Making homemade candy doesn’t have to be complicated! This Microwave Peanut Brittle is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and no candy thermometer needed (though it’s helpful), you can whip up this sweet, crunchy treat right in your microwave. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack or looking for a last-minute homemade gift, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

One of the best parts about this peanut brittle recipe is its versatility. You can use honey-roasted peanuts for an extra layer of sweetness, or switch things up with Spanish peanuts, cocktail peanuts, or any nuts you prefer. Plus, with a quick chill in the fridge, it’s ready to enjoy or package up in no time!

If you’ve ever been intimidated by making candy, this recipe will be your new best friend. It’s easy, foolproof, and perfect for beginner candy makers. So grab your microwave-safe bowl and let’s get started!

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Quick & Easy: No stovetop or fancy equipment needed—just your microwave and a large bowl.

Customizable: Use your favorite nuts or experiment with fun mix-ins like shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips.

Perfect for Gifting: This brittle makes a delightful homemade gift that’s simple to prepare but looks impressive.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 ½ cups honey roasted peanuts (you can use Spanish, cocktails, or any nuts of your liking)
2 tablespoons salted butter (you can use unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon baking soda.

How to Make Microwavable Peanut Brittle

Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or grease well. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl, I used an 8 cups measuring cup, pour the granulated sugar and the light corn syrup. Mix together.
Cook in the microwave on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will boil and rise. It is important you have a bowl big enough so it doesn’t overflow.
Add the peanuts. Mix well.
Place back in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. You will see the color changing, getting more caramel color.
Add the butter and vanilla. Cook on high for 2 minutes.

Add the baking soda. The mixture will get foamy.
Pour onto your silicone mat/greased cookie sheet and spread evenly with a greased rubber spatula.

Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Tricks

Use the Right Bowl: A large, microwave-safe bowl is essential to prevent the mixture from overflowing as it boils.
Work Quickly: Once the mixture reaches 300°F, pour it onto your prepared baking sheet immediately to avoid it hardening in the bowl.
Line Your Baking Sheet: A silicone mat or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the brittle doesn’t stick.
Adjust for Your Microwave: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave—keep an eye on the color and texture.
Chill for Faster Results: If you’re in a hurry, pop the cooled brittle into the fridge to set it faster.

FAQs

Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, you may want to add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Not necessarily! While a candy thermometer ensures precision, you can also rely on the color and texture of the mixture—it should turn a golden caramel hue when ready.

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For a firmer texture, you can keep it in the fridge.

Yes! Almonds, cashews, or even a mixed nut blend work beautifully in this recipe.

Can You Make This Recipe On The Stove

Yes, you can absolutely make this Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe on the stove if you prefer the traditional method! Here’s how to adapt the recipe for stovetop preparation:

Mix Sugar and Syrup: Combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.

Add Peanuts and Butter: Once the mixture begins to boil, stir in the peanuts and butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This will give the brittle its signature crunch.

Add Baking Soda: Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly—that’s normal and helps create the airy texture.

Pour and Cool: Immediately pour the mixture onto a prepared cookie sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread it out evenly with a spatula and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Name: Microwave Peanut Brittle
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light corn syrup; 1 cup honey roasted peanuts (you can use spanish, cocktails or any nuts of your liking); 1 tablespoons salted butter (you can use unsalted butter); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Microwave Peanut Brittle is the easiest peanut brittle to make! All you need is a few basic ingredients and a microwave and you will have the most delicious peanut brittle.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 cup honey roasted peanuts (you can use spanish, cocktails or any nuts of your liking)
1 tablespoons salted butter (you can use unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or grease well. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl, I used an 8 cups measuring cup, pour the granulated sugar and the light corn syrup. Mix together.
Cook in the microwave on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will boil and rise. It is important you have a bowl big enough so it doesn’t overflow.
Add the peanuts. Mix well.
Place back in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. You will see the color changing, getting more caramel color.
Add the butter and vanilla. Cook on high for 2 minutes.
Add the baking soda. The mixture will get foamy.
Pour onto your silicone mat/greased cookie sheet and spread evenly with a greased rubber spatula.
Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 264Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 213mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 36gProtein: 5g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Microwave Peanut Brittle