No candy thermometer is required for this no hassle microwave peanut brittle candy recipe. And it takes only 10 minutes of hands-on time. It can’t get easier than this!
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My mother-in-law’s friend, Leo, makes the most addicting peanut brittles that I’ve ever had! It’s sweet and nutty, melt-in-your-mouth crunchy. I don’t know if that last part make any sense at all, but it basically means it’s not rock hard, or stick-to-your-teeth chewy that you’d pray not to lose a teeth while eating it.
No, nothing like that. Instead this peanut brittle has light and airy texture with the most satisfying crunch.
Every Christmas my MIL shares her bag of treats from Leo with me, because she knows how much I love them. Well, this past January she brought yet another bag full of amazing brittles for me and my mom.
My mom loved those brittles so much so she insisted me to call Leo for the recipe, and I obliged. Don’t know why it took me so long, but I’m so glad I did.
And today I’m going to show you how to make the easiest and most addicting candy ever. Ready?
As I said earlier, these are the easiest peanut brittles in the world! No exaggeration here, because 1. You don’t need candy thermometer. 2. No stirring sugar mixture over hot stovetop for a long time. 3. It only takes 10 minutes of hands on time, one bowl with a lid, a microwave, and handful of simple ingredients.
Here’re my tips and tricks for success:
- Prepare and measure out all the ingredients before starting. The process goes super quick and you want that margarin, that baking soda right now!
- Speaking of margarin. Yes, you do need margarin. And no, you can’t use butter, I tried it to no avail. (<- I got rock hard brittles!) I gave in and bought a package of margarin just for this recipe, but it’s so worth it.
- Microwave-safe bowl with a lid is essential. Leo stressed that the bowl has to have a lid, or you’ll risk burning the mixture.
- Baking soda is what makes the candy so airy and light. After mixing in soda, the mixture will foam up. Don’t be alarmed, because it’s a good thing. Don’t take too much time mixing though, just a few good stirs until the mixture is evenly foamed up and pour it on a buttered baking sheet. I use 2 forks to spread it out evenly, but not too thin.
- Directions on timing in this recipe are for 1000Watt microwave.
I now know the recipe by heart, as I’ve made countless batches to feed my mom’s craving. I even sent some to my sisters back in Mongolia, and they all loved it. Well, I mean, what’s not to love here??
Hope you give this fool-proof recipe a try.
The Easiest Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (150 g) light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) margarine, or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Before you begin, check your microwave power. (Mine was written at front when you open the door.) The time directions in this recipe for microwaves with 1000Watts.Measure and prepare all the ingredients before moving forward.
- Prepare a baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray.
- In 1-quart microwave-safe bowl with a lid (stay away from plastic container though, I prefer a glass bowl), combine peanuts, sugar, salt and corn syrup.
- Cover the bowl and microwave the mixture for 3 minutes. (TIP: If you don’t cover the mixture, it’ll get burnt.) Take it out and give it a nice stir.
- Then cover and microwave for another 3.5 minutes. Take it out and stir in margarine and vanilla extract.
- Cover and microwave again for 2.5 minutes. Take it out and add baking soda.
- Quickly stir, as the mixture foams. And pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Using 2 forks, spread it out into even layer.
- Let it cool and harden, about 30-45 minutes. Store in a ziplock bag for up to a week.
Tips & Notes
Nutrition
I used a 1 quart glass bowl with lid in a 925 watt microwave and it boiled over before the time was was up. I would recommend a bigger size bowl as this size made a huge mess.
Hi, Donna. Sorry you had a mess. So weird that you got a spill. I use 1Qt bowl without any problem. But thanks you for sharing your experience.
I was leary about making this because I have a small 700 watt microwave. With an upcoming move and only a 1/2 cup of Karo and 1 cup of peanuts I thought i’d give it a try. I did increase the time by 1 minute for the first two rounds. I waited to add the peanuts for the third cooking time and because I didn’t have margarine I used coconut oil adding an extra .5 minutes for the last. I used a non stick silicone mat and when the brittle was cool enough to touch but still soft, I stretched it thinner. Turned out super yummy and makes just the right amount to work easy with.
Hi, Julie. Thank you for sharing your experience!! So happy you it turned out for you!
My microwave is 1250 watts so I take off a half of minute per “each”microwave time. I also add peanuts after the first round of microwaving to alleviate the peanuts from getting too toasty. Very addicting and easy recipe! Thanks!
So happy you found perfect adjustments for your microwave. Thanks for sharing, Laura!
Followed the recipe exactly and it burned in my 1000 watt microwave. Bowl was impossible to clean.
Hi, Dr. Jack. Thank you for your feedback. Question… Did you use a lid for your bowl? Because the person who shared this recipe with me emphasized on importance of using a lid, or the mixture will burn. Also, if you soak the bowl in hot water for about an hour, it basically cleans itself.
Just made it for a Sunday afternoon sweet treat. Kudos to the person who came up with the recipe. Outstanding brittle. I used mixed nuts in place of peanuts. Will make it again and again…..
Ben, thank you for your feedback. So glad you enjoyed the brittles! I’m so grateful that family friend Leo shared this fabulous recipe with us all!
I just want to thank you for the wonderful recipe !! I just made 4 batches and they all turned out great !! Merry Christmas 💛💛💛
Yay, so happy you loved the recipe. Thank you for your feedback, Sarah! Merry Christmas!
This recipe does not have water—made it today and was delicious. Made it with butter and no lid on bowl —still turned out good. Just seemed thick at first when mixing sugar and syrup. I have been looking at other recipes—some have water and some don’t—just wondered what difference water would make.
Hi, Donna. Glad you tried and loved the brittles. I have no idea why some recipes call for water. This recipe was given to me by family friend.
This was so easy! Thank you! I followed the instructions, and as others above did, crushed the peanuts before adding to the mixture. Delicious.
Hi, Ann. So you used crushed peanuts instead of whole? I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. 🙂
First batch slightly burnt. Second batch I reduced time by 30 sec. PERFECTO! Soooo good!. I can eat a whole batch in one sitting.
Hi, Chris! I know what you mean, they’re so addicting! Does your microwave have a high power than 1000Watt? That may be why you needed to decrease the time.
What would you suggest time wise for a 1200 watt micro ?
Thx
Clara
Clara, it’s really hard to tell the exact time, as I haven’t tested it at 1200Watt microwave. But because yours has more power, I’d suggest to decrease the times by maybe 30 seconds. I’m just taking a wild guess here. If you feel it’s burning the mixture decrease the time even more. Hope this make sense.
I have a 1200 watt microwave, and here’s what I did. FYI, I’ve never made peanut brittle before, but my family swears this recipe won’t last the rest of the night. It’s delicious!!
Step 5, microwave it for 2 minutes 30 seconds.
Step 7, microwave 3 minutes.
This time I thought it smelled just a touch like it might be burning, so for the last step…
Step 9, microwave 1 minute 30 seconds.
It turned out amazing!! Thanks for this recipe!
Thank you so much, Jamie, for sharing your adjustments. It’s very helpful!
I followed the recipe exactly as is shown and my peanut brittle came out perfect it’s delicious great and easy recipe.
Yay, so happy you love these, Lori! Thank you for your feedback!