MiMi’s Microwave Peanut Brittle

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Sweet, crunchy peanut brittle is a classic candy that you can easily make at home. This updated recipe doesn’t involve a candy thermometer, just a microwave. Make some to see how easy it really is.

This is the easiest peanut brittle recipe you will ever make. It is made with basic ingredients, a big glass bowl and the microwave.

The resulting candy has the crisp texture and nutty finish you would expect. It would be a perfect addition to you Christmas candy menu, but don’t save it just for the holidays. It is delicious any time of the year.

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle

If you enjoy the sweet, caramelly crunch of peanut brittle you are not alone. It is a classic candy for a reason. But did you know you can make it in just a few minutes with a few ingredients in the microwave?

You don’t need a candy thermometer or any fancy equipment. So gather up the ingredients and lets make a batch!

Peanut brittle has always been one of our favorite Christmas candies.  MiMi says this recipe was in the book that came with their very first microwave back in the ’80s and it has been a staple ever since.

She never likes doing anything that requires a candy thermometer, so this is the perfect kind of candy recipe for her.  And I know she isn’t alone in thinking that having to hit an exact temperature is intimidating.

How It’s Made

Luckily it really doesn’t get any easier to make than this.  It starts by making a simple sugar syrup of sugar and corn syrup.

Once it is all hot and bubbly, you stir in the peanuts and let it cook a bit more.  It starts getting a little caramelized at this stage and the peanuts get toasty.

Stir in just a bit of butter and vanilla and cook it some more.  When it is golden and delicious, you stir in some baking soda.

Have you ever stirred baking soda into a hot sugar mixture like that?  We also do it when we make caramel corn.

It bubbles up big, so you want to make sure to have an oversized bowl.  But all of that air is what makes it crunchy but light instead of a solid sheet of lollipop textured break your teeth hardness.

So just be careful, as the hot bubbly sugar could definitely get your fingers or make a mess. But if you size your bowl correctly, it shouldn’t be a big deal at all.

Then just pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and let it cool.  Break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container to enjoy at your leisure.

You could also bag some up as gifts, people will think you went all out making them such a tasty treat!

Pro tip: If serving peanut brittle on a tray with other cookies and candies, be sure to add it at the last minute. Or if you are gifting the tray, wrap the peanut brittle separately. The moisture from other baked goods could cause the brittle to soften faster.

More Homemade Candy Recipes to Try

If you like brittles, you can also make a microwave pecan brittle. It has the same great texture and easy instructions.

For a chocolate and peanut treat, try making crockpot peanut clusters. This recipe features bits of toffee for something extra special.

If a chewier caramel is you thing, try making bear claw candies. They have soft caramel and cashews inside and chocolate on the outside.

Thanks for sharing!