Warm, creamy, and decadently smooth, microwave peanut butter fudge makes a simple treat that brings comfort in every bite. You’ll only need three ingredients, minimal prep work, and a little patience while the fudge sets. In less than ten minutes, you can fill your kitchen with the nutty, inviting aroma of homemade fudge—no stovetop, candy thermometer, or fancy equipment required.
Ingredients
This classic recipe delivers on flavor and efficiency. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (choose smooth for a traditional texture, or crunchy for added crunch)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
You’ll also want parchment paper for lining your pan, and a sharp knife for even, clean cuts.
How To Make Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Jumping into the fudge-making process is quick and straightforward. The method involves four simple steps:
1. Combine Peanut Butter and Butter
Start by adding your peanut butter and unsalted butter to a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. For best results, break the butter into chunks for even melting. Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe plate or paper towel.
Microwave for 1 minute on high. Carefully stir the mixture, ensuring the butter and peanut butter are blending smoothly together. Heat for another minute. Stir again. The mixture should look glossy and homogeneous.
2. Mix In Powdered Sugar
Take the bowl out of the microwave. Add the powdered sugar all at once. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold the sugar into the peanut butter-butter mixture. Expect a thick, dough-like consistency by the end. It might seem stiff, but the mixture will settle in the next step.
3. Shape the Fudge
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper; let the paper drape over the edges for easy removal later. Scrape the fudge mixture into the pan. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the top. Gently press down and spread the fudge to fill the pan evenly. Your palms work well, but you can also use a flat-bottomed glass.
4. Set and Cut
Pop the pan into the refrigerator. Allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours so it firms up. When you’re ready to serve, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. With a sharp, straight-edged knife, cut the slab into even squares—1-inch pieces make satisfying, bite-sized treats.
Storage Guide
Peanut butter fudge’s flexibility in storage makes it easy to prepare ahead or save leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:
Room Temperature
Place the fudge in an airtight container or sealable bag. Keep it in a cool, dark spot. It will maintain its taste and texture for up to two weeks, as long as it’s insulated from warmth and direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
For a firmer fudge, store the cut pieces in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. This slows down moisture loss and extends the shelf life to about a month. Cold fudge slices neatly and makes for a firmer bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy fudge over several months, freezing is the way to go. Double-wrap each piece with wax paper, then plastic wrap or foil. Store the wrapped squares in a freezer bag or airtight container at the back of your freezer, away from the door to avoid temperature swings.
To thaw, remove the needed pieces and let them rest in the fridge for several hours, or at room temperature for one or two hours. For best flavor and texture, eat within three months.
Storage Chart
| Storage Method | Container Type | How Long It Lasts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight/container/bag | Up to 2 weeks | Best in a cool, dark spot |
| Refrigerated | Airtight container | Up to 1 month | Firmer texture |
| Freezer | Double-wrapped + airtight | Up to 3 months | Thaw before serving |
Troubleshooting & Tips
Sometimes, a new recipe raises practical questions. Here are some common issues and ways to handle them:
Why Is My Fudge Too Soft?
If your fudge feels loose or too mushy, it may need more chilling time. Alternatively, exposure to humidity during preparation can soften fudge, so make sure your storage area is cool and dry. Fudge firms as it dries, so leaving squares unwrapped for a few hours on a baking sheet can help.
Why Is My Fudge Hard or Crumbly?
Over-measuring powdered sugar can make your fudge dry or crumbly. Next time, use a spoon to loosely fill the measuring cup and level off with a knife. Also, avoid over-beating the mixture once the sugar’s added.
Ensuring Clean Cuts
Heat the blade of your knife with hot water, then wipe dry. A warm blade glides through fudge and gives sharp, clean edges. For gift-giving or parties, cut smaller cubes—it stretches the batch into more servings and looks neat on dessert platters.
Customizing Your Fudge
While the classic peanut butter fudge has timeless appeal, it’s easy to tweak the recipe to fit your preferences or to experiment:
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: For extra texture, swap part or all of the creamy peanut butter for crunchy.
- Peanut Mix-Ins: Fold in a handful of chopped salted peanuts or roasted almonds before spreading the mixture in the pan.
- Chocolate Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate over the fudge and use a toothpick to create a marbled swirl. The peanut butter and chocolate combination gives a classic twist.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling to balance sweetness with a savory hit.
Serving Ideas
Slice the fudge into small cubes for gifts, holiday platters, or a quick midnight treat. Wrap individual squares in wax paper for a rustic, homemade look, or pack them into small decorative boxes for special occasions.
Use peanut butter fudge for:
- Dessert trays at baby showers, birthdays, or potlucks
- Edible gifts during the winter holidays
- Treats for bake sales and charity events
- Paired with strong coffee or hot cocoa for a rich, sweet bite
Recognizing Freshness
Fudge stays soft, but as it ages it can develop dry cracks or an oily surface. Dried-out fudge turns crumbly, while excessively soft fudge may be past its best. If you see mold or the fudge smells odd, it’s time to discard and make a fresh batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microwave Fudge Need Refrigeration?
No, unless you prefer cold, dense fudge. It keeps well at room temperature, provided you use an airtight container.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Natural peanut butter can separate more easily and sometimes doesn’t set as well. For the most consistent results, stick to commercial creamy peanut butter.
How Do I Double The Recipe?
Double each ingredient and use a larger pan. Make sure to microwave in intervals, stirring often, so the mixture heats evenly.
With just three ingredients and a few minutes of effort, microwave peanut butter fudge proves you don’t need complicated steps for great homemade candy. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make every bite a delight. Enjoy exploring variations, finding your ideal sweet spot, and sharing this simple treat with friends and family.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
With just 3 ingredients, this microwave peanut butter fudge is ready in only 5 minutes. It’s rich. It’s creamy. Completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Use enough so that the paper hangs over the side. This makes it much easier to remove the fudge from the pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and peanut butter. Microwave for 1 minute and stir. Microwave for another minute and stir well until the mixture is completely smooth and incorporated.
- Add the powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Use a wooden spoon and stir vigorously until it looks like a thick, paste-like batter. Work quickly so it doesn't set.
- Spread the batter onto the lined baking pan. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the fudge and start pressing with your palms to spread evenly across the pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove the fudge from the pan and cut into small, 1-inch squares using a sharp knife.
- Enjoy!