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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.


Jump to Recipe

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.

Peanut Butter Fudge (Microwave Recipe, 4 Ingredients!) (1)

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.

Peanut Butter Fudge (Microwave Recipe, 4 Ingredients!) (2)

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

Tried this recipe?Take a pic and tag @seededtable or #SeededAtTheTable to be featured!

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

About Seeded At The Table

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!

Learn more about me →

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

FAQs

Why won t my microwave fudge set? ›

Fudge Didn't Set

If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough. This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).

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.

Why did my peanut butter fudge not get hard? ›

If you didn't reach the correct temperature during the cooking process, it might not set properly. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that you reach the recommended temperature. Overcooking or Undercooking:Solution: Cooking the fudge for too long or too short a time can affect its texture.

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).

Why is my fudge so soft in the microwave? ›

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.

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

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

Why does homemade fudge get hard? ›

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.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

How do you fix runny peanut butter fudge? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

Why does my peanut butter fudge taste grainy? ›

– There are a number of reasons why the fudge was grainy. It might be that you haven't dissolved all the sugar before boiling the fudge mixture. It could be that there just wasn't enough fluid or fat to enable the sugar to dissolve or it might even be that the fudge wasn't beaten long enough or hard enough.

Why is my peanut butter fudge chewy? ›

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 should you not do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

What happens if you overboil fudge? ›

Too cooked

This fudge was cooked to a temperature of 118 °C (244 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do you fix runny fudge in the microwave? ›

Solutions to Save Your Fudge:

You can start by gently reheating it and boiling or cooking it again, aiming to reach the correct temperature. Alternatively, using short bursts in the microwave and stirring between intervals until it thickens can also be an effective method to restore its texture.

What do you do if your fudge didn't set up? ›

If it's overcooked (resulting in grainy fudge) or undercooked (resulting in poor setting) all you really need to do is add a bit of cream, reheat the fudge to the target temperature, and let it set again.

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? ›

To fix soft fudge or hard fudge, simply follow these easy steps: Scrape the fudge back into a large saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir the fudge over low heat until it dissolves. Carefully taste the mixture, as the water probably diluted the flavor.

Why is my fudge mixture not thickening? ›

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).

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 6282

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.