Peanut Brittle(Microwave Oven)
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and a satisfying crunch, perfect for sharing or gifting to friends and family who love classic candies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt into a 1 1/2 quart glass bowl.
- Stir to blend.
- Microwave 8 minutes, stopping and stirring several times.
- Add oleo and vanilla, then microwave an additional 2 minutes without stirring.
- Remove candy from oven and add baking soda.
- Pour candy onto a buttered cookie sheet and let cool.
- Run a knife around outer edges for easier removal from cookie sheet.
- Break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure you use a large enough bowl to prevent overflow during microwaving. For a nut-free version, try substituting raw peanuts with sunflower seeds. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using light brown sugar instead of white sugar. Also, make sure to stir the mixture well after adding the oleo and vanilla to ensure an even coating before the final microwaving.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own but can also be served alongside sweet treats like ice cream or as a topping for desserts. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Wassail for a festive touch. For a fun twist, try crumbling it over a bowl of Apple Raisin Slaw for added texture and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh and prevent sticking, you can layer pieces with parchment paper. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to maintain its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Brittle(Microwave Oven) contains roughly 147 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g 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 673mg per serving (29% 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?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but they will result in a different texture and flavor. Roasted peanuts may make the brittle slightly crunchier, so you might want to reduce the microwaving time by a minute or two to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of Karo syrup?
If you don't have Karo syrup, you can substitute it with light corn syrup or even honey. Keep in mind that using honey will impart a slight flavor difference, so choose based on your preference. Just ensure the consistency remains similar to maintain the candy's texture.
Why is my peanut brittle sticky?
Sticky peanut brittle often results from not cooking the mixture long enough or not allowing it to cool completely. Make sure you reach the appropriate temperature during cooking, typically around 300°F (hard crack stage). Additionally, ensure it's fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
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).