Peanut Brittle (Microwave)

Making peanut brittle is a time-honored tradition that brings comfort, joy, and a touch of nostalgia to any kitchen. Recently, I stumbled upon a microwave version of this classic treat, and I must say, it has completely transformed my perception of this sweet snack. What I initially thought would be a lengthy and complicated process turned out to be a quick, easy, and thoroughly satisfying kitchen adventure. In just a few minutes, I had a delicious, crunchy peanut brittle that was a hit with my family. The microwave version cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing the flavor and texture that makes peanut brittle so irresistible.

I made this peanut brittle during the holidays as a quick treat, and everyone loved it! The kids were especially thrilled with the fact that it didn’t take long to make, and the adults were impressed with how rich and flavorful the brittle turned out. This microwave peanut brittle has become a regular recipe in our house, not just for the holidays, but whenever we’re craving something sweet and crunchy.

Why You’ll Love This Microwave Peanut Brittle

This microwave peanut brittle is everything you love about traditional peanut brittle but without the hassle of stovetop cooking or long wait times. The best part? It’s done in mere minutes! The recipe is simple, and the microwave does all the hard work for you, ensuring a perfectly cooked brittle every time.

This microwave version doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture either. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and deliciously sweet snack that’s perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends. The combination of roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar is classic, and the addition of a pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully. It’s the ultimate treat for those who enjoy a homemade candy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by making candy at home, this microwave peanut brittle recipe is a game changer. Not only is it fast and easy, but the ingredients are basic, meaning you probably already have them in your pantry. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet, and you’re good to go!

Ingredients

For this simple microwave peanut brittle recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup salted peanuts (you can also use unsalted if preferred)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted peanuts)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

These ingredients come together effortlessly, and once they’re mixed, the microwave will do the rest. You don’t need any fancy tools, just basic kitchen essentials!

Instructions

Making microwave peanut brittle is as simple as it gets. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Microwave-Safe Dish: Start by greasing a microwave-safe bowl with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Sugar, Syrup, and Salt: In the greased bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.
3. Microwave the Mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even melting of the sugar and syrup.
4. Add Butter and Peanuts: After the initial 4 minutes, add the butter and peanuts to the bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Continue Cooking: Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook for an additional 2 minutes on high. Keep an eye on it as you don’t want it to overcook.
6. Stir in Vanilla and Baking Soda: After the final 2 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
7. Pour onto Baking Sheet: Quickly pour the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread it out as evenly as possible. Be sure to do this step quickly before the brittle starts to set.
8. Let It Cool and Harden: Allow the brittle to cool for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings of peanut brittle, with each serving containing about:

• Calories: 190 per serving
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 4g

These nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the size of the servings.

Preparation Time

• Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 minutes
• Cool Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

It’s incredibly quick to make, and the cooling time is the only part that takes a little longer. The result is totally worth the wait!

How to Serve

Microwave peanut brittle is perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• As a snack: Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.
• Gift it: Package pieces of peanut brittle in decorative tins or bags and give them as gifts during the holidays or as a special surprise.
• As a dessert topping: Break it into small pieces and sprinkle it over ice cream, yogurt, or even cupcakes for a crunchy topping.
• Party treat: Place it in a bowl on a snack table at a holiday gathering, birthday party, or other special occasion.
• With a cup of coffee: Peanut brittle pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect snack for relaxing moments.

Additional Tips

1. Be Careful with the Microwave: Microwaves can vary in power, so make sure to watch your brittle closely to avoid overcooking or burning the mixture.
2. Use a Candy Thermometer: If you’re worried about achieving the perfect texture, you can use a candy thermometer to check that the temperature reaches around 300°F (hard crack stage).
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When spreading the mixture on the baking sheet, make sure it’s in a single layer so the brittle hardens evenly.
4. Try Different Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans in place of peanuts for a unique flavor twist.
5. Store Properly: Store the cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use raw peanuts for this recipe? Yes, raw peanuts will work, but roasted peanuts give the brittle a deeper flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe without corn syrup? Corn syrup helps prevent the brittle from crystallizing. If you don’t have it, try substituting with honey or maple syrup, though the texture may vary slightly.

3. What should I do if my brittle doesn’t harden? If your brittle doesn’t harden properly, it may not have reached the right temperature. You can try reheating it in the microwave and adding a little more baking soda to help it set.

4. How long will the peanut brittle last? Stored in an airtight container, it will last for about two weeks.

5. Can I add chocolate to the brittle? Yes, you can melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brittle for an extra indulgent treat.

6. How do I know when the brittle is done? The mixture should be golden brown, and when a small drop is placed in cold water, it should harden immediately.

7. Is it okay to use unsalted peanuts? Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts, but make sure to add a little more salt to balance the sweetness.

8. Can I use a different kind of sugar? You can use brown sugar for a different flavor, but it will give the brittle a richer, darker color.

9. Can I make this recipe without baking soda? While you can make it without baking soda, the brittle will be less airy and slightly harder.

10. Is there a vegan version of this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free version like margarine or coconut oil.

Conclusion

Microwave peanut brittle is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving a quick, delicious, and homemade candy. This recipe simplifies the classic treat without sacrificing the flavor or texture that makes peanut brittle so enjoyable. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you need a sweet snack, this microwave version has you covered. Quick, easy, and irresistibly tasty—what more could you ask for?

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