Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my homemade peanut brittle get hard? ›

The main reason why peanut brittle doesn't get hard and have the crunch we expect is because the sugar was not cooked long enough. The sugar needs to be cooked to what is called the hard crack stage, 300ºF.

Place the peanut butter in the microwave, and heat it for 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds is up, stir the peanut butter to makes sure it's melting evenly. Place the peanut butter back in the microwave for another 30 seconds, and stir again. This will probably take a few rounds to get to your desired consistency.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly coated with vegetable cooking spray. Place the pan on a heat-proof trivet or cooling rack and set aside.

Stir peanuts, microwave 2 minutes. Stir peanuts, microwave 30 seconds. Check to see if peanuts roasted (golden brown), if peanuts pale in color, continue in 30 second increments until roasted. Cool on baking sheet until completely cool, about 20 minutes - the peanuts will become crunchy as it cools.

Sure, you can use a microwave for small amounts. Or just spread it on hot toast. It melts like butter. Always keep peanut butter at room temperature UNLESS, it's totally natural, without preservatives, or it's one you made yourself.

Baking soda is also very important at this stage since it reacts to the heat, creating carbon dioxide that aerates the caramel, enabling it to snap when someone bites into it rather than requiring them to gnaw at it until it breaks or pulls apart.

It's so important because if you cook your brittle much beyond the 300 degree F point, it could burn, and if you don't cook it long enough, the peanut brittle won't set as hard and be more sticky and chewy than crunchy and, well, brittle. Be ready to move quickly once the temperature reaches 300 degrees F.

The candy will attract moisture from the air, making it unpleasantly sticky instead of shatteringly crisp. Once it's completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container.

First, you'll need to get your paws on a microwave-safe bowl and a great spoon for stirring. Once you've scooped your peanut butter into the bowl, microwave it for 30 seconds, give it a good stir, and pop it in for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process until it's the desired texture.

Those dormant little drops of water scattered throughout the butter start heating up through microwave energy, causing them to vibrate and turn into hot steam, according to Kitchen Appliance Answer.

Is peanut butter good or bad for you? ›

Eating peanut butter alongside other nutritious foods is perfectly healthy — as long as you don't exceed your calorie needs. Peanut butter is high in calories and could lead to excess calorie intake if not consumed in moderation. However, it is still a high-quality food that provides numerous nutrients.

Working quickly, pour into prepared 10×15 pan. To keep the brittle light and airy, do not spread or flatten the mixture. Instead, let it flow freely. Place in a cool area and leave until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours.

I don't recommend substituting honey, molasses, or agave for the corn syrup. Those other liquid sugars have impurities that will burn at the higher temperature of making caramel, leading to a bitter-tasting brittle.

To store: Once it's completely cooled, store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate as the moisture from the fridge will cause the brittle to soften. Store for 6-8 weeks. To Freeze: Peanut brittle can be frozen and stored up to 3 months.

The best way to crack open in-shell peanuts is to place the peanut between your thumb and forefinger and apply gentle pressure until the shell cracks. You can also use a nutcracker or a sturdy pair of pliers to crack open the shell.

Soak peanuts in hot boiling water for 2 to 3 hours before cooking to soften them. In the past, I boiled them without any prior soaking and they turned out slightly crunchy despite simmering them for nearly 2 hours on the stovetop.

Roasting peanuts involves a lot of waiting. The peanuts must be soaked in a salty brine long enough for the flavor to reach the “nu*t” itself. Once brined, the peanuts must dry before roasting.

Thoroughly rinse the raw unshelled peanuts in water. Put the water, salt, seasoning, peanuts in a large stockpot, bring to a boil: Cover and reduce the heat just enough to maintain a low boil. Boil for 2 to 3 hours or longer (some boil their peanuts all day), until peanuts reach desired level of softness.