Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
Crunchy and sweet peanut brittle with a rich caramel flavor, enhanced by roasted peanuts and vanilla. Perfect for sharing or gifting, this easy microwave version offers a quick way to satisfy your craving for a classic treat with minimal effort and clean-up.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and syrup in a microwave-safe casserole dish and microwave for 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Add roasted peanuts to the mixture.
- Microwave for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add butter and vanilla, then microwave for 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
- Stir in baking soda lightly.
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered pizza pan or cookie sheet without spreading it.
- Allow to cool and harden before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure to thoroughly combine the sugar and syrup before microwaving. If you prefer, you can substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup for a unique flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. Keep an eye on the microwave times, as wattage varies, to prevent burning. This peanut brittle also pairs wonderfully with a side of Trail Mix for a delightful snack.
Serving Suggestions
Break the cooled peanut brittle into bite-sized pieces for easy serving. It makes a great treat to share at gatherings or as a sweet gift. Consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon snack. For a fun dessert, serve alongside slices of Molly'S Chocolate Pie or include it in a dessert platter with other treats.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture may soften the candy. It can last for up to two weeks if stored properly. If you want to reheat, do so briefly in the microwave or at room temperature, but be cautious not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle contains roughly 106 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% 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 roasted peanuts?
Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts if you prefer. However, keep in mind that unsalted peanuts will yield a milder flavor, so you may want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance the sweetness of the brittle.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it may have been overcooked. To soften it slightly, you can place it in an airtight container with a piece of bread for a few hours. The moisture from the bread will help soften the brittle a bit, making it easier to chew.
How can I prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to butter your pizza pan or cookie sheet generously before pouring the mixture. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. If you encounter any sticking, gently run a buttered spatula around the edges to loosen the brittle.
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).