Peanut Brittle(Easy Microwave Recipe)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Peanut brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor and a caramelized sugar base. Perfect for sharing or gifting, its simple microwave method makes it accessible for all skill levels. Enjoy this classic confection as a satisfying snack or dessert accompaniment.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. raw shelled peanuts
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. margarine

Instructions

  1. In a 2-quart glass dish, combine peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt. Cover and microwave on High for 4 minutes.
  2. Remove and stir the mixture. Cover and microwave again for 4 minutes.
  3. Add vanilla and margarine to the mixture. Cover and microwave for 2 minutes.
  4. Add sifted baking soda and stir swiftly to incorporate.
  5. Pour the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Spread thinly and allow to cool.
  6. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, roast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure your dish is large enough to prevent overflow during cooking, as the mixture will bubble up when heated.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut brittle makes for a delightful snack on its own or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. Pair it with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. It also pairs beautifully with Hildy'S P-Nut Brittle for a fun candy comparison or as a gift option for friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. If the weather is particularly humid, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the brittle to become chewy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Brittle(Easy Microwave Recipe) contains roughly 177 calories, with 0g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

177 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 26.8g 10% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 26.5g 53% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 869.9mg 38% DV
Potassium 46.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 3.9mg
Iron 0.1mg
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Peanut

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 peanuts?

Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but it may slightly alter the cooking time and flavor. If using salted roasted peanuts, reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty outcome.

What can I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?

If your peanut brittle is sticky, it may not have cooked long enough. Ensure that the mixture reaches the correct temperature during cooking. You can also try adding a bit more baking soda to lighten the mixture, but this may change the texture.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this peanut brittle vegan, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter substitute. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the sugar and corn syrup, are vegan-friendly, which is typically the case.

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).

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