My microwave pecan brittle is a quick and easy take on the classic. Using the microwave, you can create crunchy brittle with that classic, bright, sweet flavor and an extra note of earthiness thanks to chopped pecans.
I love making brittle for the holidays. It’s an easy recipe that can be made relatively quickly, and that’s always a big plus for special occasions!
I love making classics like peanut brittle or variations like chocolate cashew brittle to keep things interesting. Now, I’ve added a new twist with my pecan brittle.
This brittle uses a classic base of sugar and corn syrup to create that sweet flavor and glassy, crackable texture. However, the addition of pecans gives it a darker, more robust flavor with earthy notes that is soooo good.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Limited Ingredients: It only takes six simple kitchen staples to make this recipe, so you won’t have to track down anything special.
- So Easy: This microwave version eliminates the need to use a pot and a candy thermometer.
- Customizable: Brittle is great because you can add any kind of nut to the base for tasty results.
- Great for Prep: Brittle will last for quite a while at room temperature and it’s freezer-friendly, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.
Key Ingredients
You can find a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Sugar and Light Corn Syrup: Sugar and light corn syrup create the sweet, crackly base for the brittle.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda reacts in the brittle mixture to give it those light, airy bubbles.
- Pecans: Coarsely chopped pecans give the brittle that crunch we love and an extra layer of deep, nutty flavor.
Variations
- Nuts: Try any of your favorite nuts for this brittle. They all work, producing a variety of tasty flavors.
- Roasted Nuts: You can also use roasted varieties of your favorite nuts for a deeper, toasted flavor.
- Dark Corn Syrup: Using dark corn syrup imparts a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the brittle.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate over the brittle while it’s still warm to enhance appearance and add extra flavor.
How to Make Pecan Brittle
Step 1: Mix the sugar and corn syrup and microwave for 3 ½ – 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the pecans and microwave again for 2-3 minutes. Add butter and vanilla, stir and microwave for an additional minutes. Then, stir in the baking soda.
Step 3: Immediately pour the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer of your desired thickness.
Step 4: Cool the brittle completely. Then, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Microwaves vary. Follow the times in my recipe and adjust them accordingly based on your outcome.
- Your brittle MUST be a golden color before you allow it to cool to create the proper texture.
- Use fresh baking soda to get those nice bubbles and lumps.
Pecan Brittle FAQS
Brittle is hard and crunchy, cooked to the “hard crack” stage, and uses corn syrup for crispness. Praline, on the other hand, is softer and creamier, made with cream, butter, and brown sugar, and cooked to the “soft ball” stage.
If you’re making brittle in the traditional way, use a candy thermometer. When the mixture reaches between 300 and 310°F, it’s ready. If you’re using the microwave method, the mixture should turn a golden color before you spread it out to cool.
Any nut can be used for brittle. Peanuts, almonds, and pecans are all classic choices. However, varieties like cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts, and even pistachios work, as well. Try your favorites!
Pecan brittle will last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
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Pecan Brittle – Easy Microwave Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- In a microwave safe glass bowl, or an 8 cup measuring cup, stir together sugar and corn syrup.
- Microwave on high for 3 ½ – 4 minutes (microwaves vary)
- Stir the pecans into the bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes on high (2 minutes is perfect for me) until the mixture is light brown or golden color.
- Stir in the butter and the vanilla. Microwave for an additional 1 minute.
- Next, add the baking soda and mix well.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and spread out in an even layer to desired thickness.
- Work quickly as it sets up fast.
- Let cool completely then break into pieces
Notes
- Microwaves vary. Follow the times in my recipe and adjust them accordingly based on your outcome.
- Your brittle MUST be a golden color before you allow it to cool to create the proper texture.
- Use fresh baking soda to get those nice bubbles and lumps.
Nutrition
Wow, this Pecan Brittle is my new fave snack! I will be making it again soon!
This Pecan Brittle is really yummy! It was so easy to make, too!
Such a fun and easy sweet treat or snack. I love nut brittle…will be making again!
I made this and couldn’t believe how easy it was. It set up perfectly and had a great crunch!
There is nothing quite like a well-made pecan brittle, and this recipe looks like it has that perfect buttery snap. It’s a beautiful, nostalgic-feeling treat.
I made this yesterday, and it’s perfect. It’s so easy that I was done in no time. Unfortunately, it was gone in no time, too.
I’m in love with how easy this recipe is! I get all that peanut brittle goodness without all the work!