Microwave Cashew Brittle: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Treat
Are you craving a sweet, crunchy treat but short on time? Look no further than microwave cashew brittle! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. In just minutes, you can have a batch of homemade brittle that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, gifting to friends and family, or adding a delightful crunch to your desserts. Forget slaving over a hot stove – the microwave does all the work in this simple, foolproof recipe.
Why Microwave Cashew Brittle?
There are many reasons to love microwave cashew brittle:
* **Speed and Convenience:** This is the most significant advantage. Traditional brittle recipes involve careful candy-making techniques and constant stirring over a stovetop to prevent burning. The microwave streamlines the process, significantly reducing cooking time and the risk of mishaps.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry: sugar, butter, corn syrup, cashews, and a touch of baking soda.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Fewer pots and pans mean less cleanup! Since everything is cooked in the microwave, you’ll only need to wash a microwave-safe dish and a few utensils.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** Even if you’ve never made candy before, this recipe is practically foolproof. The instructions are simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for novice cooks.
* **Customizable:** While this recipe focuses on cashews, you can easily substitute other nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit to create your own unique brittle variations.
* **Delicious and Addictive:** Let’s be honest, the best reason to make microwave cashew brittle is because it tastes amazing! The combination of sweet, buttery caramel and crunchy cashews is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **1 cup granulated sugar:** This is the foundation of the brittle, providing sweetness and caramelization.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter:** Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps create a smooth texture.
* **1/4 cup light corn syrup:** Corn syrup prevents sugar crystallization, resulting in a smoother, less grainy brittle. Don’t substitute dark corn syrup unless you want a different flavor profile.
* **1 cup raw cashews:** Use raw, unsalted cashews for the best flavor and texture. You can use whole cashews or chop them roughly, depending on your preference.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Baking soda reacts with the acids in the sugar and butter, creating tiny bubbles that make the brittle light and airy. This is crucial for the brittle’s signature texture.
* **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional):** Vanilla extract adds a subtle layer of flavor, but it’s not essential.
* **Pinch of salt (optional):** A pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Microwave-safe dish:** A square or rectangular glass or ceramic dish is ideal. An 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch dish works well. Make sure the dish is deep enough to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
* **Microwave:** Of course!
* **Spatula or spoon:** For stirring the ingredients.
* **Parchment paper or silicone mat:** To prevent the brittle from sticking to the counter or baking sheet.
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get started! Follow these easy steps to make perfect microwave cashew brittle:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dish**
Lightly grease your microwave-safe dish with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is crucial to prevent the brittle from sticking.
**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
In the prepared dish, combine the sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
**Step 3: Microwave the Mixture**
Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes. The mixture will bubble and melt. After 3 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and stir well. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
**Step 4: Continue Microwaving**
Return the dish to the microwave and continue microwaving on high for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light amber color. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s power, so keep a close eye on it. The brittle is ready when it reaches a light amber color and a candy thermometer, if using, registers 300°F (149°C).
**Step 5: Add Cashews and Baking Soda**
Remove the dish from the microwave and immediately stir in the cashews and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up, so stir quickly and thoroughly to distribute it evenly. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
**Step 6: Spread and Cool**
Pour the mixture onto a prepared parchment paper or silicone mat. Use a spatula to spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Work quickly, as the brittle will start to harden as it cools.
**Step 7: Cool Completely**
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Do not refrigerate the brittle, as it may become sticky.
**Step 8: Break into Pieces**
Once the brittle is completely cool and hardened, break it into pieces with your hands or a knife. Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Cashew Brittle
* **Use a Microwave-Safe Dish:** This is essential to prevent the dish from cracking or shattering in the microwave.
* **Watch Carefully:** Microwaves vary in power, so keep a close eye on the brittle as it cooks. It can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked brittle will be bitter and hard. The brittle is ready when it reaches a light amber color.
* **Stir Quickly:** When adding the baking soda, stir quickly to ensure it’s evenly distributed. This is what gives the brittle its characteristic airy texture.
* **Work Quickly:** Once you remove the brittle from the microwave, work quickly to spread it out before it hardens.
* **Cool Completely:** Make sure the brittle is completely cool and hardened before breaking it into pieces. If it’s still warm, it will be sticky.
* **Store Properly:** Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from becoming sticky or absorbing moisture.
Troubleshooting
* **Brittle is too hard:** You may have overcooked the mixture. Try reducing the cooking time in your next batch.
* **Brittle is too soft:** You may have undercooked the mixture. Try increasing the cooking time in your next batch.
* **Brittle is sticky:** This can be caused by high humidity or storing the brittle in the refrigerator. Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Brittle is burnt:** You likely overcooked the mixture. Keep a closer eye on the brittle as it cooks and remove it from the microwave as soon as it reaches a light amber color.
* **Brittle is grainy:** This can be caused by sugar crystals forming. Make sure to use corn syrup, which helps prevent sugar crystallization. You can also try adding a pinch of cream of tartar to the mixture.
Variations and Add-ins
The basic microwave cashew brittle recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Other Nuts:** Substitute cashews with other nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also use a mixture of nuts.
* **Seeds:** Add seeds, such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Stir in dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, or cherries for a chewy and sweet addition.
* **Chocolate:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle or stir in chocolate chips or chunks after adding the baking soda.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the cooled brittle for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract, peppermint extract, or maple extract.
Serving Suggestions
Microwave cashew brittle is delicious on its own, but here are a few other ways to enjoy it:
* **Snack:** Enjoy a few pieces of brittle as a sweet and crunchy snack.
* **Dessert Topping:** Crumble the brittle over ice cream, yogurt, or pudding for added texture and flavor.
* **Gift:** Package the brittle in a decorative tin or bag and give it as a homemade gift.
* **Party Favor:** Wrap individual pieces of brittle in cellophane bags and use them as party favors.
* **Coffee Accompaniment:** Serve a small piece of brittle alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Detailed Recipe Card
**Microwave Cashew Brittle**
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 5-7 minutes
**Cooling time:** 30-60 minutes
**Yield:** Approximately 1 pound
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup
* 1 cup raw cashews
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
* Pinch of salt (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Microwave-safe dish (8×8 inch or 9×13 inch)
* Microwave
* Spatula or spoon
* Parchment paper or silicone mat
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
1. Lightly grease a microwave-safe dish with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In the prepared dish, combine the sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Carefully remove from microwave and stir well. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
4. Return to the microwave and continue microwaving on high for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light amber color. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Remove the dish from the microwave and immediately stir in the cashews, baking soda, vanilla extract (if using), and salt (if using). Stir quickly and thoroughly to distribute the baking soda evenly.
6. Pour the mixture onto a prepared parchment paper or silicone mat. Use a spatula to spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Work quickly, as the brittle will start to harden as it cools.
7. Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Do not refrigerate.
8. Once the brittle is completely cool and hardened, break it into pieces with your hands or a knife.
9. Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
**Notes:**
* Microwaves vary in power, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
* The brittle is ready when it reaches a light amber color.
* Stir quickly when adding the baking soda to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
* Cool the brittle completely before breaking it into pieces.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Microwave cashew brittle is a delightful treat that’s quick, easy, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can create a homemade candy that’s perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the store-bought sweets and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness of homemade microwave cashew brittle.