Microwave Peanut Brittle(Only Takes 9 Minutes)
A quick, crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and toasted peanuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a cookie sheet ahead of time.
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, stir together peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Cook 8 minutes on High, stirring well after 4 minutes.
- Add butter and vanilla.
- Cook 1 minute longer on High.
- Add baking soda and quickly stir until light and foamy.
- Immediately pour onto lightly buttered baking sheet.
- Spread out thin.
- When cool, break into pieces.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure to use raw peanuts as they toast during cooking, enhancing flavor. If you prefer a different nut, almonds or cashews can be substituted, but adjust cooking time if necessary. Stirring halfway through is crucial to prevent burning. Also, ensure your casserole dish is microwave-safe and large enough to accommodate the mixture's expansion.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful snack on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with Caramel Dip For Apples for a sweet treat. Serve as a dessert or a party favor. It can be crumbled over ice cream or mixed into trail mix for added crunch. For a festive touch, package it in decorative bags for gifting.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, break the peanut brittle into pieces and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave can help restore its crunchiness without melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Peanut Brittle(Only Takes 9 Minutes) 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 alter the texture and flavor of the brittle. If you prefer roasted, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking. The goal is to achieve a perfect balance of crunch without burning the sugar.
What if my peanut brittle doesn't harden?
If your peanut brittle remains soft after cooling, it may need more cooking time. The sugar mixture should reach the hard crack stage, typically around 300°F (149°C). Use a candy thermometer for precision, and don’t skip the baking soda, as it helps achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate?
Absolutely! For a twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle or mix in some mini chocolate chips before pouring it onto the baking sheet. Just ensure to adjust the cooling time for chocolate to set properly.
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).