How to Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave

Peanut Brittle is a wonderful family favorite that everyone can enjoy. If you are looking for an easy to make treat, peanut brittle can be a choice for you. Many people think that making peanut brittle is hard and time consuming, but it really isn’t when you get down to the basics. First of all with any candy making, you should already have your ingredients measured out and ready to use. You should also have your pan or dish prepared where the candy will set to dry or cool. You can make peanut brittle using the microwave to speed up the process also. All of the recipes that I use are microwave recipes.

Peanut Brittle

You will need to measure out the following list, so you have it ready to add when necessary.

1 ½ cups of dry roasted peanuts

1 cup of sugar

½ cup of light corn syrup

1 pinch of salt

1 Tbsp of butter

1 tsp of vanilla

1 tsp of baking soda

Once you have measured out all of the ingredients, you should prepare a baking sheet by greasing it and then set it aside. You will need a glass bowl that is big enough to hold all the ingredients. In the bowl combine the peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Mix them together well and then microwave it for 6 to 7 minutes on High. The mixture is ready to be pulled out of the microwave when it is bubbly and the peanuts are browned. You will then need to stir in the butter and vanilla. Then cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Pull the mixture out again and quickly stir in the baking soda until the mixture is foamy. Stop stirring immediately and pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes and make sure it is set. You will then need to break it into pieces and store in an airtight container. This recipe makes 1 pound of peanut brittle.

If you would like a recipe that isn’t just the normal peanut brittle, I suggest trying one the following three recipes. If you want a variety, I’d try all of them. Each is unique, but excellent.

Spicy Peanut Brittle

As I mentioned with the first recipe, always measure all ingredients first! Then prepare your pans.

1 ¼ cups of salted dry roasted peanuts

1 ½ tsp of hot pepper sauce

¼ tsp of allspice

1 cup of sugar

½ cup of light corn syrup

1 tsp of butter

1 ½ tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of vanilla

Next you will need to prepare a large baking pan and a metal spatula with nonstick cooking spray. Set both aside. In a small bowl coat the peanuts with hot pepper sauce and the allspice. Make sure they are evenly coated. Set them to the side. In a 2 quart glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup and microwave for 4 minutes on high. Stir the mixture and then add the peanut mixture. Stir until it is all well blended. Microwave on high for another 4 to 5 minutes longer until the mixture turns light amber in color. Take out of the microwave and then stir in the butter. Microwave another 45 seconds and remove from the microwave. Quickly stir in your baking soda and vanilla just until the mixture foams. Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using the prepared spatula spread the brittle as thin as possible. Let the brittle cool and set. When it is set, break into pieces. This recipe makes approximately 1 pound.

Cinnamon Peanut Brittle

Pre-measure all of the following ingredients.

1 cup of sugar

½ cup of light corn syrup

2 cups of salted peanuts

1 tsp of butter

½ tsp of cinnamon

1 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of vanilla

Prepare a baking sheet and a metal spatula with nonstick cooking spray. In a 2 quart or larger glass bowl combine the sugar and corn syrup. Heat in the microwave on high for 4 minutes and stir. Heat an additional 3 minutes and then stir in the peanuts, butter, and cinnamon. Microwave for another 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture turns a light amber color. Immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla. Stir just until foamy and then immediately pour onto your greased baking sheet and spread with the greased spatula. Let set until firm and then break into pieces. Store it in an airtight container. This recipe makes 1 ¼ pounds.

Spicy Cinnamon Peanut Brittle

Measure the following ingredients.

1 cup of sugar

½ cup of light corn syrup

1 cup of dry roasted peanuts

½ tsp of ground cinnamon

¼ tsp of cayenne pepper

1 tsp of butter

1 tsp of baking soda

Prepare a baking sheet and spatula with non stick cooking spray. Set them aside. In a glass bowl, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, peanut, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, until they are blended well. Microwave the mixture for 6 minutes on high. Slowly stir in the butter and microwave again for 30 seconds. Stir in the baking soda just until the mixture becomes foamy. Stop and immediately place the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the brittle to cool and then break into pieces. This recipe makes 2 pounds.

As you can see there are many varieties to the original peanut brittle. You can experiment and find more ways to make and alter the original recipe to fit your tastes. All of these are sure to be a family favorite. Make a batch and enjoy!