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 causes peanut butter fudge not to harden? ›

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.

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

The key to successful, nongrainy fudge is in the cooling, not the cooking. The recipe calls for heating the ingredients to the soft-ball stage, or 234° F, then allowing it to cool undisturbed to approximately 110° F.

Why did my peanut butter fudge turn out crumbly? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

If you continue stirring once the mixture is simmering, you are encouraging the development of sugar crystals. While crystallization is the goal if you're making hard candy, crunchy sugar bits can quickly ruin a fudge's silky smooth texture.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Brush the sides of the pan with a wet brush at the beginning of cooking to dissolve sugar crystals stuck to the sides. Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

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

Grainy Fudge

The sugars probably crystallized, a common mistake when making candy like fudge or caramel. If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon.

Why is my peanut butter fudge so soft? ›

If your fudge fails to harden in the fridge, it means that you probably didn't cook it to the right temperature. Fudge is a candy, and that means it is extremely picky about temperature - fudge must be cooked to precisely 237–239 degrees Fahrenheit so that sugar forms the desired consistency when cooled.

How do you fix runny peanut butter fudge? ›

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 remelt grainy fudge? ›

Pour the fudge back into your pan, and add about a cup of water to it, along with a tablespoon or two of evaporated milk, whipping cream, or whatever cream you're using. Some people skip the water and just add cream to the mixture to reheat.

What temperature do you cook fudge? ›

Bring the sugar, marshmallows, and evaporated milk to a boil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven. Once it starts to bubble, you will cook the fudge for about 10 minutes or so until the temperature reaches 235-240 degrees F on a candy thermometer (affiliate link).

Can you make fudge when its raining outside? ›

Perhaps you heard your grandmother complain that “you can never make fudge when it's raining.” No mythical urban legend here. High humidity alters the cooking properties of sugar. Fudge can take three times as long to set up, if at all. Sugary meringue absorbs humidity.

Can you over whisk fudge? ›

The longer you beat once it starts to thicken then the more crumbly the final fudge will be. If you like it smooth - beat it only until comes away from the sides of the pan and sticks well to the spoon.

Why does my fudge crack when I cut it? ›

There are 2 reasons that fudge will crumble: overcooking & having an undissolved sugar crystal in the mixture. That undissolved crystal will cause the dissolved sugar to recrystalize (think rock candy).

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 is the ball method for fudge? ›

making of fudge

termed in kitchen parlance the soft ball stage, that point between 234 and 240 °F (112 and 115 °C) at which a small ball of the candy dropped in ice water neither disintegrates nor flattens when picked up with the fingers.

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!

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