Microwave Peanut Brittle(Total Cooking Time: 18 To 22 Minutes)
A quick and crunchy microwave peanut brittle with sweet, nutty flavors and a satisfying hard-crack texture, perfect for sharing or gifting. Suitable for all sweet snack lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, and peanuts in a 2-quart microwave-proof bowl or casserole.
- Cook on High-max power for 5 minutes, then stir.
- Cook on High-max power for an additional 13 to 18 minutes or until syrup separates into threads, reaching the hard-crack stage or 300°F on a candy thermometer.
- Check the temperature frequently during the last few minutes.
- Stir in margarine, baking soda, and vanilla just until light and bubbly.
- Pour onto a buttered cookie sheet; spread, cool, and break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier peanut brittle, make sure to use raw peanuts rather than roasted. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for warmth. Always monitor the syrup closely as it cooks, especially towards the end, to prevent burning. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a festive treat during holidays. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of South Georgia Iced Tea or can be crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a fun presentation, package pieces in decorative bags as homemade gifts.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a sealed bag, separating pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Peanut Brittle(Total Cooking Time: 18 To 22 Minutes) contains roughly 143 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% 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 other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. However, keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture. Adjust cooking times if needed, as some nuts may cook faster than peanuts.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the hard-crack stage. To remedy this, you can re-cook the brittle in small batches, checking the temperature frequently until it reaches 300°F. Make sure to pour it onto a greased surface immediately.
How can I tell if my syrup is ready?
You can check if your syrup is ready by using a candy thermometer, aiming for the hard-crack stage at 300°F. Alternatively, drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; if it forms hard, brittle threads, it's ready to mix in the margarine and baking soda.
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).