Microwave Peanut Brittle(Great For Gifts.)
A quick and crunchy microwave peanut brittle with sweet, salty, and caramelized flavors, perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup together in a 2-quart microwave dish.
- Cook on High for 8 minutes.
- Stir halfway through with a wooden spoon.
- Remove from microwave after 8 minutes.
- Add vanilla and butter; stir well.
- Cook on High for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until mixture darkens.
- Add soda and stir quickly; mixture will foam.
- Spread on a buttered cookie sheet in a thin layer.
- Cool for 1 hour.
- Break into pieces to serve.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, try using raw peanuts or mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider increasing the sugar slightly. Stirring the mixture halfway through cooking is essential to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Always keep an eye on the mixture during the final cooking stage, as it can darken quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful gift, especially during the holidays. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Consider packaging it in decorative boxes or cellophane bags for a charming presentation. You can also serve it alongside Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake (Light) for a sweet treat combo that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. If humidity is high, keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become soft. For longer storage, it can be frozen, but wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Peanut Brittle(Great For Gifts.) contains roughly 331 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a less salty flavor. Just keep in mind that the balance of sweetness may be slightly altered, so you might want to adjust the sugar to your taste.
What should I do if my mixture foams too much?
If the mixture foams excessively when you add the baking soda, simply remove it from the microwave and let it sit for a moment before stirring again. This will help manage the foam and allow you to spread the brittle more easily on the cookie sheet.
How can I tell when the brittle is done cooking?
The peanut brittle is done when it has darkened slightly and has a rich, golden color. You can also perform a simple test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it hardens immediately and forms a brittle texture, it's ready to be removed from the microwave.
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).