Ten-Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle
A quick and crunchy sweet treat with toasted peanuts and caramelized sugar, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing at gatherings. Easy to make in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe bowl, stir together sugar and corn syrup.
- Microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Stir in salted Spanish peanuts.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 5 minutes, until light brown.
- Add butter or margarine and vanilla.
- Blend well with a wooden spoon.
- Microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add baking soda.
- Stir gently until light and foamy.
- Quickly pour and spread on a greased cookie sheet.
- Let cool for 1 hour before breaking into small pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your microwave-safe bowl is large enough to accommodate the mixture expanding while cooking. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on your microwave's wattage. Remember to stir gently after adding baking soda to prevent splatters. This recipe is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, similar to Butterscotch Brownies.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle can be served as a sweet snack or dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great treat for gatherings. Consider packaging it in decorative bags for gifts or party favors. For a festive touch, serve alongside Holiday Apple Cake or as a crunchy topping for Alma's Fruit Cobbler.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the brittle chewy. If the brittle becomes sticky, you can re-crisp it by placing it in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This will help maintain its crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ten-Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle contains roughly 330 calories, with 2g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber.
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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute salted Spanish peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Just ensure that they are salted for the best flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you use larger nuts, as they may take longer to toast in the microwave.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it may have been cooked for too long. You can try breaking it into smaller pieces and microwaving it in short bursts to soften it slightly, but this method may not completely restore its original texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, you can replace the butter or margarine with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, making it easy to enjoy a cruelty-free version of this delicious treat.
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).