I have been making this recipe for over 30 years. It is awesome! My family is addicted to it. The only sad part is , my mother and father aren't here to enjoy it anymore.
This is definitely a keeper. It is excellent! I take this one to any pot luck thing along with a few copies of the recipe. It is so delicious to have fresh peanut brittle. Delicious (Oh! Did I already say that, well it bears repeating.
My 1000 watt microwave was too powerful for this and my first batch burnt. With modifications, however, it was fine. I took 1/2 minute off every step of the instruction. I also used 1 Tablespoon of butter instead of 1 teaspoon, and this was wonderful. If you also have a powerful oven, I think you will be please with this quicker recipe. Oh, one more thing...try using parchment paper. It works perfectly and completely eliminated the need for a cookie sheet, buttering it, or washing up. Now the cleanup is easy and just involves soaking the glass bowl and rubber spatula in hot, soapy water.
This turned out perfect. After reading the reviews and not wanting a burnt batch, I decided to decrease the cooking time as a few others suggested. I cooked my 1st batch at 4:00, the 2nd at 3:15secs & the last at 1 minute. My microwave is 950 watts- a little less than the one the recipe is written for, but I have always not cooked things as long in it. I also used parchment and this made everything simple. I placed my pan outside on a table on my deck (in the cool winter air) and it was ready in less than 10 minutes. Perfect crispness. I think next time I will try cashews! I made this for a friend who loves peanut brittle,so she'll be the final judge! Quick & easy! Thanks!!
WONDERFUL! I have a 1000 watt microwave so adjusted the times as follows with perfect results every time: first time 3 1/2 minutes, after adding peanuts another 2 minutes, after adding butter and vanilla 1 more minute. I added a heaping teaspoon of baking soda and quickly spread on the pan which I had coated with non-stick cooking spray. I also made a batch with slivered almonds and it was great. Thank you! debby
This is the first time I've ever made candy, and it turned out great! I used a Pampered Chef 2 quart bowl, and at first was worried about the sugar not turning "golden". But after adding the butter and vanilla, microwaving the additional 1 1/2 min, and adding the soda, it became a creamy, light brown sugar color. I did look for the "threading" of the sugar to make sure it was cooked enough, and it really was a treat. I turned it out onto a 9x11 pan lined with parchment. The only real mess was the bowl! This was easy, and after eating almost half of it, we are almost sick to our tummies! Wonderful...I will try different nuts next, and will definately include this in my Halloween menu.
Made exactly as listed and it burned. I had to throw out the batch.
I made this Peanut Brittle and it was a disaster... My (thick) plastic bowl melted, the Peanut Brittle was burned, I couldn't get that smell out of my house. I wouldn't suggest making this in the microwave.
So easy to make and very yummy. I made a ton of this as Christmas gifts and everyone loved it! Thanks for the great recipe!
I've used other brittle recipes before, but this one beats them all. So easy to make and clean up. Tastes yummy, too. Any level cook can make this. I think I'll make some for holiday gifts.
This recipe is so easy!! My microwave is 1200 watt so after reading the other reviews, I did 3.5 minutes first....then 2 minutes....then 1 minute. I also used my pampered chef small glass batter bowl and it turned out PERFECT!!
I made it EXACTLY as the directions say. It was perfect. My microwave is 1000 watts, an over the range hood type.
fast and easy
This is wonderful!
I made this recipe this past Saturday and I thought my husband was going to cry from happiness when he tasted it. It is WONDERFUL! Regarding the other reviewer's comments about her bowls cracking, I used my Pampered Chef 2 Quart Batter Bowl, which is oven proof, and had no problems whatsoever. We ate this batch up and my husband made another batch after I went to bed last night. Thank you, Joyce, for sharing this wonderful recipe. I will definitely be making this for friends and family this holiday season!
I've never rated anything so low. I followed the recipe to a tee and during the 3 1/2 minutes the mixture was smoking. I took it out and added the baking soda, the bowl was too hot to even work with. I had to place the bowl in the sink (my mistake) because the bowl started to crack. I think that I'll just buy my peanut brittle already made.
Had difficulty getting consistent results with each batch, but when it was good, it was GOOD!
This is the recipe that we were given to demonstrate with at the grocery store that I work for. I thought that they were nuts asking us to make this but when I did, I too became a fan! I also learned not to put the glass bowl in the sink immediately afterward and put tap water in it-my bowl cracked! (Bad call on my part) Just let the bowl cool down awhile and then put HOT water and let it soak a bit. Clean up was easy and the brittle is totally fantastic-just bear in mind that you may need to make adjustments to the cooking times in accordance to the wattage strength of your microwave.
The first time I made this - it burnt! - So I tried again, and shortened the time by about 2 1/2 minutes. It turned out perfectly the 2nd and 3rd time.
First batch burned then reduced each time by 30 seconds like other reviews suggested. It was perfect
This is a great easy recipe. But due to the differences in one microwave to the next make sure to keep a close eye on it the first time you make it.The times are about right and may need adjusting. Otherthan that this is a great recipe I will keep in my christman line up
Fantastic. Easy once you figure out how long your microwave needs to be set to. Work quickly. Best to have everything ready before you start. I purchased decorated bags and gave this brittle out for christmas.
TRICKY! very crisp and crunchy- good flavor BUT, took me THREE times to figure it out even after reading many reviews! I have NEVER used the microwave, so I thought why not try it, it sounds easy enough! Well, its NOT easy. Here is my process: The first time I made it I didn't blend the sugar and corn syrup- when I took it out to mix in nuts, the sugar mixture was on the bottom uncombined. I tried to stir it- but it turned into a MESS. I put the bowl into the sink with hot water and dish soap. ugh Next time I made it I blended with a spatula the sugar and corn syrup and followed the cooking time exactly and it burned!! Grrr... dark orange color with an awful smell. Time to clean up again!!! The THIRD time I cut the first cooking time to 3.5 minutes, second to 3 minutes and third to 1 minute. Yay, it didn't burn. Make sure ADD ingredients fast after taking out each time. When it was finished I took it out and wiggled the brittle around trying not to ruin the light fluffy foam and it turned out fine. I gave it 4 stars because it took me 3 times. The recipe was written too simply- like it was a breeze to make on a first try. There are many smart decisions you have to make to end up with a good result. I can't imagine anyone making it work right the first time. What I expected to take 30 minutes took me over and hour and a half. Messy and wasted too many ingredients. To be honest I won't make it again, I'll stick to stove top. whew!
This is a wonderful, easy recipe. No standing over a hot pot stirring and waiting for the right "stages"; this is my preferred way of making brittle; I have substituted a can of deluxe mixed nuts or almonds, or macadamias, or whatever nut you prefer. Folks think you slaved over it!!!
I come back to this recipe and come back to it every Christmas! I make at least 5 batches every year. I always double the recipe and use my Pampered Chef large batter bowl. I have a powerful microwave so I use the cook times as written in the recipe. I pour the brittle onto a 1/2 size sheet pan and use an offset spatula to spread it. This mixture gets VERY hot so be sure to have your oven mitts ready.
Mine was burnt burnt burnt!!! I have a new microwave (not a super duper one though) so maybe that was the problem...? Anyhow, that's why I'm giving it three stars and not a one. I think microwaves vary to much to trust a one size fits all recipe. I'll maybe try this again adjusting the times a bit. My suggestion is to plan on making a test batch!
I don't know if I am doing something wrong. I don't get the rich carmel color, and it's way too chewy. Someone told me I wasn't cooking it long enough, but I did the cold water/hard ball test, and I got it to the hard ball phase. Am I just not stirring the baking powder long enough or something? My family loves peanut brittle, and I would love to be the one they get it from! HELP!
This was very easy! And Yummy! Be sure to check power and adjust accordingly. I also made the mistake of using wax paper to poor this onto and that doesn't work. For my own personal taste I chopped the peanuts up before adding and I didn't have to use but 1/2 a cup and there were lots of peanuts all through.
Caution! This recipe was written for a much lower wattage microwave than a 1.55 kw. As a result the candy was burnt as well as the peanuts. First time was so bad I do not want to make again. I watched the video two times and thought I would be a success.
This couldn't be any easier! What a quick and easy addition to my food gift list.Made it and cleaned up in minutes!
Not sure if it's just my microwave, but everything was burnt and the whole house smelled awful. Still trying to get the smell of burnt peanuts out of the microwave. I will try again and shorten the micorwave time and re-rate this recipe.
So easy and super quick that it should be against the law! Nothing with this good with this many calories should be so easy to make. Timing should be adjusted to individual microwaves. I poured it out onto a Silpat. Came out beautifully and disappeared about as quickly as I made it.
This is a Christmas tradition! Super easy and tastes just like any other brittle out there! I have added cashews and raw ribbons of coconut with success as well. I usually make 2 batches at a time. Adjust your time accordingly though because it still needs the time to cook the sugars. NOTE: stir the sugar, peanuts, salt & syrup before cooking, it does not combine well on it's own.
This recipe is amazing and very easy, I didn't change anything in it. Thank you for sharing this recipe, it is a family favorite
I have used this recipe and instructions before in a less powerful microwave, but today in my newer microwave it got WAY TOO DONE! I know it's a great recipe, but beware the cooking length based on how powerful your machine is. You might try about 3 minutes, then 2 1/2, then 1 and see as you go along if it's melting, boiling, and getting hot enough. If the brittle is gettin dark, then you let it get too hot. Too much heat will change the taste and consistency, and it's not as good. Darn, I will just have to make it again tomorrow! I love using the microwave instead of the stove for this, it's so much easier. Thanks! ~ Tanya in Texas
I absolutely love this recipe. It's quick, easy and very tasty. I included it in my Christmas treat baskets this year. The first 2 batches I made were gone as soon as I put it to the taste tests.My kids went crazy over it and my oldest sons football team buddies were practically fighting over it. Thank You Joyce!!! Karen Mixon
This recipe burned. I reduced cooking time and it was better.
This is absolutely delicious! I did use a very heavy pottery-type bowl to make it in after reading the reviews. I wonder if the first reviewer's problem may have been her microwave wattage. We are definitely making this for Christmas gifts
Delicious, but BE CAREFUL. The first batch I made turned out perfectly. I used a glass pyrex bowl, followed the instructions for my 700 watt microwave and all was well. The second batch, I microwaved everything in my tubberware bowl. BIG MISTAKE. It completely melted through the bottom of the bowl so not only did I ruin my bright yellow bowl, but I couldn't eat the brittle either as melted plastic was contaminating it. So, be warned. Use glass bowls.
Made it with cashews and love it. I cut the time as suggested for an 1100 watt microwave and came out perfect.
I swear, I followed the directions, and made one batch only. My husband lovingly refers to this disaster as 'Peanut Sticky'. It was a gooey mess even after letting it sit to cool. I ended up making fudge instead.
This recipe was super easy, took very little time, and the result tasted great! I followed the recipe exactly (except that I sprayed my cookie sheet with Pam so it wouldn't stick) and I had no problems at all. Thank you so much!!!
This is a very, very good recipe that is second to Mirowave Oven Peanut Brittle on this site. I make this exactly to recipe except that I used the release foil so I didn't butter the cookie sheet and it came off perfectly. This makes great gifts! Thanks for posting this recipe!
Easy, simple and fast. Tastes just as good as any commercial Brittle that I have bought. Going to try making Cashew Brittle next!
Excellent recipe, be sure to read the reviewers' notes to adapt it to your microwave. With our 850 watt microwave we did the sugar and syrup for 7.5 minutes, then added our salted roasted peanuts with the other ingredients and microwaved another 1.5 minutes. The only quantity I would suggest adapting for this recipe is to do 1.5 cups peanuts because we had some parts of our brittle that were low on peanut content until we upped the amount.
I have used this basic recipe and used natural almonds, cashews and pecans. To really get the Christmas spirit use a dash or two of cinnamon with the pecans. I have to cut the times due to my microwave, but I can make 4 or more batches of different brittle in a very short time! Wonderful recipe.
I followed the timing instructions of Rebecca. Which was 3.5 minutes, 3 minutes, and then 1 minute. All three batches turned out perfectly. I used silicone baking sheets, so the brittle literally peeled right off. Same with the spatula, I used a silicone one. The brittle was crunchy and great tasting. Just like the stuff you buy. I also drizzled milk chocolate over 2 of the batches. Wonderful!
Very easy and very tasty! My only problem was getting it to spread on my cookie sheet. I followed one reviewer's suggestion and heated up my cookie sheet to ease in the spreading but it didn't seem to help. Will definitely try it again though! DELISH!
Burnt the nuts---will try again and use less cooking time.
I use this recipe all the time. Your microwave must be 900 to 1050 watt.
My mother and I have been making this recipe and giving it away to friends and family as gifts for a few years now. It's WONDERFUL!!! Be careful to watch it carefully as more powerful microwaves don't need as much cooking time. This is SO much easier than using the stove or oven!!! THANKS FOR THE GREAT RECIPE!!!!
So good and easy to make. Did not change any thing. Just be sure to keep your eyes on it. It will burn quickly.
I'm not sure what it is that I did wrong. But I burnt it somehow before I even got around to putting the butter and vanilla in it. However....I still continued on. If someone might have some pointers on what I could have done wrong, I'd gladly appreciate it! (but I give this recipe a good 5/5 because I'm sure it'll be awesome once I learn how NOT to fail while making this easy stuff!) p.s. if you think you might fail, even the tiniest bit. Butter or spray pam on anything you stir this mixture with...maybe even the bowl you use to stir it all ine. In then end (if you mess up like I did) you'll thank yourself tons that you did.
This is an easy recipe that tastes great!! Thanks
This is absolutely outstanding using pecans and then try it using walmuts. Nothing like it!!!!!!! Powell, Ohio Dec. 2009
Have made this recipe several times. Just a couple things: Use a Microwave safe bowl (preferably with a handle, as it will get HOT); the cooking times stated for this recipe seems to be for a low-wattage oven (as I have burnt a couple batches because my new microwave seems to be higher and I didn't know what to do). SO reduce the (1st) 4 minutes to 3; the (2nd) 3-1/2 to 3; and leave the final amount of time alone. These are just suggestions but I tried it and managed not to burn my next couple of batches. I think this Peanut Brittle is better than See's (don't let any See's executive see this review)...tee hee!
Like some of the other commenters, our microwave was also too hot...so our first batch burned. I reduced the times to 3.5, 2.4 and 1. Seems to be perfect.
I used to make this years ago, but have misplaced the recipe. Glad to find the general ground work for this recipe. If you want a little different taste, use dark karo and pecans, for "Pecan Pie Brittle". Just don't cook it as long, maybe 30 seconds less for each step and add the pecans when you add the butter and vanilla. I agree with 2 tsp. of baking soda, I does make a more tender brittle.
This recipe worked great! I used golden corn syrup instead of the light and it didn't make a difference. I sprinkled coconut on the brittle while it was hot on the cooke sheet. Delish! Only negative is that it didn't totally go hard stayed a bit soft so I had to slide the cookie sheet into the freezer. If you house is warm the brittle probably won't stay hard. But I like a tad gooey. Sprinkle with powdered sugar so pieces don't stick together. Next time I will try lining the cookie sheet with wax paper and butter it. Brittle still stuck on my sheets with only butter. Made this for a bake sale and named it 'Frosty Brittle' because of the coconut and sprinkled powedered sugar. Sold out quick!
I followed this recipe to a "T"...and it burned!....Plus which cleanup wass NOT fun.
My husband made this with my 6 year old- not only fun to make but was a hit with our guests. We passed on the recipe to our friends and look forward to making it again. Delicious!
Sooooo good and easy to make! Best part is, No one can tell it's microwaved ;)
SUPER EASY!!!! I was going to do the "top-of-the-stove" method, but happened upon this and figured why not? I'm so glad I did. NO ONE even thought i used the microwave, which of course i had to tell them because i was so amazed myself. I did add more baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons, and I will add more next time as I don't like my brittle hard. NOTE: get a glass bowl with a handle and a good glove. it is HOT when you pull it out. i had mix everywhere and all over my kitchen towel. (however do not put the hot bowl directly in water as it will break and shatter. even after cooling down i just soaped it up and let it sit for awhile, no cleaning problem.)
I burned the heck out of my first batch. Should have read the reviews before I started. Having said that, after I made adjustments, this recipe is wonderful and so easy. My microwave is 1100 w so I follow the recipe and the cooking times but I use 70% power. Comes out perfect every time.
Very good. Used exact proportions. Usind 1000 watt microvave, adjusted times as follows - 3 min with stir at 2 min mark/ add nuts and cook 2 min with stir and burn check at 90 sec/ add vanilla and cook 1 1/2 min with burn check at 1 min. Following the addition of baking soda I poured mixture on a warm 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Spread to fully cover pan. Brittle was 1/4" thick. If you prefer thinner, use full size cookie sheet. I wish this web site would remove recipes that call for microwave cooking without including the wattage of the microwave. Not providing wattage makes the recipe as incomplete as giving conventional baking times without providing temperature. Just my humble opinion.
Excellent! So easy to make and is delicious! If you like your peanut brittle to be a little thicker, increase the baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
My husband gave me that skeptical look when he came into the kitchen and saw me using the microwave to make peanut brittle, but after tasting the finished product, he gave it a thumbs up.
Super easy and super yummy!
This is the easiest recipe that I have made. My microwave agrees with the recipe as far as minutes. It was delicious too! I have already gave this recipe to several friends! I'm taking this to Kansas City with me tomorrow to a Christmas party!! My bowl cleaned up great, just hot sudsy water.. Judy
This recipe got rave reviews from my co-workers. I made exactly as written, using raw spanish peanuts...all 3 batches were perfect. I sprayed a piece of foil with non-stick spray for easy cleanup (laid it on top of cookie sheet) Will never make on stove again!!
The recipe itself is okay IF you are careful to watch it while cooking because every microwave is different. If you watch to ensure you are not overcooking it turns out.
Adjusted the cook time for 1000 watt microwave. Did 3.5, 3 and 1 min. Also worked quickly to get baking soda mixed in a few strokes, quickly poured onto warm cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. I used the other suggestion to tip the cookie sheet to spread the mix. This was the best candy I have ever eaten! We had the wonderful bubbles and it was the perfect amount of crunch. Clean up was easy.
Sat 2/28/2015 my second review. Followed recipe, but this time I used regular Peanuts. First time I used Spanish Peanuts. Color was darker using Spanish peanuts. Must be the skins. Either way, I know it will be good!!
The is the only way to make peanut brittle. I have use the recipe for years, and it is fantastic!
I followed the directions but I used pecans instead of peanuts.I made twenty pounds turned out great.
GREAT! This recipe is so easy to do. I used cashews because we can't have peanuts. The baking soda foams the candy and makes it easy to bite. I also added 1/2 cup extra nuts. I will be making this again. Thank you Joyce!
I made this and i burned it. I am going to try again. But I am not sure by how much to cut down the cook time.
This recipe makes a batch of delicious peanut brittle. The only change I made was adding 1/2 tsp salt along with the peanuts. I use raw peanuts & they have no salt added. The hardest part of the recipe is cleaning the dish it was cooked in. The only negative is cooking times can be very tricky. If I use my 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup, the 3 1/2, 3, & 1 minutes are spot on. However, if I use a mixing bowl I have to change the times to 3, 2 1/2 & 1.
My dad, who passed last December, used to make this every holiday. He changed a few things though. He changed to 1 tbsp of Butter, 1 tbsp Vanilla and 1 tbsp Baking Soda. It is the best Peanut Brittle you will ever put in your mouth. Light, Fluffy & Buttery!!!
This was great. I used almonds instead of peanuts so I added a dash of salt. I microwaved for 3 min, 3 min and 1 min and it was just right.
Recipe is super easy and worked perfectly. I used dark Karo syrup because that's what I had on hand and it was fine. My microwave is 1200w, so I did cut the time down as suggested by other reviews. I was worried that it would burn if I went too long, or not set up hard and crunchy if I didn't go long enough, but it came out great. Highly recommended!
I made this for our adopted Grandpa..It was a hit! Quick easy and very tastey!
I loved this recipe! accidentally added everything but the butter in initially but it turned out great anyway!
I made several batches of this last year at Christmas. Had to make several batches because we would eat so much that I didn't have enough to share with family and friends. Will make it again this year. Why do I wait until Christmas to make this???? It would be good all year.
This was super simple and excellent - it turned out just like store-bought! I tried one batch and was so impressed that I made two more to hand out at Christmastime. I used all measurements but decreased each session in the microwave by half a minute.
I followed someone's advice on the 1100 watt times and this recipe came out perfectly! It was my first time making peanut brittle so I was scared but it was very easy and it came out really tasty. However, I'm giving the recipe 4/5 stars because it has a little too much peanuts for my taste.
I cut the time down by 30 seconds because I was nervous about burning the brittle like other reviewers but it turned out great! Thanks!
This was easy and fun! I added more butter, say 2 teas. I will try to tip to spread it. I found it impossible to spread as instructedpd, but with these ingredients,I knew it would taste good. Will make again.
I just made a batch of this, and it tastes great. I made it EXACTLY like the recipe stated. Next time though, I will add more peanuts than the one cup it calls for. I think it needs more.. otherwise, it was TOOO easy and yummy!
A winner. Easy. Fast. I won't ever make it the old way again. Light and crunchy. I used a bit more butter and used oil spray on a metal spatula to spread it out.
Perfect! Easy and delicious. I made two batches for Christmas gifts in hardly any time. BUT don't forget to adapt the recipe to the wattage of your microwave. Ours is 1000 watts. I've made hard candy in it for years, so instead of the times in this recipe, I used my tried-and-true times form that candy recips. I came at them through much trial and error, so I knew they'd work with this. Also, keep an eye on the color of the candy. You want to get that warm amber color on the second cook time with the peanuts. All this might make the recipe sound difficult, but it's the exact opposite. I'll be using it many times for gifts.
Good recipe. Quick and easy. It seemed to be missing something though. I decided to add a pinch of salt and that seemed to do the trick. I also have a mega watt microwave oven, so I followed the directions, but I used 8% power. I would make this again.
This was fantastic! So easy to make and so delicious! I'm going back out there to make another batch!
did not work for me it was clear and chewy
super easy to make I added 1/4 cup water to the sugar mixture before I cookies it made about 12 ounces enjoy
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! yum... I have made this three times now and it hasnt lasted very long in our house..... a firm favourite! I did a few tweaks after the first two times (bad habit of mine cant leave anything alone!!) I used 2 cups of salted peanuts and 1 tablespoon of butter for the extra butter flavour. Didnt need to grease the tray because I used glad bake to lay the brittle on. Otherwise I followed the cooking time EXACTLY and it turned out perfectly every time! Thank you for sharing this absolutely delightful recipe!!
This is EASY and FAST and YUMMY
I'm sure the recipe is fine, but I found it too easy to scorch the mix in a high-powered microwave. It may take some tinkering to find the proper settings for your radar range.
I followed the recipe perfectly, but my "Brittle was burnt!" I didn't realize something could burn in the microwave. And I was so looking forward to this recipe.