Homemade Christmas: Almond Brittle

This isn’t just any old almond brittle.

This is almond brittle you make in the microwave.

No lie!

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You don’t need to stand over the stove or watch a candy thermometer or worry about scalding yourself with boiling sugar.

And even better than that? It takes less than 10 minutes to make.

 

Microwave Almond Brittle

Slightly modified from Microwave Peanut Brittle from the Blue Eyed Bakers

1 ½ cups raw almonds
1 cup sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In microwave-proof bowl (I used my large glass Pyrex measuring bowl), combine almonds, sugar, corn syrup and salt, then microwave for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling very vigorously. You can stir midway through cooking if you like.

Take out and stir in butter and vanilla, then put the mixture back in the microwave until it turns light gold color, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove and add baking soda to mixture and stir (the mixture will foam up at this point – that’s good!).

Quickly pour onto the baking sheet. Either tilt baking sheet side to side or take spatula/spoon and spread brittle as thinly as possible, then let stand until cold and hard – about 1-2 hours. Break up and enjoy!

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Our brittle only took about an hour to harden up, and we were so happy that it came out so well!

Crispy and buttery and everything brittle should be. Everyone loved having this treat in their Christmas baskets this year.

I was just sad we didn’t make a batch for ourselves ; )

23 comments

  1. I’ve never made almond or peanut brittle. Love that this is so easy!

  2. This is amazing! I’ve been wanting to make candy but don’t have a thermometer. I can’t believe it works in a microwave.

    • I know! I was SO skeptical, but it worked beautifully.

      And, since I’m a huge klutz, this makes me happy knowing I don’t have to work with boiling sugar :)

  3. I can’t believe this! This is so easy; I really have no excuse not to make it!

  4. Oh my….yummy and easy!! I can’t go wrong. I wish Christmas was coming SOON…I want to try all your recent posts!!

  5. I’m impressed you can do this in the microwave!

  6. Must try this- I love all types of brittle!! I tried a rosemary almond brittle in San Fran that blew my mind!

  7. Ummm soooo making this! :) Sounds easy enough!

  8. Wow. I have to say I am usually anti-microwave, but there are some things it does really well – defrosting things when I am in a hurry, melting chocolate, melting butter, etc. I’ll have to add this to the list.

    • yes, please do! I would have never thought I could make brittle in the microwave, but it turned out perfect. Let me know if you try it!

  9. Looks and sounds delicious. And you used the microwave? Makes me almost think I could attempt to make it… :)

  10. Microwave brittle is so easy! I make peanut butter microwave brittle every year, but now I want to try almond brittle!

  11. Micrpwave brittle is so easy! I make peanut butter microwave brittle every year, but now I want to try almond brittle! Looks amazing :)

  12. Your almond brittle looks great! I know G would love it with his peanut allergy. Stay warm tonight!

  13. We got osme of this from my dad’s business partners and it was INCREDIBLE!! I wondered how they made it..but now I know. :) Thank you!

  14. What a great idea!!!

    I would never have thought of anything like this…but it’s a great idea.

    Thanks for sharing!

  15. microwaved? How awesome! I can’t wait to try this. Perfect to bring to a party as a hostess gift

  16. YES! This is great, Brandi! I love brittle, but don’t make them because I don’t have a candy thermometer, and even if I do have one, it’s pretty tricky. Thanks so much for this idiot-proof recipe!

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