Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2024)

Looking for an easy peanut butter fudge recipe? Then you have to try this no bake microwave fudge! It is super creamy and melts in your mouth!

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (1)

Easy Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the food. There are few things that say Christmas to me like homemade chocolate fudge.

While I grew up all over as an Air Force brat, my roots are in the south. Both sides of my family have lived in the south (and increasingly migrated south) through the generations.

Fudge is a must during the holidays. But it’s also something that can be picked up at gas stations, roadside stands, and bake sales. We love us some fudge.

But my husband is from the Midwest so he didn’t grow up on all the greatness of fudge. On top of it all, he isn’t much for chocolate in general so that definitely complicated things.

It is the holidays, after all, so more than ever I want to make a fudge the whole family could enjoy. Peanut butter is something our entire family loves from the kids to the great-grandparents.

So I set out to create an easy peanut butter fudge recipe.I’d had peanut butter fudge before but had never made it myself.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2)

I like to maximize my time and efforts in the kitchen. So, I like to create recipes that are simple and easy but taste like they took much more effort.

To accomplish this, finding a way to create a no-bake peanut butter fudge was a priority. Because if I can avoid turning on the oven and make dessert in the microwave that makes life so much easier for me.

Surprisingly I managed to an easy no bake peanut butter fudge recipe on the first attempt. I’m not typically a midnight snacker but I just couldn’t resist sneaking a piece one night.

It was so good and didn’t last very long at all. In fact, I’m sure my doctor is going to be surprised at the sudden increase in my weight from last month.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for homemade fudge!

To jump to the recipe, scroll to the bottom to print out the recipe. If you like easy fudge recipes, you’ll love this eggnog fudge recipe!

Peanut butter microwave fudge ingredients

  • butter
  • light brown sugar
  • milk
  • creamy peanut butter
  • vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar

That’s it! This recipe does not have corn syrup, evaporated milk, or milk chocolate in it.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (3)

How to make peanut butter fudge

Making peanut butter fudge is super easy! Start by placing confectioners sugar in a mixing bowl and set it aside.

If you’re using the stovetop, place a saucepan over medium heat and melt butter completely. To make microwave fudge, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Next, stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, then time for 2 additional minutes stirring constantly. If using the microwave, cook for approximately 1 minute.

Whether you use the stovetop or the microwave, remove from heat stirring in peanut butter and vanilla extract.

Add the peanut butter mixture to the powdered sugar and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. (I’ve had this hand mixer since I got married 21 years ago and it’s still running like a champ!)

Line a baking dish with wax paper, plastic wrap, or parchment paper and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. If you want to add any toppings, now is the time to add them to the top of the fudge.

Then place the baking pan into the fridge and cool completely until set. When fudge is completely set, cut into squares.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (4)

Why is my peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly?

Your fudge may look dry and crumbly but rest assured it will melt in your mouth. Your fudge may crumble because this is a microwave fudge recipe and is meant to cook fast. Old fashioned fudge recipes cook for longer at higher heat and allow the sugar crystals to dissolve more evenly.

If you want to ensure a smooth, creamy fudge that isn’t grainy you can easily fix it but it will require heating the fudge again. Place the grainy fudge into an oven-safe pan with a small amount of water and heavy whipping cream to melt the fudge.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (5)

Do you refrigerate peanut butter fudge?

You certainly can refrigerate fudge and it will help your fudge to set up faster but you don’t have to. Peanut butter fudge can be stored in an airtight container as long as no mold is present.

Can you freeze peanut butter fudge?

Yes, you can freeze peanut butter fudge. The best way to freeze fudge is to first cut it into your desired serving size.

Then wrap each individual piece before placing it in a larger, air-tight storage container or plastic bag.

Eating frozen fudge isn’t recommended. Before eating, place it on the counter and warm it to room temperature. If you prefer cold fudge, you can place it in the microwave until the fudge has softened.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (6)

More peanut butter recipes

  • 101 Peanut Butter Desserts: no matter how you like your peanut butter, you can experience it in every form from cupcakes and cakes to cookies and ice cream
  • Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins: healthy and delicious muffins kids love and are high in protein thanks to peanut butter
  • Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: soft and chewy, flourless 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies

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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (7)

Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

You can easily print this recipe by clicking on the button below. Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can save it for later.

Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Looking for an easy peanut butter fudge recipe? Then you have to try this no bake microwave fudge! It is super creamy and melts in your mouth!

CourseDessert

CuisineAmerican

Keywordfudge, peanut butter

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 16

Calories 430 kcal

Author Live Love Texas

Instructions

  1. Put powdered sugar in mixing bowl and set aside.

  2. Place saucepan over medium heat and melt butter completely.

  3. Then, stir in brown sugar and milk.

  4. Bring to a boil, then time for 2 additional minutes stirring constantly.

  5. Remove pan from heat and mix in peanut butter and vanilla extract.

  6. Add peanut butter mix to powdered sugar and beat with electric mixer until smooth.

  7. Line a baking pan/dish with wax paper and pour mixture into dish.

  8. Place in the fridge and cool completely until set.

  9. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 430Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 133mg6%

Potassium 145mg4%

Carbohydrates 76g25%

Sugar 73g81%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 195IU4%

Calcium 41mg4%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (9)
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

Why is my peanut butter fudge so hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

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.

What makes fudge moist? ›

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 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.

What not to 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

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Start cooking over low heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't stir for the rest of the cooking. The syrup temperature rises slowly at first, but a lot faster after 104 °C (220 °F). Don't get distracted!

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).

How do you know when to stop beating fudge? ›

Let the mixture cool before beating. The temperature at this point should be 43°C to 45°C (110°F to 113°F). The fudge should be warm but not burning hot. Stop beating when the surface of the mixture starts to look dull or matte.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

Who makes the world's best fudge? ›

Mackinac Island Fudge – The Best Fudge on Earth
  • Original Murdick's Fudge.
  • Joann's Fudge.
  • Ryba's Fudge Shops.

How to rescue fudge that won't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

How to cut fudge so it doesn't crumble? ›

Put both knives into a large measuring cup, add boiling water onto the knives, and before cutting the chocolate or the dessert into pieces, wipe the knife with a towel. The warm knife will easily cut through without cracking.

Why is my peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly? ›

If it doesn't boil, your fudge will end up too mushy, and if it cooks for too long, you'll end up with a dry, crumbly mess. This is why many recipes recommend using a candy thermometer, so you know exactly when to remove your mixture from the heat.

How do you keep peanut butter fudge from getting grainy? ›

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.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

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.

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!

Should fudge be soft or firm? ›

It should hold together well without being too hard and, above all, has to be melty and silky in your mouth. It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy.

Can you mess up fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

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