Quick Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe – Ready in Minutes

Craving something sweet and crunchy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Try this quick and delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle.

Yes — you can make golden, crunchy peanut brittle in the microwave. No candy thermometer, no stovetop, and very little fuss. The result is a classic brittle with that irresistible snap.

This microwave method simplifies candy-making so almost anyone can do it. It’s safe for helpers as long as they stay away from the hot sugar, and it uses pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and dry roasted peanuts.

With minimal prep and only minutes of microwave time, you’ll have a batch ready for snacking, gifting, or adding to a dessert board.

1. Quick and Easy: The microwave cooks the sugar mixture in minutes without a candy thermometer or stovetop monitoring.
2. Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry items most people already have on hand.
3. Perfect Texture: Baking soda aerates the hot sugar, producing tiny bubbles that create the brittle’s light, crisp texture.

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Dry roasted unsalted peanuts
• Fine sea salt
• Salted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda

1. Line a sheet tray with foil or a greased silicone mat. Spray generously with cooking spray and set aside. Lightly spray a wooden spoon.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave 4 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
3. Immediately stir in the peanuts and salt, then microwave for 3 more minutes.
4. Add the butter, stir to combine, and microwave 2 minutes.
5. Working quickly, stir in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam, so use a large bowl and be cautious.
6. Stir just until combined and pour the hot mixture onto the prepared tray.
7. Spread in a thin, even layer and let cool at room temperature until completely hardened, about 30–60 minutes.
8. Break into pieces and serve.

WHY USE BAKING SODA?

Baking soda reacts with the hot sugar to create tiny air bubbles, which make the brittle light and crisp. Skip it and the candy will be much denser and harder to bite.

WHAT KIND OF PEANUTS WORK BEST?

Dry roasted unsalted peanuts are recommended for the best flavor and control over saltiness. You can substitute raw, Spanish, or cocktail peanuts—just adjust added salt if your nuts are salted.

SUGGESTED ADDITIONS

This brittle is a great canvas for variations. Try one of these to change the flavor or texture:

• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled brittle.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Mix in chopped almonds or other nuts for more crunch.
• Add coconut flakes or dried fruit for a twist.
• Stir in spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
• Toss in pretzel pieces or butterscotch chips before it sets.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Here are simple swaps if needed:

• Use light brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or pecans.
• Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of sea salt if you prefer lower-sodium butter.
• Try almond extract in place of vanilla for a different aroma.

Room temperature: Store completely cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to six weeks.

Freezer: You can freeze brittle in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and avoid opening while still cold to prevent condensation and stickiness.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

• Work quickly—measure and have all ingredients ready before you microwave.
• Use a large microwave‑safe bowl to allow for foaming and avoid overflow.
• Grease utensils with cooking spray so the hot sugar doesn’t stick.
• Use oven mitts; the bowl and mixture get extremely hot.
• Adjust times for your microwave wattage—this recipe is based on a 1000W microwave.
• If you don’t have foil, a greased silicone mat or parchment paper will work on the sheet tray.

Microwave Peanut Brittle is an easy, fun way to enjoy a timeless candy without the usual fuss. It’s ideal for holiday treats, quick gifts, or whenever you want a crunchy sweet. Be warned: it disappears fast!

Happy microwaving!

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

• Best Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe
• Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
• Easy Graham Cracker Toffee with Heath Bits
• Buttercream Candies
• Salted Caramels Recipe
• Honeycomb Toffee Recipe

If you try this Microwave Peanut Brittle, share how it turned out in the comments. Follow on social channels listed on the site for more recipes and tips.

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

Author Dana DeVolk

Prep: 2 mins

Cook: 9 mins

Wait Time 1 hr

Have you ever had a sudden craving for something sweet and crunchy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, I’ve got just the treat for you: Microwave Peanut Brittle!

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 ½ cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

Instructions

• Cover a sheet tray with foil or a greased silicone mat. Spray generously with cooking spray and set aside. Spray a wooden spoon with cooking spray.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave 4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Quickly add the peanuts and salt, stir to combine, and microwave 3 minutes.
• Add the butter, stir, and microwave 2 minutes.
• Working fast, stir in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam—use caution and a large bowl.
• Stir until just combined and immediately pour onto the prepared tray.
• Spread into a thin, even layer and allow to cool completely, about 30–60 minutes.
• Break into pieces and serve.

Notes

• Have ingredients measured and ready—this sets quickly.
• Use a large, heatproof bowl to allow for foaming and prevent spills.
• Grease utensils to avoid sticking and wear oven mitts when handling hot items.
• Adjust microwave times for higher-wattage ovens; recipe is based on 1000W.
• Line the tray with a greased silicone mat or parchment if you prefer not to use foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 20g

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Pair this brittle with candied grapes or other treats for a mixed sweet and crunchy board.