Microwave Pecan Brittle is a time-saving twist on a classic candy! This delicious, crunchy holiday treat is easy to make in 15 minutes, using a microwave!
Cover a large cookie sheet with foil, making sure to leave an overhang on all sides. Give the foil a very generous spraying with non-stick spray. Place pan in a preheated 350 degree oven while you make the candy (this is done to make sure pan is really warm when you pour in the hot liquid candy mixture later on. Warm pan helps brittle to thin out and spread out a bit easier.)
Spray a 2 qt. baking dish AND a heat-resistant spatula with non-stick cooking spray. Mix granulated sugar and corn syrup until fully combined and thick. Put dish in microwave. Cook mixture using HIGH power for 3½ minutes. The mixture will be very hot and light in color when done. Remove from microwave carefully - it is HOT!
Stir in the pecan halves, then place dish back into microwave. Cook mixture on HIGH power for an additional 3 minutes. Remove dish from microwave carefully (the color will be a slighter darker).
Immediately add butter and vanilla extract. Stir very well to combine all ingredients. Put the dish back in microwave (last time). Cook on HIGH power for 1 minute. NOTE: Since microwaves sometimes have different watt levels, keep an eye on the color of the candy during the third microwaving. You may need to cook it an additional minute or so to achieve a medium brown color.
Remove dish from microwave. Sprinkle baking soda over the top of the candy mixture. Stir only until the baking soda has been mixed in. The candy will get foamy, rise up a bit in the dish, and turn from a slightly amber color to a caramel color.
Immediately (and very carefully) pour the hot liquid onto your warm foil-lined baking sheet. Use your non-stick sprayed, heat-resistant spatula to spread the candy out as much as possible on the sheet. When you spread it out, you might see some holes or uneven areas... don't worry about that, cause you will bust it up later!
Once the brittle has cooled down completely, all you need to do is lift the foil right out of the pan, then grab that candy, lifting it off the foil, and break it all up into small pieces!
Nutrition Facts
Microwave Pecan Brittle
Amount Per Serving (1 piece)
Calories 74Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 43mg2%
Potassium 16mg0%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Vitamin A 15IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 4mg0%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.