Have you ever had a sudden craving for something sweet and crunchy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, I’ve got just the treat for you: Microwave Peanut Brittle!
Cover a sheet tray with foil. Spray generously with cooking spray, and set aside. Spray a wooden spoon with cooking spray.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the sugar and corn syrup. Place in the microwave for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through with the wooden spoon.
1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup
Quickly add the peanuts and salt, and stir to combine. Microwave for 3 minutes.
1 ½ cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Quickly add the butter and stir it in. Microwave for 2 minutes.
1 tablespoon salted butter
Working very fast, add the vanilla and baking soda. It will bubble up, so be careful. This is why we need a large bowl.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons baking soda
Stir until just combined and immediately pour the mixture on the prepared sheet tray.
Spread it out in a thin, even layer.
Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until it has completely cooled and hardened.
Break into pieces and serve.
Notes
Work Quickly: Have all your ingredients measured and ready. The hot mixture hardens fast, so you need to move quickly.
Use a Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: The mixture bubbles up, so you need extra space to prevent overflow. A large glass bowl works best.
Grease Your Utensils: Spray your wooden spoon and spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Protect Your Hands: Use oven mitts when handling the hot bowl—the mixture gets extremely hot!
Adjust for Microwave Wattage: If you have a newer microwave with higher wattage, you might need to reduce the cooking times slightly. The recipe is based on a standard 1000-watt microwave oven. Adjust the power level if necessary.
Use a Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper: If you don’t have foil, you can line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Just make sure to grease it to prevent sticking.