Peanut Butter Fudge (Microwave Recipe, 4 Ingredients!) (2024)

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Only 4 ingredients and 4 minutes to make this wonderful peanut butter fudge. Doesn't get better than that!

Indulging in a sweet treat doesn't have to involve complex steps and hours in the kitchen. Our easy peanut butter fudge recipe is a testament to simplicity and deliciousness. Discover why we adore this fuss-free creation, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or surprising loved ones with a delightful homemade gift.

Ingredients

The beauty of this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge lies in its uncomplicated yet flavorful ingredients. A mere four components come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Let's take a closer look at what makes this recipe so effortlessly delicious.

  • Unsalted butter - serves as the rich and creamy base of the fudge. It provides a smooth texture and a subtle, buttery flavor without the risk of the fudge becoming overly salty.
  • Creamy peanut butter - is the star of the show, responsible for the flavor and achieving that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
  • Vanilla extract - adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the fudge.
  • Powdered sugar - the sweetening agent and also contributes to the fudge's texture. The powdered sugar combines seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a sweet and decadent "dough" that sets the foundation for the fudge.

Instructions

Bypass the complexities of traditional fudge-making with our straightforward instructions. Even if you're a novice in the kitchen, you'll be amazed at how effortlessly this peanut butter fudge comes together. Follow these simple steps, and you'll soon be relishing in the delight of your own homemade masterpiece.

  1. Butter the pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Microwave a heavenly blend of butter and peanut butter.
  3. Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar for a smooth, delectable dough.
  4. Spread the mixture into the pan, refrigerate, and cut into tempting cubes.

Storage Tips for Your Peanut Butter Fudge

While the temptation to devour this delightful creation might be strong, knowing how to store it properly ensures lasting freshness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you're in a warm climate, you may need to store in the fridge.

Gifting Peanut Butter Fudge

Personalizing peanut butter fudge for gifting is a wonderful idea. Here are some creative ways to add a personal touch:

  • Packaging: Use decorative boxes, jars, or cellophane bags to present the fudge beautifully.
  • Add-ins: Customize the fudge by folding in extras like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips to create unique flavor combinations.
  • Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top, sprinkle crushed nuts, or dust with cocoa powder for an extra visual appeal.
  • Gift Tags: Attach personalized gift tags with a handwritten note or the recipe, sharing the joy of your homemade creation.

Can I Freeze Peanut Butter Fudge?

Yes, you can freeze peanut butter fudge for longer storage. To do so:

  1. Wrap Well: Ensure the fudge is well-wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the wrapped fudge in an airtight container for added protection.
  3. Label: Clearly label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
  4. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, allow the fudge to thaw in the refrigerator to maintain its texture.

Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, so consider freezing smaller portions for easier thawing and consumption.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it's recommended to stick with unsalted butter in this peanut butter fudge recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you better control over the overall saltiness of the fudge. If you opt for salted butter, expect a saltier tasting fudge.

Made this Recipe?

Leave a star rating and tag me on Instagram @seededtable so I can see. I love hearing from you!

This recipe was originally published December 2011 and updated December 2023 with optimized photos and new recipe tips.

Recipe Card

Peanut Butter Fudge (Microwave Recipe, 4 Ingredients!) (3)

Print Recipe

4.43 from 7 votes

Peanut Butter Fudge

Only 4 ingredients and 4 minutes to make this wonderful peanut butter fudge. Doesn't get better than that!

Prep Time6 minutes mins

Cook Time4 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Candy, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy peanut butter fudge, microwave peanut butter fudge

Servings: 64 1-inch pieces

Calories: 77kcal

Author: Nikki Gladd

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter , plus additional for greasing pan
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 lb powdered sugar (or about 3 ¾ cups), unsifted

Instructions

  • Butter the bottom and sides of an 8- x 8-inch pan, and then line the bottom and sides of the pan with a sheet of parchment paper. (The butter helps the paper stick to the pan.) Lightly butter the top of the parchment paper, as well.

  • Combine the 1 cup butter and peanut butter in a large microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on full power for 2 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, uncover and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Recover and microwave on full power for an additional 2 minutes.

  • Remove the bowl from the microwave. Carefully stir in the vanilla and powdered sugar until evenly combined. The mixture may become a little crumbly at first, but continue to stir until the ingredients are smooth and a nice "dough" forms.

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer, pushing to fill the corners. Place an additional square piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the fudge and use your hands to smooth the top.

  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Once chilled, transfer fudge to a cutting board by lifting the sides of the parchment paper. Use a large knife to cut into 1-inch cubes.

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

Be careful when measuring the powdered sugar. 1 lb (or 16 oz) of powdered sugar is equal to 3 ¾ to 4 cups. Do not think in terms of liquid measurement where 16 ounces equals only 2 cups.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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Thanks for visiting! We’re the Gladd family! We love donuts, Disney, LEGO and Jesus. Not in that order, of course. 🙂 Ben shares DIY wood-working projects and Nikki shares delicious recipes. You’ll also find a sprinkling of travel adventures and other family fun ideas!

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Peanut Butter Fudge (Microwave Recipe, 4 Ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

Why won t my microwave fudge set? ›

The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control. If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

Why did my peanut butter fudge not get hard? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

Can you fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

What makes peanut butter fudge too soft? ›

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

Why is my peanut butter fudge still soft? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Can I put a jar of peanut butter in the microwave? ›

You bet! Just be sure to place SKIPPY® Peanut Butter in a microwave-safe container. SKIPPY® Peanut Butter jars, however, can't go in the microwave or oven.

What does microwaving peanut butter do? ›

Technically, you can melt a bowl of the latter, but the nuts will just get toasty instead of melting — so the choice is up to you. Either way, be sure to use your warm spread right away, since it will harden again as it cools down; although it'll taste so delicious, this likely won't be a problem.

Is it good to microwave peanut butter? ›

Sure, you can use a microwave for small amounts. Or just spread it on hot toast. It melts like butter. Always keep peanut butter at room temperature UNLESS, it's totally natural, without preservatives, or it's one you made yourself.

How to make fudge thicker? ›

If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the fudge as it heats, but only until the sugar in the chocolate is completely melted again.

How do you make homemade fudge firmer? ›

​Harden the fudge:​ Place your container or tins in the fridge for 2 hours, which is the time it takes for the fudge to set. Once it's hardened, cut the fudge into 12 pieces or remove it from the muffin tins. Store in the fridge or the freezer (if you don't devour it right away).

Why won't my condensed milk fudge set? ›

It sounds like your fudge simply wasn't heated enough. Fudge is basically a superconcentrated syrup, and it sets when sugar dissolved in the water (from the butter and milk) comes out of solution as the mixture cools and forms crystals.

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

Can you soften fudge in microwave? ›

You could also gently heat the fudge with some moisture. This could be done: In the microwave - microwave in short increments with a glass of (warm) water, which creates steam for the fudge to absorb, until the fudge no longer feels/looks dried out.

What causes fudge to be too soft? ›

Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft. A temperature of 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) must be maintained. This will ensure the fudge has the ideal concentration of water and sugar. Fudge is difficult to make.

How long to heat up hot fudge in microwave? ›

Just heat in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds and you're ready to enjoy! Read package instructions before heating.

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