Microwave Peanut Brittle

Published December 10, 2018. Updated December 20, 2020

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The easiest Peanut Brittle recipe you’ll ever make! This version is made in the microwave and it’s practically foolproof. It’s made with basic ingredients and everyone is sure to love it! It has a perfectly crips texture and an irresistible nutty, caramel-like flavor.

Close up image of stake of peanut brittle showing texture.

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to make this Microwave Peanut Brittle. Not only that but it has the perfect texture and it tastes delicious! No one will even know you made it in the microwave.

It will make a perfect last minute gift for that friend or neighbor on you list, or for yourself of course :)!

If you like your peanut brittle to have more of the meltaway effect, I like to spread as little as possible so it’s light and crisp. If you like it more of the traditional way just spread it out thin. Either way you are going to love this!

Merry Christmas week everyone!

Ingredients for Peanut Brittle

  • Granulated sugar
  • Light corn syrup
  • Salted peanuts (unsalted works too just wait to add 1/4 tsp salt at the end with baking soda)
  • Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Baking soda

Whisking sugar and corn syrup in a bowl.

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

For directions visit allrecipes.com.

Stirring peanuts into mixture in mixing bowl.

Adding butter and vanilla mixture in mixing bowl.

  • Cook times may vary slightly depending on microwave wattage. Watch for a golden brown color near the end.
  • Reviewers have mentioned trouble with this recipe in recent years. I believe this is due to microwaves being made with higher wattages.
  • Newer higher wattage microwave should have 30 seconds cut from each cook time.
  • Note that the less you spread the lighter the brittle will be, or more air bubbles it will have, so if you prefer it like so then do as little spreading as possible. If you prefer it flatter then spread it out thin.

Adding baking soda to mixture in mixing bowl.

Spreading finished peanut brittle mixture onto baking sheet.

Breaking peanut brittle into pieces after cooling.

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4.55 from 33 votes

Microwave Peanut Brittle

The easiest Peanut Brittle recipe you'll ever make! This version is made in the microwave and it's practically foolproof. It's made with basic ingredients and everyone is sure to love it! It has a perfectly crips texture and an irresistible nutty, caramel-like flavor.
Servings: 20
Prep10 minutes
Cook9 minutes
Ready in: 19 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

  • Cook times may vary slightly depending on microwave wattage. Watch for a golden brown color near the end.
  • Reviewers have mentioned trouble with this recipe in recent years. I believe this is due to microwaves being made with higher wattages.
  • Newer higher wattage microwave should have 30 seconds cut from each cook time.
  • Note that the less you spread the lighter the brittle will be, or more air bubbles it will have, so if you prefer it like so then do as little spreading as possible. If you prefer it flatter then spread it out thin.
Nutrition Facts
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Amount Per Serving
Calories 111 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 102mg4%
Potassium 48mg1%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Calcium 5mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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143 Comments

  • Melinda

    I made 4 batches and they all tasted burnt. It was terrible. Do you know what happened?

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Sorry to hear that! Did you ever try cooking for less time? You may want to try lowering the power of the microwave because maybe it cooks hot. I’d maybe try cooking at 70% if that’s on option on your microwave.

  • Margaret

    I’m frustrated. My brittle is far from brittle. I’m not sure why. I followed these directions carefully. I don’t know if I can reheat this gummy mixture back up, after the baking soda has been added. Should I try? The texture is gummy and stretchy!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Sorry that happened! Are you sure everything was properly measured and no ingredient was accidentally skipped? Then it could just be the microwave wattage if it generally cooks low then you’d probably want more time.

  • Jeni M.

    Love this recipe. I did modify for 1000 watt microwave. I found conversion chart for microwave watt online and that gave good info. We use Spanish peanuts and they work well. Tons of compliments!

  • Cherie

    I loved it. I didn’t have peanuts so I used cashew pieces. The nuts are softer. It was good to know to tilt or shake the pan to spread out the brittle to make it thinner. easier on the teeth. Great recepie.

  • Cindy

    Mine was burned. Be careful of cooking temp on your microwave. Will lower cooking time and try again.?

  • K-Linn

    IV tried quitea few receipts, but this is like the one I’ve been using for the past 15 yr.s; by far, the fastest-easiest-best tasting brittle. (Once u get to know the microwave wattage ur using and adjust time adoringly-BAM! Brittle in 10 min.s!

    Experiment**Use different combination add-ins: coconut, pretzels, dried fruits, even crushed candies: peppermint s, caramel and (careful) bark.

    Tip** I try not to stop too many times while cooking. (Cools quickly)
    Combine steps but vanilla and soda MUST GO LAST. I also add a little more Butter and soda for lighter, tastier crunch.

  • ANN HALE

    It tasted overcooked, perhaps because my microwave is 1100 watts.

    I will try it again, lowering cooking times by a minute or so during each step. If someone else has adjusted their cooking time, I would appreciate any hints.

    I used a silpat mat instead of butter/pam on the cookie sheet and it worked perfectly.

    • Lisa

      I made this same recipe like this – 3 minutes for the sugar – add the peanuts and do another three, add the butter/vanilla and do 1 minute 15 sec and it worked like a charm! I have a 1000w Jenn Air microwave.

      • Carolyn

        I followed this modification and WOW, perfect brittle in minutes. Light brown, not burned. Awesome recipe.