Microwave Peanut Brittle

Amethyst · December 20, 2025, 2:46pm

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Time: 15 minutes prep
Servings: 15 pieces

Ingredients:

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salted butter
1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

Directions:

Spray a small baking sheet generously with cooking spray, then set aside.

In a small bowl, add nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking soda, then set aside.

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda

In a large microwave-safe bowl, add granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Use a spatula to stir until combined. The mixture will be very sticky and difficult to stir near the end; this is okay.

Microwave sugar syrup mixture on HIGH for 4 minutes, then stir. Return bowl to microwave and heat for another 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture turns a light golden color. Be careful not to overheat; a dark brown hue means sugar has burned.

Remove bowl from microwave and quickly begin to add the following ingredients: vanilla, butter, prepared spices, and peanuts. Stir the mixture so that all ingredients are combined. Mixture will lighten and may rise or appear "fluffy.”

Spray the rim of the bowl with more cooking spray, then pour the brittle mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Working quickly, use a spatula or a spoon to smooth the peanut brittle out in a layer roughly the same thickness as peanuts.

Let the peanut brittle cool and harden for at least 1 hour. Once cooled and firm, use your hands to break the brittle into sizes of your choice (usually 2×2 inches in size)

Notes:

Because working with heated sugar can be tricky and temperamental, it is best to make this recipe only for the listed portion. Doubling this recipe is not recommended.

Even if you’ve covered everything with cooking spray, you’re bound to get some hard candy stuck to your bowls or utensils. If this happens, soak them in a mixture of hot water, dish soap, and white vinegar for one hour. The candy will either dissolve or easily break off under light pressure.

Because you’re using cooking spray, the finished candy may feel a little greasy. If it does, use a paper towel to lightly dab the candy to remove excess oil before storing it.

For easy cleanup, instead of pouring your peanut brittle onto a baking sheet, you can pour it onto parchment paper to harden. Once it is hardened, you can break it up and throw the parchment paper away.

Don’t forget the baking soda! This is what creates the air bubbles and gives the brittle texture to your candy.

As mentioned above, keep oven mitts or pot holders handy because the bowl you microwave in will become increasingly hot.

Nutritional Facts:

Recipe courtesy of Homemade Hooplah.com