Kelly'S Microwave Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with a rich caramel flavor and a hint of vanilla, perfect for satisfying candy cravings or sharing as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Microwave sugar, Karo syrup, and peanuts for four minutes on High.
- Remove from microwave and stir.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, then add butter and vanilla.
- Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove and stir in baking soda.
- Pour onto a buttered pan and allow to cool before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure to use fresh peanuts and avoid overcooking the mixture, as it can lead to a hard brittle. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor, much like in American recipes that highlight sweet and salty contrasts.
Serving Suggestions
Break the cooled peanut brittle into pieces and serve as a sweet snack or dessert at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or coffee for a delightful treat. Consider serving it alongside other confections like the Chocolate Cherry Cake Or Bars for a dessert platter that impresses.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can cause the brittle to soften. It should keep well for about two weeks, but for longer storage, you can freeze it in a vacuum-sealed bag and thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kelly'S Microwave Peanut Brittle contains roughly 161 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1249mg 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying cooking times, so monitor the mixture as it cooks to avoid burning.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it may be due to overcooking. To soften it slightly, try placing the pieces in a sealed container with a slice of bread for a day. The moisture from the bread can help soften the brittle.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make this peanut brittle vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that your vanilla extract is alcohol-free to keep it vegan-friendly, and enjoy this sweet treat without animal products.
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).