I was really proud of myself this year for making homemade Microwave Peanut Brittle for Christmas! If you know me, you know I do not bake or make candies so this was quite an accomplishment for me.
My mom made Peanut Brittle every year at Christmas but she made hers from scratch with no microwave. It always seemed very labor-intensive and more work than I was willing to put forth. I’m sad to say, I don’t even have her recipe but I’m sure she would be proud of me for making this easy Microwave Peanut Brittle.
How to Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
It is very important for this recipe to have all your ingredients and utensils prepped and ready to go. This recipe goes very quickly and you need to be prepared.
The ingredients you will need are:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You will also need:
- 1 large glass mixing bowl
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- Large baking sheet
- Non-stick spray
In a large glass mixing bowl, add the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high heat for 5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave and add the peanuts and butter and mix well.
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is a nice caramel color.
Carefully, remove from the microwave and add the baking soda and vanilla. Stir quickly to combine. You will notice a change in color and texture. This is a good thing!
Pour the combined peanut brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread as thinly as possible. This doesn’t have to be perfectly spread out. The variance is what makes it truly homemade.
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then break apart into your desired size. I love having large ones and small ones. It’s a very rustic candy and that’s what makes it so wonderful.
This Microwave Peanut Brittle is wonderful to sit out for snacking on the holidays, but it also makes wonderful Christmas gifts when placed in decorative bags or containers.
What Nuts Can be Used
My personal favorite is the salted peanut. There is just something fantastic about mixing salty and sweet together that is really delicious.
However, if you don’t like peanuts, you could also use salted pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans. Use your favorite and it will be delicious!
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Add the peanuts and butter. Mix quickly, return to the microwave and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns a golden caramel color.
- Add the baking soda and vanilla. Mix well. It will begin to foam up.
- Pour the mixture onto a large baking tray that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Spread the mixture as evenly as possible.
- Allow it to cool completely. Break up the peanut brittle into pieces.
- Store in an air tight container.
Nutrition
Not only did I make Microwave Peanut Brittle, but I also made Ritz with Peanut Butter that were dipped in dark chocolate, as well as these Butterscotch Peanut Butter Haystacks that are a family favorite.
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