What’s better than Peanut Brittle? How about 15-minute Microwave Peanut Brittle!
This recipe is a dream come true because it has all the big flavor and light airy texture of the best nut brittles but is super simple and ready in a flash
A true win-win in our book!
We are big fans of peanut brittle in my house however it’s fairly time-consuming to make. This is a great alternative to the traditional method and I’m hooked on this easier method.
Nut Brittle is a holiday tradition for us, much like our 4-ingredient Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, but it’s delicious any time of the year. It makes a very welcome gift for friends and neighbors too.
Jump to RecipeThis post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details.
Ingredients for Nut Brittle:
Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this easy peanut brittle.
- Sugar – Regular white sugar is all you need
- Light Corn Syrup – Choose non high fructose and it must be light colored
- Peanuts – We like dry-roasted but raw peanuts are a common choice. Any nuts will work for this recipe so go ahead and get creative!
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted. (Vegan butter is an easy swap, but see notes below in the substitutions section)
- Vanilla Extract – Use the best you can because the vanilla flavor is important in this candy. We use our easy homemade vanilla.
- Baking Soda – This is where the magic comes in because baking soda gives the brittle its light airy texture
- Sea Salt – optional but really gives the brittle a nice little flavor pop
How to make microwave Peanut Brittle:
This recipe, like any candy recipe, requires your full attention (luckily this one only needs 15 minutes of your time!) so it’s very important to have ALL of your ingredients ready to go before starting.
Steps 1-3
- Prep all of the ingredients and have them near the microwave
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, Silpat style mat, or lightly spray or grease the pan (don’t skip this step)
- It’s best to use a large wooden spoon for brittle. Grease or spray the spoon with non-stick spray before starting
- In a large glass bowl (don’t use plastic), combine the sugar and corn syrup, and mix until combined. The mixture should not fill the bowl more than 1/3 full because the mixture will bubble up during cooking. Step 1 photo below
- Microwave on High for 4-minutes
- Carefully remove the bowl, stir, mix in the nuts, and stir again (If your bowl doesn’t have a handle be sure to use oven mitts). Step 2 photo below
- Microwave on High for 3-minutes. Step 3 photo below
Steps 3-5
- Remove bowl from microwave and stir in the butter pieces. Step 4 photo below
- Return to the microwave and cook on High for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture reaches 305˚-310˚F and is a caramel brown color. Using a microwave-safe thermometer that you can leave in the bowl will make this much easier. This temperature is also called the “hard crack stage”
- NOTE: The variation in cooking time will depend on the strength of your microwave. (We tested in an 1100-watt microwave and only needed 2-minutes)
- Remove from microwave and immediately add the vanilla extract and baking soda and quickly stir. Step 5 photo below
- The mixture will bubble furiously. You need to stir quickly to combine because the mixture will begin to harden but DO NOT overmix. You want the mixture to stay light, airy, and creamy
Steps 6-7
- Pour immediately onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly spread around so that the brittle is somewhat even in thickness. Step 6 photo below
- Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired
- Allow the peanut brittle to set at room temperature for at least 30-minutes. Once fully set break the brittle into pieces. Step 7 photo below
Substitution Ideas:
- Any nuts will work for this recipe and it’s fun to mix it up. Try cashews, pepitas, hazelnuts, or raw Spanish peanuts
- Want to keep it vegan? Substitute vegan butter but only use 2 Tablespoons instead of 3
How to store Peanut Brittle
Once completely cooled store your peanut brittle pieces in an airtight container but do not refrigerate. Keeps well for about 4 weeks.
Pro Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
- Do not overmix the candy once you add the baking soda. You want the bubbles to remain fluffy and full of air
- Using a candy thermometer makes it easier to avoid under and overcooking
- Keep an eye on the color – peanut brittle can go from light to dark quickly
- Using a large 8-ounce glass measuring cup, with a handle on it, works perfectly for this recipe because the handle stays cool while cooking
- Why is my peanut brittle chewy? The candy must cook to 305˚F to reach the “hard crack” stage. If not, the brittle will be too soft and won’t have that crisp crackle characteristic of peanut brittle. It will also be too chewy
- Why didn’t my peanut brittle harden? There are likely 2 reasons: you didn’t cook it long enough, or there is too much humidity in the air (see below for more info on humidity and candy making)
- Why do you add baking soda to peanut brittle? Adding baking soda allows the mixture to bubble which creates the airy fluffy texture we all love in peanut brittle
Can you make peanut brittle in humid weather?
Humidity is no friend to any sugary candy making. The moisture in humidity slows down the cooling process and can increase unwanted sugar crystals, which means your brittle won’t set properly, and it will be softer than desired.
Experts say to cook hard candy, like brittle, an extra 2˚higher. I live in California so haven’t had the chance to test this method.
I credit my cousin for sharing this no-fail recipe with me. Trust me ~ you’re going to love it! ❤️
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & We’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Art of Food and Wine.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
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.
- Any nuts work well – try cashews, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts or a combination of nuts
- Vegan Butter – use just 2 Tablespoons instead of 3 Tablespoons
Deb
Turned out perfectly using the 2 Tbsp of vegan butter. I used mix nuts for that real sweet and salty flavor
Tayler
I made this peanut brittle over the weekend and I can’t believe how easy it was! Definitely making every year!
Tara
Oh wow! You had me at 15 minutes and the microwave. This peanut brittle looks so good. Definitely perfect for the holiday season.
Ned
Had no clue you could make this in the microwave. I remember my Mom making it around the Holidays. I can’t wait to give this a try. Thank you!
Dannii
I love anything with peanuts and this brittle looks amazing.
Anjali
I had no idea you could make peanut brittle in the microwave until I tried your recipe! This turned out great – crunchy, perfect texture, and sweet!