Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

This is a great recipe, fast, fun, easy and delicious. The first time I made it I followed the cooking time exactly and it burned. Next time I cut the first cooking time to 3.5 minutes the second to 3 minutes and the last cooking time to 1 minute, and it turned out perfect. My microwave is 1000 watts. This has become a family favorite.

People rave about this, and it is so simple. To help with cleanup, soak the measuring cup or bowl in very hot soapy water. Easy! DO NOT spread the peanut brittle--just tip the cookie sheet back and forth. You do not want to break the "bubbles" made by the baking soda. That is what makes it "tender." The thinner the better, so I heat my cookie sheet in a warm oven so the candy spreads more quickly.

So I made this in 2021 and had an amazing experience, all 4 batches were good if not great. I did not make notes of which times I used for microwave. Went to make it again 2022 and I lost two batches completely, RIP ingredients. So future me: 1800 watt microwave. Mix sugars in 4c Pyrex and microwave 4:30 on full power. Add 1 cup roasted salted peanuts and half a tablespoon butter, mix, microwave once more on full power for 3:30. If you're on the fence for this recipe give it a try, the goodness of a successful brittle is worth any failures!

Oh my new addiction!! My first try and this came out perfect. First, let me say my microwave is not a high strength one, second using the 4cup glass measuring cup made it super easy! The trick is watching it turn golden stopping opening and restarting! Also, i used another tip found in comments, by instinct- i added a second tblspn of butter AND a heaping tablespoon of brown sugar- amazingly buttery and rich flavor. The trick to ease of spreading- don't. I did warm a flat short rimmed pan in a 250° oven, sprayed lightly then used spatula to spread out large drops of the bubbling fluid, then tipped pan to get it to spread. This was SOOO easy and using pecans tastes amazing. Perfectly light, crunchy doesnt stick to my teeth either!

This is the exact microwave peanut brittle recipe in my GE microwave cookbook from 41 years ago. Great recipe and easy to make. For those who have commented about the cook time given, that will depend on your microwave's wattage. When I got a new microwave oven with a higher wattage, I had to make several batches to get the cook time adjusted just right. This isn't a one size fits all approach if you follow cook time given and expect perfect results, since the wattage used for this is not given. I have probably made at least 60 pounds, maybe more, of this because it makes excellent teacher and coach gifts. After making this for years, I have learned to use non-stick foil to line the cookie sheet and a silicone spoon or spatula to stir the mixture, as well as a table knife to scrape off the spoon between cook times. My Pyrex 4-cup measure container with handle works better than trying to use a bowl with a handle. I have 3 of these to crank out batches assembly line style. And you will need to run very hot water in it as soon as you empty it. Use oven mitts to avoid burning your hands/fingers. After the last cook stage, stir in the baking soda very quickly because you want to pour out the mixture quickly so that it doesn't start to set up in the container. Grab the cookie sheets by the handles to tilt it to spread the mixture evenly. Don't attempt to break this into pieces until it has cooled completely. This has always gotten rave reviews by anyone who has tried it. I am not a baker by nature, but this is so easy.

My 1000 watt microwave burnt the batch. Backed the cooking time down by 30 seconds at each stage and it was much better. DON'T spread the brittle once you pour it in the pan. That breaks the bubbles.

After reading several reviews, both positive and negative, I decided to give this a try. To be on the safe side, I decreased the 3.5 minute microwave step to 3 minutes and the 1.5 minute microwave step to 1.0 minute. I also warmed the sheet pan to allow the final mixture to spread a little more easily (as noted by others). For my own preference, I made sure all the peanuts were split in half so there were more to go around. It all turned out wonderfully!

This peanut brittle recipe is great. Read the reviews. I added a tablespoon of butter like a few reviewers mentioned . I also melted the butter and added the vanilla to it like another reviewer suggested. Butter or spray everything with cooking spray. 4 cup glass measuring cup also was a great help. I've been making peanut brittle for 30+ years. I'll never go back to the stove.

I make my dad peanut brittle every year for Christmas and typically dread doing it. I followed another reviewers tips and it made for the perfect brittle! I might actually enjoy making it, now! ;) First round I microwaved for 3 1/2 minutes, second round 3 1/2 mins, last round 1 1/2 mins. It wasn't quite the color I wanted so I put it on for another minute and it was perfect. Add the baking powder, stir a few times, and quickly pour on your baking sheet. The baking soda continued to react while it was pouring on the sheet, and I tried to just tilt the sheet instead of spreading with a spatula, and it broke the foam but it settled quickly so the shine and smoothness wasn't broken and jagged. It is nice and crunchy and flaky, doesn't stick to your teeth. I was able to flatten it out a bit more once it started to cook a bit. 2 recipe addictions- Added a splash of almond extract to the vanilla and it tastes and smells delicious. Accidentally but unsalted peanuts like me? Just add a pinch of salt!

I’ve made this recipe for many years. This year, I added 1 cup toasted coconut to the mixture just before pouring it on the buttered sheet pan. It was divine.

worked perfectly just like thge recipe! I cheated and added 1 more tsp butter and a Tbls brown sugar, to reduce hardness. came out great!

It's great.

I note that a few of the reviewers complain that the recipe is at fault when they burn their brittle. That's not the recipe's problem; you've got to watch the mixture and when it caramelizes and turns a light golden brown, it's ready to remove from the microwave—NOW. My microwave only took a total of about 6 minutes. I also prefer to use raw peanuts in the mix. If you use the roasted, salted nuts, they're already cooked and are prone to overcook (burn).

Burnt badly. Think the ingredients ok but times are off. I do have a fairly high powered microwave.

Ok I made this recipe before and it came out great BUT IN A DIFFERENT MICROWAVE 5 YEARS AGO. I think microwaves have gotten stronger because followed to the letter and it burned

I like the ease this recipe. So much easier than standing over a pot stirring and watching a candy thermometer. I substituted Almond for peanut due to (family allergies).

Great recipe, just a small batch.

Love this recipe! Very similar to one I've used for years. Don't recommend doubling unless you're willing to mess with a candy thermometer. And keep in mind that humidity, temperature, etc can impact the end result. Just wish it had visual cues in the recipe.

What a perfect resilient! Made peanut,and another one with mixed nuts! Yummy! In no time at all! Love it and thank you so much,you made my day better!

Even my picky eater said it was good.