Microwave Munching Peanut Brittle
Enjoy crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with a rich caramel flavor and toasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or as a homemade gift for peanut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Place in microwave and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring well after 4 minutes.
- Add margarine and vanilla; stir well.
- Return to microwave and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Peanuts will be lightly browned and syrup very hot.
- Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy.
- Pour mixture onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your peanuts are raw and not roasted. If you don’t have white corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, although they may alter the flavor slightly. Stirring well after 4 minutes is crucial to prevent burning. Be cautious when adding baking soda, as it will cause the mixture to bubble up significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes an excellent snack on its own but can also be served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or incorporate it into a dessert tray with items like Fizz Cake or Reduced Fat Carrot Cake for a variety of textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make it sticky. If you want to enjoy it warm again, you can place it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Munching Peanut Brittle contains roughly 244 calories, with 1g protein, 22g 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 1736mg per serving (75% 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 roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Using roasted peanuts can change the flavor and texture of the brittle. Raw peanuts are recommended for the best results, as they will toast during cooking. However, if you prefer roasted peanuts, reduce the cooking time to prevent over-browning.
What should I do if my mixture is too hard after cooling?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it likely cooked for too long. To soften it slightly, you can place pieces in a microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it. It's best to monitor cooking times closely to achieve the desired texture.
Can I add other ingredients to the brittle?
Yes! You can experiment by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique twist. Just be cautious with the quantities to maintain the integrity of 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).