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Warning - this 15-Minute Microwave Pecan Brittle is not only delicious, it's ridiculously addictive!
"I'm not going to do it". That's what I told myself with each of the five test batches I made of this Microwave Pecan Brittle. "I'm not going to nibble, nibble, nibble..."
Generally speaking, I have a decent amount of self control when it comes to sweets. I often have candy, cookies and/or cake around the house for weeks and never even think about indulging. With this shatteringly crisp, perfectly sweet, crunchy pecan-studded brittle? No self control, absolutely none.
The dangerous thing is that it's so ridiculously easy. You might not believe that making this beautiful, delicious candy is easy, but it's true. And when I say 15-minutes, I'm actually giving you a bit of extra time!
You could be famous!
Yup, if you can stir things up in a bowl and operate the microwave button, you're on your way to becoming a famous candy maker!
A famous candy maker? Yes, you will get requests for this again and again. "Could you make some of that wonderful Pecan Brittle?". "Is there any more of that fabulous brittle?" "Where did you hide the Pecan Brittle?" "Remember that Pecan Brittle you made last year..." And on and on it will go.
Of course, if you don't like being famous, no problem. Just spill the beans and tell them how easy and quick it is. Instead of calling it Pecan Brittle, call it 15-Minute Microwave Pecan Brittle.
Then they will be the ones getting the glory. Hmm... think we should just keep our lips zipped?
P.S. You've probably thought of this already, but this brittle is perfect for gift giving. Just find some pretty tins or cellophane bags and tie them with a colorful ribbon. A delicious way to say "thanks", "I care" or "Happy Holidays" to neighbors, friends, hairdressers, mailmen, delivery people, teachers, etc.
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Lots of people ask what kind of cookware, small appliances, cutlery, etc. I use in the kitchen. Here's what I used to make this recipe.
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15-Minute Microwave Pecan Brittle
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 ¼ cups pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a sheet pan with a large enough piece of foil to tuck edges under rim of pan. Spray foil-lined pan generously with cooking spray. Also spray a 2 quart microwave-safe bowl and a heat resistant spatula with cooking spray. Place pan in the oven. (Don't worry if your oven never gets to 350˚F. You just want the pan to be nice and warm when you add the candy mixture later. The warm pan will help the brittle to spread better and get nice and thin.) Gather ingredients and a teaspoon measuring spoon.
- Combine sugar and corn syrup in the prepared, 2 quart glass bowl and stir to combine. Mixture will be very thick and sugary. Place in microwave and cook on high power for 3 ½ minutes. (It will be clear but still pretty light colored.)*
- Carefully remove from microwave (it will be hot!) and add pecans. Stir well and return mixture to microwave. Cook on high power for 3 minutes. (At this point mixture will be a fairly light, golden brown color.)*
- Remove from microwave and add butter and vanilla. Stir well and microwave one last time for 1 minute. During this last stint in the microwave, wash your spatula or grab a new one and spray it well with cooking spray. (Mixture should now be a medium amber color.)* Remove pan from the oven and set it on the stovetop.
- Carefully remove bowl from microwave and sprinkle baking soda over the top. Stir until baking soda is just incorporated. Mixture will foam up and go from an amber color to caramel.
- Immediately, pour out mixture onto heated, foil-lined pan, trying to spread out, as you pour, over as much of the pan as possible. With your heat resistant spatula, spread mixture as thin as possible over the surface of the pan. Don’t worry if it tears or gets a hole here or there. It will be broken up later anyways.
- Cool completely, lift foil out of pan and you'll be able to break Pecan Brittle into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
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I've made this recipe many times and it turns out great. I've learned a few things. Spraying the pan and putting it in the oven to get warm while you make the brittle often results in the spray burning and discoloring. I tried not applying cooking spray before putting the pan in the oven. Then forgot and spread the brittle on a foil lined unsprayed pan. The brittle peeled off the foil perfectly after it was cool. And it was less greasy.
Hi Penney, Thank you for your review! Great to hear how well this recipe works for you - Enjoy!
How many ounces does this make?
Hi Katherine, to be honest, I haven't ever weighed this brittle.
Should the nuts be toasted?
Hi Patti, they don't have to be toasted in advance.
Can you use walnuts or cashews
Hi Tooter, yes both will work!
I love brittle. I've tried a lot, and made a lot. This is by far the best. Oh my, just made a second batch - maybe this batch will make into the treat gifts I'm putting together for neighbors. So simple, and so delicious. If there is a label for this recipe I'd love one.
Awesome! Thanks, Cindy! We do not have labels for this recipe at this time.
I tried the cooking time when making it and it scorched , evidently my micro wave must be more powerful than yours! How do I adjust the cooking time?
Hi Norma, I would go with the temperature and watch it really carefully towards the end if your microwave is that hot. The finished temperature should be 300˚F with an instant thermometer.
Do you have to cover the bowl with a plate when microwaving ?
Hi Joy, I don't cover the bowl. The mixture bubbles but it doesn't spatter.
Having made this brittle several times, I decided that if one batch was good, a double batch would be great. Soooo, I doubled all the ingredients and prepared as normal.
The result was inedible! It looked fine, but it was so chewy and never even dissolved in our mouths, that we threw the whole batch out.
Any suggestions on how to make a double batch ???
Lots of candy recipes are tricky to double. It would be better to just make two batches in separate bowls to ensure success.
can you please send me the pecan brittle labels. Thank you.
Hi Mary, we do not have labels for this recipe at this time.
Fabulous recipe! I have a 1250 watt microwave and used the times listed with no issues. I sprinkled mine with flaked salt because I adore sweet & salty together. It’s packed and ready to take to Thanksgiving! ❤️
Awesome! Thanks for your review, Connie!
I made a double batch but I didn't consider cooking time so I don't think I cooked it long enough can you reheat it and cook longer or will that work
Hi Timmy, candy recipes are best to make in single batches to ensure success so I'm not sure if that will work. Has it hardened?
It did harden but I realized what I did wrong was I only put 1 tsp of baking soda in it so I put it in and reheated it for 6 minutes added another tsp in it and it now looks like brittle I will let you know the outcome thanks
Glad you figured it out!
I’m wondering if I could swap the pecans for dry roasted peanuts or cashews or almonds. I always have plenty of nuts around in my pantry. With football season upon us this would be a great nibble snack! Thank you for your incredibly easy recipes. I enjoy using them.
Hi Patricia, yes any type of nut will work in this recipe!
Perfect recipe! I followed the recipe exactly as written, I have a 1000 watt microwave, and it turned out perfect! I made two batches because I know when my husband gets home from work he’s going to eat one of them. lol
Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe as this will be my go to.
That's great, Tracy! Thank you for letting us know!
My goodness this is so EASY and it turned out AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Awesome! Thanks, Donna!
OMG the best and easiest recipe I've found everyone loves it and I've tried different nuts and I've even tried it with pinenuts because someone I know can't eat nuts and it turned out great thank you again for this wonderful recipe
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it, Matt!
Love this recipe! The first time I made it I didn't cook it long enough - my husband said, "through it out". I did, and I tried it again the next day adjusting the cooking time for my microwave. I took this batch to a family function, not mentioning it to my husband. Everyone loved it and my husband said, “You need this recipe.” I’ve made two batches this morning for him to take on a hunting trip.
Great recipe and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing! I pray you and your family have a blessed 2021!
Haha! I love it! Thabnks so much for sharing your results, Elizabeth! Happy New Year to you!
I made this today - it was the first time I have made brittle of any kind. It was perfection! I had all the ingredients ready to add in between microwave sessions. It made it soooo easy. Thank you. I feel like a pro now.
Yay! So happy you had good success and enjoyed this recipe, Cathy! Thanks so much for sharing your review 💕
That's awesome, Cathy! Thanks so much for sharing your results!
My microwave is 1200 watts and the brittle burned when I cooked it for the time shown in the recipe. How should I take into account the different wattage?
Hi Ashley, I would check it after a minute once the pecans are added and then every 15-30 seconds after that to determine the correct time for your microwave.
I made this today and it is a bit dark, but taste great. My microwave is 1,650 watts so I may take a minute off the first and 30 seconds off the second part.
Thanks for sharing your results, Carol! Yes, microwaves do vary and 1650 watts is pretty powerful.
This is easy and Delicious Thanks for Sharing your Recipe
You're welcome, Jennifer! So happy you enjoyed it!
What size sheet pan do I pour the brittle mixutre onto?
Hi Allison, I use a half size sheet pan which is 13x18 inches.
This is the first time I've ever made brittle or any candy, for that matter. Your directions were clear and concise and that's why I felt confident to use your recipe over the others. Plus, using the microwave sounded so much easier. This turned out perfectly! Thank you so much!
Yay! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Parker. You've made me hungry for pecan brittle now!
I tried this today, can't get it harden. It's chewy. Help!!!!!
Hi Melissa, sorry I'm just getting to this now. I'm not sure what could have gone wrong without having been right there in the kitchen with you.
I made both pecan and almond brittle with this recipe, and both were great! I used a silicone mat, and found that it didn't need to be greased at all. I also added a little salt along with the baking soda. I've made 3 batches already, and all have disappeared instantly. My underpowered (1000 watt) microwave requires cooking times of 5 minutes, 4 minutes, and 2 minutes. My first batch looked pretty anemic, but it still hardened, and still tasted delicious. If you're making for a party or gift, plan on a practice batch.
Thanks so much, Margaret, for sharing your results!
This was my first try at making peanut brittle and boy am I glad that I picked your recipe to try. It turned out beautifully and yummy! I may be making some more before Christmas as I have a feeling it will be all gone. Your recipes never disappoint.
Yay! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Joanne! I have to hide this stuff from myself 🙂
WOW, this is a WINNER! We will be making this over and over again...may try dipping in melted chocolate at some point. Delicious!
Thanks, Julie! Chocolate sounds wonderful!
Love LOVE this recipe!! I made my first batch Saturday and it was gone before we went to bed; me and hubby at the whole thing. I made 2 batches Sunday and by Tuesday they are gone. I will be investing in a glass bowl with a handle.
Thank you for sharing..
Thanks for sharing your results, Terry. You got me in the mood to make pecan brittle now! Yes, the pyrex bowls with the handle are wonderful!
Love this recipe! It makes perfect brittle with no need to “pre-toast” the pecans as they will cook and release their oils in the brittle! I found for me, that warming the pan, then spraying it with the cooking spray works best (prevents the spray from turning brown while the pan warms). I have some beautiful macadamia nuts from Hawaii, I’m going to try those next. Thanks for this new family classic! I used a 1000 watt oven and a glass 2 quart measuring bowl.
Thanks, Cay! Macadamia nuts sound wonderful!
One of the best recipes I've tried for flavor (and I've tried a lot of microwave nut brittle recipes). You think microwave brittle is going to be easy, but there's always adjusting to do, and it's one of those things that needs experimentation. Anyway, I do love this recipe, I have no trouble with it hardening, but I need to add at least another minute to get a good golden color, it looks pretty anemic otherwise. 1000 watt. Thanks for posting the recipe!
Thanks, Sandy, sounds like you're a pro!
I made this today exactly like the recipe and it turned out beautifully! Next time I will add a pinch of salt just to balance out the flavors. Thank you so much, easy!
Thanks, Joan, for sharing your results! Yes, a little flaky sea salt is delicious in this brittle!
Ran across this easy recipe and it turned out great love it thanks for sharing
Thanks so much, Cassandra!
I came across your recipe, and having made peanut brittle for years decided to try.Thanks for the descriptive wording about the coloring of the brittle. I have made this twice with much success. My microwave is also 1000 watts, but I needed to add 30 seconds to the end to get the color. Both times was a success, taste was delicious and is now a family favorite
Laura
Thanks for sharing your results Laura, so happy you enjoyed it!
This was my first attempt with this microwave recipe and I wanted double the amount of finished brittle. Sorry to say ... I got pecan Taffy - not pecan brittle that I had my taste set for. The final step was me hand rolling small amounts and setting on parchment paper in my container. Taste is good but not the brittle I had planned on.
Hi Paula, sorry you didn't have good results with this recipe. Did you double the recipe? With candy, it's better to make two batches. Doubling often doesn't work with candy.
Amazing !! First time ever made it! Turned ot perfect!!!
Yay! That's aweosme, Janice! Thanks for sharing your results.
Just finished making this recipe. Smells great, looks delish too! Toasted my peacans in butter. Added a tad of salt to them too,
Yum, sounds wonderful
Interested in why the prep and cook time says 9 hours 30 min?
Ha! When I switched recipe plugins this fall, it messed up all my times. I'm going through slowly and fixing them but, with almost 1000 recipes, it's taking a while! 🙂
I made a batch last night and let cool until this morning it didn't harden, what did I do wrong and how do I fix it?
Hmmm... I've never had that problem, Rebecca. Mine always hardens almost before I can get it into the pan. Not sure what to tell you.
I just made Pecan Brittle from a recipe I had. . If I had cooked it as long as this recipe said it would have been completely burned up. What wattage is your microwave? I'm using a 1000 watt.
Hello Debbie, hope your pecan brittle turned out wonderful. As noted in the notes below the recipe, my microwave is 1000 watts.
I found 7 1/2 minutes was the perfect amount of cooking time, after quite a bit of testing. I'm curious, how long do you cook your pecan brittle?
Do you toast the pecans first all I have is fresh pecans?
Hi Lana, I don't toast the pecans.
Just made the pecan brittle to bring as a hostess gift and it is delicious (well of course I tried it) . Love your site and recipes. Thank you for sharing.
Well of course you wouldn't want to give something away that wasn't tasty! 🙂 That's always my excuse 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! So happy you enjoyed it and hope your friends do too!
Hi, I'm making this brittle for family for xmas - thank you for the recipe! I was just wondering though, I broke my glass mixing bowl, I only have a plastic one available, can I use that instead? Thank you!
Hi Alyson, you need a microwave-safe, glass bowl for this recipe. That means a pyrex bowl. Pyrex bowls are meant to withstand intense heat.The syrup gets way too hot for plastic. You can buy large, pyrex measuring bowls for fairly inexpensive. This is the type of bowl you would want to use: http://amzn.to/2hI8ZH1 I really like this one because it has a handle that stays cool.
You could also use one like this: http://amzn.to/2hIcXQ9
Hope that helps. Enjoy!
Perfect to hand out at our holiday party. I know everyone will enjoy the brittle, especially made with pecans instead of peanuts as so many brittles are.
Crazy good indeed! I can't wait to give this brittle a try!
Well this is certainly simple and would make a great holiday gift for someone. I especially love that you're using pecans rather than peanuts. Nice recipe! I'll bet your family is all geared up for the holidays and those little munchkins!
This is easy and looks so darn delicious that I know I wouldn't be able to resist it either. I'm going to make these for friends for the holidays - they'll love it!
I can't imagine you having to test five batches of anything! No doubt that is why your recipes are always winners. This looks like a wonderful way to satisfy my sweet tooth and the fact that it can be ready in 15 minutes is an added bonus.
Chris thank you for the deliciousness, This morning we finished cleaning pecans that a friend gifted us with and I just had to try this super easy recipe. What an easy gift to whip up when you need something on short notice. Thanks again.
Would you believe I've only made microwave peanut brittle?? This was the first recipe I tried, and never looked back! Hard to ignore it's deliciousness---and though I can never find my keys, I can always find a tin of peanut brittle! Yours is perfect!!
Hi Chris, I am so making this, in fact I have all the ingredients to. Peanut brittle is one of my husband's all time favorite goodies. 15 minutes is amazing and no I will not tell;)
I think you'll love it Cheri!
What can you do use instead of light corn syrup?
I've heard that honey works Angie but I haven't tried it. I also think that Golden syrup would work well
15-min microwave brittle...this is too good to be real :-))
My two holiday weaknesses are toffee and nut brittles! This sounds so easy and delicious, Chris! I haven't started any holiday baking yet but soon 🙂
What size sheet pan do you use? I have a few different sizes. Thank you.
Wow! This IS easy! And faced with a plate of this? Resistance if futile. It'd be gone, stat. 🙂
Stat is right John! 🙂
Love your recipes all very well researched. I have made a similar recipe from: Let's cook Microwave by Barbara Harris. I've used it for at least 30 years. Since, as you note all microwaves are different I like having temps to go by rather than just time/color. I've done 250 degrees than add nuts and 300 to add vanilla and soda.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks Teresa, for the additional information!
Chris, I am trying this with spanish peanuts...but the can has all these little skins in it.....should I try to take those out, or just measure skins, nuts and all and pour into the candy? If I am mixing this at 5am....you know you have me excited about making candy for the first time ever!
Carolyn, you're such an early bird!
! 🙂 I'm probably too late, but I would probably put the peanuts in a fairly large hole strainer and shake off some of the skins 🙂
Any substitutes for corn syrup here in the UK? I was thinking golden syrup but that will give it a bit of a different texture and a much richer flavour I would think.
I don't have a microwave at the moment. Trying to decide whether to try this on the stovetop or wait till I get one!
Hi Rita, I think golden syrup would work just fine and would probably be even better!
Gorgeous!!
Thanks Ginny! We looked all over the Internet and couldn't find good pics of brittle anywhere, so we've added ours to the mix!
My mom used to make the best peanut brittle - love your adaptation with pecans! I've wanted to try this method for some time - thanks for the great instructions!
Absolutely Tricia! Our pleasure!
I am certain this is the recipe a client gave me almost 30 years ago:)I know my littles would love this..and I just read a book..where Mrs Miller..loved it.."Miller's Valley:)"
We'll have to look that book up Monique!
This sounds yummy. Instruction #2 -d in power. Glad to see you two are getting ready for Christmas! xxoo
Thanks Maureen! We put the tree up yesterday! It kind of sneaks up on you, doesn't it?
I need some of this! Can't wait to try it????
You'll love it Abbe!
Happy Holidays! Chris you say preheat oven, yada yada yada, pour mixture onto heated pan, however you don't mention how long the pan heats for. Love your blog stumbled upon it by accident, happy I did!
Thanks Sharon! If you refresh your screen, I've clarified that. The pan is just put in the oven to warm. That makes it much easier to spread the hot pecan brittle mixture nice and thin. I appreciate you noticing that 🙂