Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My easy microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is going to become one of your favorite desserts! This super simple recipe is the perfect sweet treat any time of year and takes just 15 minutes to prepare using peanut butter, sugar, and butter.
Sweet and made within minutes, this creamy peanut butter fudge is one of the best dessert recipes! It’s super easy to make just like my kids favorite vegan peanut butter cups and tastes so good, you’ll be making them all the time.
We love peanut butter in our house! From peanut butter cookies to peanut butter date balls, the options are limitless. And this creamy fudge couldn’t be any easier to make with just a handful of ingredients and a microwave, you’re gonna love it 🙂
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I love this gluten-free dessert! With only 4 ingredients (not including salt) and simple, fool-proof steps, this homemade peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect when you don’t have a lot of time to make a dessert but still want to dazzle your guests. It’s got just enough sweetness from the powdered sugar, a subtle vanilla flavor, and a smooth buttery texture from the combination of peanut butter and butter, making it one of the easiest traditional fudge recipes out there!
Since my homemade fudge is prepared in the microwave, it’s almost effortless! I just melt the peanut butter and butter in the microwave, give it a good stir, then mix in the vanilla, sugar, and salt. Pour the mixture into a pan and chill for a few hours. The hardest part is waiting for it to harden and saving a few fudge squares from my little ones to share with my neighbors. Honestly, my kids will open that fridge as soon as I’ve left the kitchen just to sneak fudge squares into their pockets. Ha!
What I love most about this easy, irresistible fudge recipe is that I can customize it in a variety of ways. I’ve made a coconut version by adding coconut flakes and coconut essence, a salted caramel version by swirling in salted caramel syrup, and even a chocolate version by mixing in chocolate chips and coating the squares in melted chocolate. I usually make a selection when my kids invite their friends over. Plus, they’re gluten-free and made with simple pantry staples that I always have on hand, making them the perfect little snack whenever I crave something sweet.
🥘 Ingredients
I make this microwaveable peanut butter fudge using only a handful of simple ingredients, easily found at most grocery stores! You really won’t need much for this easy fudge.
Butter: I use either salted or unsalted butter for this easy peanut butter fudge in the microwave. Both are fine!
Peanut Butter: I used creamy peanut butter, but you could also try crunchy peanut butter for some additional textures.
Powdered Sugar: You’ll want to make sure the powdered sugar is sifted! The powdered sugar adds just the perfect amount of sweetness needed for this pb microwave fudge.
Vanilla Extract: What’s a dessert recipe without vanilla extract? The vanilla extract is well-rounded and balanced, and brings out the peanut butter flavor in this easy recipe.
Substitutions
Extract: Try using a nutty extract like almond or add another flavor that you like.
Sugar: Use an alternative low-carb powdered sugar instead of regular powdered sugar.
🔪 How To Make
Here is how I make this easy peanut butter fudge recipe at home:
Prep and Mix: I chop the butter into small pieces, then mix peanut butter and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. (I used a 4-quart, large glass bowl).
Microwave: I place the bowl in the microwave and heat the fudge on maximum in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir and repeat.
Add Sugar: I carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
Move To Baking Dish: Now, I simply line an 8-inch square pan with parchment or wax paper and transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan.
Refrigerate: Next, I place the microwave pb fudge mixture in the refrigerator for at least two hours until the fudge sets, and cut the fudge into 20 small squares (approx 1-inch pieces). Enjoy!
Note: Chocolate and peanut butter is a winning combination! If you love the flavor of Reese’s peanut butter cups, you can drizzle dark chocolate over this delicious peanut butter fudge to make dark chocolate peanut butter fudge!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is making sure the peanut butter and butter mixture is to make sure the peanut butter and butter mixture is fully melted before moving on. I stop heating it as soon as it is smooth because if it stays in the microwave too long the fudge turns tough instead of creamy. I like to stir it a few times in between to keep it even, and that little bit of care makes all the difference for a soft and delicious treat.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use Kitchen Tools For Precision: I sometimes use a candy thermometer when I need to make sure the liquid is warm enough. Also, using a sharp knife when cutting the fudge into small or large pieces helps.
- Be Careful: Make sure to use caution when heating the peanut butter and butter in the microwave. Don’t burn yourself!
- Line the pan: I line my pan with parchment paper so the fudge comes out easily. It also makes cutting into squares so much neater.
- Choose your peanut butter: I usually go with creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Crunchy works too if you want little bites of peanut inside.
📖 Variations
I like to customize this basic recipe in so many different ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to change things up:
Enhance Flavors: I like to add some vanilla frosting to give it an intense vanilla flavor or stir in some sweetened condensed milk for a creamy slightly sweeter version. I have also experimented with a chocolate version by pouring melted chocolate over the fudge.
Additions and Toppings: For a bit of texture and flavor, I like to throw in some sea salt flakes, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the top of the fudge.
There’s no specific amount here, just add as much or as little to suit your own taste.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
My kids enjoy this quick dessert with a simple glass of milk (or a dairy-free alternative), but I like to serve it with some tasty sides or toppings.
Ice Cream: Personally, I like to chop the peanut butter microwave fudge into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over my favorite vegan ice cream. The combination is so good!
Drinks: For when I have friends over for a lovely brunch, I make a hot cup of coffee to serve with this buttery fudge or whip up a quick batch of creamy vegan coquito.
Pudding: When I want something more substantial, I often pair it with this healthy flaxseed pudding.
Caramel: If you love caramel as me, I definitely recommend drizzling a caramel sauce over top like the one in this salted caramel cheesecake recipe. It’s heaven!
🧊 Storage Directions
Room Temperature: I usually store leftover fudge in an airtight container, layered with aluminum foil or parchment paper stored in a cool dark space (like a cupboard or the pantry). The leftovers will last for about 1 week at room temperature.
To Refrigerate: On the days where I make a double batch and want to store the pieces of fudge for longer, I transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Fudge freezes well! I just place the fudge in a freezer-safe storage container or bag and freeze for up to two to three months.
❓Recipe FAQs
Why will my peanut butter fudge not harden?
When my fudge does not set, it usually means the mixture did not cook long enough. I also make sure to give it plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator because rushing this step can leave it too soft. Letting it sit in the fridge overnight always gives me the best results.
Is it safe to melt peanut butter in the microwave?
Yes, it is completely safe to melt peanut butter in the microwave. I always warm it in short intervals and give it a good stir in between so it melts evenly without boiling over. Taking a little care with this step keeps the peanut butter smooth and easy to work with.
Why is my peanut butter fudge hard?
Whenever my fudge comes out hard and crumbly, it usually means I overcooked it. If I heat the mixture on the stovetop for too long or at too high of a temperature, the texture becomes dry instead of creamy. I have learned to cook it gently and check often so it stays soft and delicious.
🍪 More Easy Dessert Recipes!
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📋 Recipe Card
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
My easy microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is going to become one of your favorite desserts! This super simple recipe is the perfect sweet treat any time of year and takes just 15 minutes to prepare using peanut butter, sugar, and butter.
Servings: 20 squares
Calories: 242kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- First, chop the butter into small cubes.
- Add the butter and peanut butter into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl.
- Place it in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until it is all melted and combined.
- Remove the peanut butter mixture from the microwave and add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Prepare an 8" square pan with parchment paper. Place the mixture in the pan and extend it evenly.
- Place the fudge in the refirigerator for at least two hours until it hardens.
- Cut the fudge into 20 small squares, serve and enjoy.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is making sure the peanut butter and butter mixture is to make sure the peanut butter and butter mixture is fully melted before moving on. I stop heating it as soon as it is smooth because if it stays in the microwave too long the fudge turns tough instead of creamy. I like to stir it a few times in between to keep it even, and that little bit of care makes all the difference for a soft and delicious treat.
- Use Kitchen Tools For Precision: I sometimes use a candy thermometer when I need to make sure the liquid is warm enough. Also, using a sharp knife when cutting the fudge into small or large pieces helps.
- Be Careful: Make sure to use caution when heating the peanut butter and butter in the microwave. Don’t burn yourself!
- Line the pan: I line my pan with parchment paper so the fudge comes out easily. It also makes cutting into squares so much neater.
- Choose your peanut butter: I usually go with creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Crunchy works too if you want little bites of peanut inside.
Nutrition
Serving: 1piece | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g
I haven’t made this yet, but could oil be used instead of butter?
Hi Sherry! To be honest, I haven’t tested this recipe with oil so I’m not sure if it would turn out well. If you do use oil, I’d recommend coconut oil since it’s not as “runny” as most other oils. If you do try it with coconut oil, let me know how it turns out!
This was such an easy recipe that does not disappoint! Turned out rich, creamy and delicious; easily, a new favorite treat!
Thank you so much Sara!!
This is amazing! I can’t believe this fudge is done in the microwave. It came out perfect!
I know right? It’s the best easy dessert!
This delicious, quick and simple peanut butter fudge is calling my name. It definitely won’t last long in my house.
Love to hear that! Thanks Kathleen!
I can eat this until the cows come home. It’s so delicious.
Yesss! Me too! 🙂
OMG! This peanut butter fudge is the best treat thats easy to make. I usually have it with my coffee and sometimes I drop one in it. Gives my coffee flavor!
Aw yay! So happy to hear that Janie!
Great.
It’s absolutely dangerous how easy this peanut butter fudge is to make! I would definitely drizzle some dark chocolate over the top, it’s impossible to beat that chocolate/PB combo!
I totally agree!! Reminds me of Reese’s peanut butter cups that way! 🙂
What a delicious and simple dessert! I love microwave desserts.
Thanks Biana!
While peanut butter is excellent, I wonder 🤔 it this microwave fudge is available in chocolate? Help me, please.
Hi MaryAlice! I haven’t made this recipe with just chocolate – but you could try substituting the peanut butter for an equal amount of melted chocolate and see how it works in this recipe (it would be an experiment, since I can’t tell you whether it actually would work well or not!)
Oh my goodness! We made this today and this recipe was so easy, and so delicious! My hubby and daughter absolutely loved this, and devoured so much! I can’t wait to make this again soon!
That’s so awesome Beth! Thank you for letting me know!
Peanut butter is my all-time weakness! I love how lovely this looks for gifting or snacking!
This totally makes the perfect gift! And it looks so fancy but is so easy to make!
Wow, this peanut butter fudge is so delicious! Loved how soft and chewy these bars are.
Yay!! So glad you liked this recipe Emily!
Could I mix cocoa powder or chocolate chips with peanut butter mixture
Hi Mary! Yes I think chocolate chips would work well as they would melt with the peanut butter and should set up well with the rest of the ingredients! If you try it with chocolate chips, let me know how it turns out!