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–+ servings
peanut brittle
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4.38 from 8 votes

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Light, airy 15-minute microwave Peanut Brittle is super simple to make and practically fail-proof. Any type of nuts can be used.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 196kcal
Author: Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

  • 1 Sheet Pan
  • 1 instant-read or candy thermometer (optional but recommend)
  • 1 large glass bowl or measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup peanuts, roasted (We prefer dry-roasted, but you can substitute any nut)
  • 3 Tablespoons butter cut into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste optional

Instructions

  • Lightly grease a 12" x 18" baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Spray a wooden spoon with non-stick spray
  • Mix the sugar and corn syrup in a large glass microwave-proof bowl until well combined. Do not use a plastic bowl.
    The bigger the bowl the easier it is to ensure the mixture cooks evenly. The mixture should fill it no more than 1/3 full.
  • Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the nuts. Microwave for additional 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the microwave and carefully fold in the pieces of butter.
  • Microwave on high for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 305-310°F on an instant-read or candy thermometer.
    The color should be a medium-brown caramel color.
    (Cooking time will vary based on each individual microwave)
  • Remove, and carefully add vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will be very bubbly and creamy. Stir quickly but DO NOT overmix.
    Immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet and if needed lightly smooth out with the back of the wooden spoon.
    If desired, sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Allow candy to rest for about 30-minutes before breaking into pieces.

Notes

  • If you don't have a thermometer watch carefully as you approach the final 2-minute mark. The mixture should be a medium-brown caramel color. 
  • We tested in a microwave that is 1100 watts
  • Pro Tip: Don’t stir too much or too hard after adding the baking soda. Baking soda adds air to the mixture, which makes it lighter, and gives it the “melt-in-your-mouth” texture. If you overmix after adding the baking soda, you will end up breaking down the air bubbles.
  • Cleaning up after making brittle is easier than you think. Just soak everything in super hot water and let it sit for awhile.
Substitution ideas:
  • Any nuts work well - try cashews, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts or a combination of nuts
  • Vegan Butter - use just 2 Tablespoons instead of 3 Tablespoons

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 346mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.2mg