Quick Crispy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

What makes this the best microwave peanut brittle recipe?

Extra peanuts — the crunchy nuts are the highlight of any peanut brittle.
Roasted, salted peanuts — a touch of salt balances the candy’s sweetness.
Added flavor: vanilla, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg deepen the flavor and make the brittle more complex and satisfying.

How to make peanut brittle

Peanut brittle and other nut brittles are made by cooking a simple sugar syrup until it reaches a golden color, then quickly adding baking soda. The baking soda reacts with the hot syrup to form tiny bubbles that give the candy its characteristic airy, brittle texture. If you start with raw nuts, add them while the syrup cooks so they toast in the mixture; roasted nuts can be folded in at the end. Butter improves the flavor and mouthfeel, while vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warmth and depth.

Assemble ingredients and equipment

This microwave peanut brittle is quick, and you’ll need to work fast once the syrup is ready. Measure and arrange everything before you start so you won’t be scrambling while the sugar is hot.

Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by spraying it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with a silicone mat. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with the spices. Measure the sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and peanuts and set them nearby.

Recommended equipment:

Microwave-safe mixing bowl or large glass measuring cup
Heatproof silicone spatula
Rimmed baking sheet or silicone mat
Optional: heatproof food-safe gloves for pressing the candy

Combine sugar and corn syrup

Place granulated sugar and light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Stir until the mixture is smooth; it may feel stiff at first but will come together as you mix. Use a sturdy spatula because the mixture will become hot.

Microwave the sugar mixture

Microwave the sugar and corn syrup on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and stir; the syrup will be hot and bubbly but still clear. Return it to the microwave and continue cooking in 1-minute increments until the syrup reaches a medium golden color. Depending on your microwave, this second phase usually takes 3 to 5 minutes total. Watch it closely — sugar can scorch quickly.

Add the baking soda, flavorings, and peanuts

Remove the hot syrup from the microwave and, working quickly, stir in the butter and vanilla, then add the baking soda and spice mixture. The mixture will foam and expand — that’s how the brittle gains its light, crisp texture.

Use 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda depending on how airy you want the brittle to be. I typically use 1 teaspoon; more will increase the foam but can leave a noticeable baking-soda taste if overused.

Stir in the roasted salted peanuts just until they are evenly coated. If you use unsalted peanuts, add 1/4 teaspoon table salt to the baking soda/spice mixture so the final candy has a balanced flavor.

Spread the peanut brittle mixture on a baking sheet

Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared rimmed baking sheet. Quickly use a heatproof spatula sprayed lightly with cooking spray to press and spread the candy to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the candy is sticky, a light mist of cooking spray on the spatula helps. If you prefer, you can shape or stretch the candy using heatproof gloves.

Let cool and break into pieces

Allow the brittle to cool completely, about an hour, before breaking it into pieces. Store cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.

This quick microwave peanut brittle is a favorite for the holidays. Package it in small boxes or bags with a few chocolates and give it as an easy, homemade gift. It’s simple to make and stores well, so you can prepare several batches in a short time.

Ingredients

1 level teaspoon baking soda (see notes)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts (or unsalted + 1/4 teaspoon table salt)

Equipment

Microwave-safe glass bowl or large measuring cup
Heatproof silicone spatula
Rimmed baking sheet or silicone mat
Small bowl for mixing baking soda and spices
Optional: heatproof food-safe gloves

Instructions

Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Pour the sugar and corn syrup into a large microwave-safe glass bowl and stir until blended.
Microwave the sugar mixture on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Carefully remove and stir. Return to the microwave and cook 3–5 more minutes, checking every minute, until the syrup is medium golden. Sugar can scorch quickly, so watch closely.
Remove the bowl from the microwave. Working quickly, add the vanilla, butter, and the baking soda/spice mixture and stir. The mixture will foam and become airy.
Add the peanuts and stir just enough to coat and distribute them.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a lightly sprayed spatula to spread it to about 1/4 inch thick, or shape it with heatproof gloves.
Allow to cool completely, about 1 hour, then break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Notes

You can use 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda. More creates a lighter texture but may leave a detectable baking soda flavor if overused.
If substituting unsalted peanuts, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the baking soda/spice mixture to balance the flavor.

Nutrition (per piece, 1/24 recipe)

Calories: 58 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 61 mg

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