture is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, you can microwave it briefly to soften it slightly, but be cautious not to overdo it. Another option is to crush it and use it as a topping for desserts, blending it into a caramel sauce, or incorporating it into baked goods for added texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make the peanut brittle vegan, simply replace the butter with a vegan alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan margarine. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly as well, as some sugars are processed with bone char. This way, you can enjoy a plant-based version of this delicious treat!
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).