Quick Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

A Sweet Memory

I made my first batch of peanut brittle with my grandpa. We stood in his warm kitchen. He told me the secret was in the bubbles.

I was so nervous it would burn. But it came out perfectly. I still laugh at how proud I felt. That was over fifty years ago.

Why We Make It

This recipe is more than a treat. It is a little piece of magic. You turn simple things into something amazing.

That is why this matters. It shows you can create joy. It builds your confidence. What is a food that makes you feel proud?

The Magic in Your Microwave

You start with just sugar and corn syrup. It looks like nothing special. Then you heat it up. The microwave does the hard work for you.

You add the peanuts and butter. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Fun fact: The baking soda makes it foam up. This creates tiny air bubbles. That is what makes the brittle light and easy to bite.

A Little Kitchen Lesson

When you add the baking soda, stir fast. But do not stir too much. You want to keep all those wonderful bubbles.

This is why this matters. It teaches us patience. Some things are fragile and need a gentle touch. Do you prefer crunchy or chewy sweets?

Sharing Your Creation

Let the brittle cool completely. Then comes the fun part. You get to break it into pieces. I love the sound it makes.

Put it in a pretty jar. Give some to a friend. Seeing their smile is the best part. Who would you share a homemade treat with?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Sugar	1 cup
Light corn syrup	1/2 cup
Raw peanuts	1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	1 1/2 teaspoons

My Quick & Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle

I love making candy with my grandkids. It feels like kitchen magic. This peanut brittle is our favorite. It is so fast and you don’t need a candy thermometer. Just your microwave and a big bowl. I still laugh at that first time we made it. We were so surprised it worked!

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup raw peanuts
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Step 1: First, grab a baking sheet. Line it with foil and give it a quick spray. This keeps our brittle from sticking. Set it aside so it’s ready for our hot candy. A hard-learned tip: use a big sheet. The brittle spreads out fast.

Step 2: Now, get a big glass bowl. It must be microwave-safe. Pour in the sugar and corn syrup. Stir them together until they look like a cloudy mess. That’s perfect. It will all clear up soon. My grandson always asks why it looks so weird. I tell him to just wait!

Step 3: Put the bowl in the microwave. Cook it for four minutes. It will be very hot and bubbly. Carefully stir in the butter and peanuts. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The peanuts will toast in the hot sugar. This gives them such a nice, nutty flavor.

Step 4: Back into the microwave it goes. Cook it for another three to five minutes. Watch for a light caramel color. That’s how you know it’s ready. The hard crack stage sounds fancy, but we just watch the color. What’s your favorite part of making candy? Share below!

Step 5: This is the magic step! Take the bowl out. Quickly add the vanilla and baking soda. Stir it fast. It will puff up like a science experiment! This makes the brittle light and easy to break. (Don’t stir too much or you’ll lose the bubbles). Pour it onto your prepared pan right away.

Step 6: Use a sprayed spatula to spread the candy. Try to make an even layer. Then, the hardest part begins. You have to let it cool completely. Don’t touch it! Once it’s hard, you can break it into fun, jagged pieces. I love the sound it makes when it cracks.

Recipe Details

• Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 1 pound
• Category: Dessert, Candy

Fun Twists on Our Classic Brittle

Once you know the basic recipe, you can get creative. I love changing it up for the holidays. It makes a wonderful homemade gift. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. They are all so simple and delicious.

• Salty-Sweet Pretzel Brittle: Swap half the peanuts for tiny pretzel pieces. The salty crunch is wonderful.
• Festive Christmas Brittle: Use red and green M&M’s. Press them into the top right after you pour it.
• Spicy Kick Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the baking soda. It gives you a fun, warm surprise.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sweet & Salty Treat

This brittle is perfect all on its own. I keep a jar on my counter for guests. But it’s also wonderful with other things. For a real treat, crumble it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The hot-cold, creamy-crunchy mix is pure joy.

It also looks lovely on a dessert plate with a few apple slices. For a drink, I love a cold glass of milk. It cuts the sweetness just right. My husband prefers a cup of strong black coffee with his piece. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Peanut Brittle Perfect

Let’s talk about storing your delicious brittle. Always keep it in an airtight container. It loves a cool, dry spot like your pantry.

Do not put it in the fridge. The moisture will make it soft and sticky. I learned this the hard way with my first batch.

I was so proud of that candy. I put it in the fridge to keep it safe. It turned into a sticky mess by morning.

Storing it right means it stays crunchy for weeks. This matters because you can make a big batch ahead. You will always have a sweet treat ready for guests.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Brittle Troubles

Is your brittle too soft or chewy? This means it did not get hot enough. Use a candy thermometer next time for perfect results.

I remember when my brittle was always too hard. I cooked the sugar for too long. Getting the temperature right makes all the difference.

Does the brittle stick to your teeth? You might have stirred it after adding the baking soda. Stir just until it is mixed, then stop.

Why does this matter? Fixing these small issues builds your confidence. You will feel like a real candy maker. Your treats will also taste much better.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Peanut Brittle Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. It is a safe treat for friends with allergies.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Make it up to two weeks before you need it. Just store it in that airtight container.

Q: What if I do not have corn syrup?
A: You can use honey instead. The flavor will be a little different but still wonderful.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: I do not recommend it for the microwave. Make separate batches for the best results.

Q: Any optional add-ins?
A: A pinch of sea salt on top is lovely. It makes the sweet flavor pop even more.

Fun fact: The baking soda is what makes the brittle light and full of tiny holes. It is a little bit of kitchen magic!

Which tip will you try first?

A Sweet Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this peanut brittle. It is one of my favorite recipes to share. The sound of cracking it is so happy.

I would be so thrilled to see your creations. Please share a picture of your beautiful candy. Let me know how your family liked it.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.