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- Let me share my shortcut to perfect peanut brittle using just your microwave! I stumbled on this recipe during one busy holiday season and it's been my go-to ever since. No candy thermometer needed just 20 minutes and you've got crispy buttery brittle that tastes just like Grandma's. Trust me this recipe is magic especially when you need quick homemade gifts.
Why This Recipe Works
- This isn't just any peanut brittle it's the easiest version you'll ever make. I love that everything happens in the microwave no standing over a hot stove stirring forever. Plus it uses simple ingredients you probably have right now. Every time I make this people can't believe it wasn't made the traditional way. It's perfect when you need something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Grab These Ingredients
- Peanuts: Get roasted and salted ones they add the best flavor.
- Regular Sugar: Plain white sugar works perfectly here.
- Real Butter: No substitutes it makes everything better!
- Corn Syrup: This keeps our brittle smooth and perfect.
- Baking Soda: The secret to light crispy texture.
- Vanilla: Just a splash makes it extra special.
Let's Make Magic
- First Steps
- Grab your biggest microwave safe bowl trust me it needs room to bubble! Mix your sugar and corn syrup they should look like wet sand. Pop it in for 4 minutes your kitchen's about to smell amazing.
- Add Those Peanuts
- Now throw in your peanuts give it a good stir. Back in the microwave for about 3 minutes. You're looking for a light brown color like honey. The peanuts should smell toasty but not burnt.
- Butter Time
- Add your butter and vanilla watch it sizzle! One more minute in the microwave. The mixture should be bubbling like crazy now that's what we want.
- The Magic Moment
- Here's where it gets fun! Sprinkle in that baking soda and stir like mad. It'll puff up and turn lighter that's exactly what you want. Work quick it starts setting fast!
- The Final Touch
- Pour it all onto your buttered baking sheet spread it thin. Don't touch it's super hot! Now comes the hard part waiting for it to cool and harden.
My Best Tips
- After making this hundreds of times here's what I've learned. Watch that color like a hawk it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Have everything ready before you start once that baking soda goes in you need to move fast! Line your pan with parchment or butter it really well cleanup will be so much easier. And if your brittle isn't getting crispy it probably needs to cook a bit longer next time. Every microwave's different so you might need to adjust your times slightly.
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Storage Secrets
- Here's the best part this brittle keeps for weeks! Store it in an airtight container somewhere cool and dry. Layer it between wax paper so the pieces don't stick together. Making it for gifts? Get some pretty holiday tins or cellophane bags add a nice ribbon and you've got the perfect homemade present. I always make extra because it disappears fast!
Perfect Every Time
- This microwave peanut brittle is my holiday season secret weapon. It's so quick and easy you can whip up a batch whenever you need something special. Perfect with coffee amazing on ice cream and absolutely irresistible on its own. Once you try making brittle this way you'll never go back to the stovetop method!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why add baking soda?
Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles that make brittle lighter and easier to break.
- → Can I use different nuts?
Yes, hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds work well as substitutes.
- → Why won't my brittle harden?
Mixture must reach proper temperature. If too low, brittle stays soft or chewy.
- → How long does it keep?
Up to 6 weeks in airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
- → Why work quickly after baking soda?
Mixture starts hardening immediately, must spread before it sets.