I’ve always had a sweet tooth, and one of my all-time favorite treats is peanut brittle. There’s just something about the combination of crunchy caramel and salty peanuts that I find absolutely irresistible. However, most store-bought peanut brittles contain corn syrup, which I prefer to avoid in my diet. So, I set out on a mission to create a homemade version of this classic candy that doesn’t use any corn syrup. And the best part? I discovered that it can be made easily in the microwave! Let me take you through the simple steps of making corn syrup-free peanut brittle in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
Tools:
Create the Caramel Base
The first step in making corn syrup-free peanut brittle is to create a caramel base. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Microwave in Intervals
Once your caramel base is well mixed, it’s time to microwave it. Place the bowl in the microwave and set it to high power. Microwave the mixture for 4 minutes, then take it out and give it a stir.
Pro Tip:
After stirring, return the bowl to the microwave and microwave for another 4 minutes. Repeat this process two more times, for a total of 12 minutes of microwave time. Remember to stir the mixture after each 4-minute interval.
Add the Peanut Crunch
Once your caramel base has been microwaved for a total of 12 minutes, it should have a deep amber color and a thick consistency. Now it’s time to add the star of the show – the peanuts!
Gently stir in the unsalted peanuts until they are fully coated with the caramel. Be sure to work quickly, as the caramel will start to harden as it cools.
Incorporate the Final Ingredients
Now that your peanuts are evenly distributed in the caramel, it’s time to add the final ingredients that will give your peanut brittle its signature texture and flavor.
Start by adding the unsalted butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Give it a good stir to incorporate these ingredients into the caramel. Then, sprinkle the baking soda over the mixture and stir once again. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam slightly, giving your peanut brittle a light and airy texture.
Shape and Cool
Once all the ingredients are well incorporated, it’s time to shape your peanut brittle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully pour the caramel-peanut mixture onto the sheet. Use the rubber spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a thin layer.
Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. This will typically take about an hour. Once cooled, use your hands or a kitchen mallet to break the brittle into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Enjoy Your Homemade Corn Syrup-Free Peanut Brittle!
Congratulations! You have successfully made delicious corn syrup-free peanut brittle in the microwave. Store your brittle in an airtight container or share it with friends and family as a delightful treat. This recipe proves that you don’t need corn syrup to create a mouthwatering batch of homemade peanut brittle. So go ahead and satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on your dietary preferences. Happy snacking!