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- Check out my quick trick for awesome peanut brittle using your microwave! I found this method during a crazy holiday rush and now it's what I always use. You won't need any fancy candy thermometer - just give it 20 minutes and you'll have crunchy, buttery brittle that's as good as old-fashioned versions. This trick really works wonders, especially when you need fast handmade gifts.
What Makes This Approach So Good
- This isn't your regular peanut brittle - it's the simplest version you'll ever try. I'm thrilled that it all happens in the microwave instead of watching a hot stove forever. And it needs basic stuff you probably already have at home. Whenever I make this, everyone's shocked it wasn't done the old-school way. It's great when you want something fancy but can't spend all day cooking.
Round Up These Items
- Peanuts: Go for the roasted and salted kind for tastier results.
- Regular Sugar: Just normal white sugar does the job perfectly.
- Real Butter: Don't use anything else - it really improves everything!
- Corn Syrup: This helps our brittle turn out silky and just right.
- Baking Soda: The hidden trick for airy, crispy texture.
- Vanilla: A tiny bit makes it taste even better.
Let's Create Something Amazing
- Getting Started
- Use your largest microwave bowl that's safe to heat up - you'll need the extra space for bubbling! Combine your sugar with corn syrup until it looks damp and sandy. Microwave for 4 minutes and your kitchen will start smelling wonderful.
- Time For Peanuts
- Mix in your peanuts and stir everything well. Back to the microwave for around 3 minutes. Look for a golden amber color similar to honey. Your peanuts should smell warm but not burnt.
- Adding Butter
- Put in your butter and vanilla and watch it bubble up! Another minute in the microwave. Your mixture should be going wild with bubbles now - that's exactly right.
- The Exciting Part
- Now for the fun bit! Add your baking soda and stir super fast. It will grow and become lighter colored - that's just what we want. Move quickly because it starts hardening soon!
- Finishing Up
- Dump everything onto your greased baking sheet and flatten it out. Don't grab it - it's extremely hot! Now comes the tough part - waiting for it to cool down completely.
My Top Tricks
- I've made this countless times and here's what I've figured out. Keep an eye on that color because it can turn from golden to ruined in moments. Set up everything before you begin because once you add the baking soda, you gotta work fast! Use parchment paper or butter on your pan - you'll thank yourself during cleanup. If your brittle stays soft, it probably needed more cooking time. Since all microwaves work differently, you might need to tweak your timing a bit.
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Keeping It Fresh
- The cool thing is this brittle stays good for weeks! Just keep it in a sealed container somewhere cool and dry. Put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. Making it as gifts? Grab some cute holiday containers or clear bags, tie a ribbon, and you've got the perfect homemade present. I always make more than I need because it gets eaten so quickly!
Flawless Results Always
- This microwave peanut brittle is my go-to trick during the holidays. It's so fast and simple you can make a batch whenever you want something special. It tastes great with coffee, works wonders on ice cream, and is totally addictive by itself. Once you try making brittle this way, you'll never want to use the stove again!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does baking soda do?
It creates lots of little air pockets, making the brittle crispier and simpler to break apart.
- → Can I swap peanuts for other nuts?
Absolutely! Try using almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans instead for a different twist.
- → Why isn’t my brittle setting properly?
The mixture needs to get hot enough. If it doesn’t reach the right temp, it’ll stay soft instead of hardening.
- → How long does it last?
If stored in a sealed container at room temperature, you’ve got about 6 weeks to enjoy it. Just keep it dry and away from heat.
- → Why the rush after adding baking soda?
Once the baking soda goes in, the mixture starts to solidify fast, so you need to spread it out quickly.