Easy Microwave Pecan Brittle
A crunchy, sweet pecan brittle made easily in the microwave, featuring caramelized sugar and toasted pecans, perfect for gifting or satisfying a quick dessert craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart glass bowl, stir together pecans, sugar, syrup, and salt.
- Cook for 8 minutes on High, stirring after 4 minutes.
- Stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Cook on High for 2 minutes.
- Add baking soda and stir until light and foamy.
- Pour onto greased cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool, then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your bowl is large enough to accommodate the mixture as it bubbles during cooking. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different taste. If you're short on corn syrup, honey can work as an alternative, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pecan brittle as a delightful snack or dessert. It pairs beautifully with Tootie'S Butter Pecan Ice Cream for a rich treat. You can also break it into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes or mix it into yogurt. For a festive touch, package pieces in clear bags as gifts during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh, place parchment paper between layers of brittle to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating, as it can become sticky. If you need to reheat, do so for a few seconds in the microwave to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Microwave Pecan Brittle contains roughly 83 calories, with 0g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or even peanuts. Each nut will bring its unique flavor to the brittle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using larger or harder nuts.
What can I do if the brittle is too sticky?
If your brittle turns out sticky, it might not have cooked long enough. Make sure to follow the cooking times closely. If it’s already cooled, you can try re-cooking it in the microwave for short intervals, stirring in between, until it firms up.
How can I make the brittle more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your pecan brittle, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture before cooking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.
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).