Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try this Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge! Seriously, if you’re craving something sweet but don’t have a ton of time (or, let’s be honest, the patience for fussy candy-making), this is your recipe. I whipped this up the other night when a sudden sweet tooth hit, and it was done faster than I could even decide what movie to watch. It’s just so ridiculously easy, and the smell that fills the kitchen? Pure bliss! It’s the kind of treat that disappears in a flash, whether you’re serving it to guests or just sneaking a piece (or two!) yourself. Trust me, this is going to become your new go-to for a quick, delicious peanut butter fix.
Why You’ll Love This Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s one of my absolute favorites:
- It’s SO FAST! We’re talking minutes in the microwave, then just a little chill time. Perfect for those instant-gratification cravings.
- Seriously Easy: No fancy techniques, no double boilers, just a bowl and a microwave. Anyone can make this, I promise!
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry. It’s a lifesaver when you need a treat but don’t want a grocery run.
- Deliciously Creamy: The taste is just pure peanut butter heaven, smooth and rich. It’s the perfect quick dessert or just a little pick-me-up treat any time of day.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this magical Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge! It’s honestly pretty straightforward, which is part of its charm. You’ll need some pantry staples, but here’s the lowdown on what to grab and why:
Essential Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s your shopping list, or rather, your “check your pantry” list:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (that’s one stick!) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk – any kind works, whole milk gives a nice richness though!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – don’t skip this, it really amps up the flavor!
- 1/2 cup peanut butter – this is key! Make sure it’s creamy peanut butter. Chunky works, but creamy gives you that super smooth fudge texture we’re going for.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – also known as confectioners’ sugar.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about those ingredients! I always go for unsalted butter because it lets me control the saltiness a bit better, but if you only have salted, just go for it! You might find it a tad saltier, which can be yummy too. If you don’t have regular milk, a splash of half-and-half or even evaporated milk would be totally fine. For the smoothest, silkiest fudge, I really, really recommend sifting your powdered sugar before you add it. It makes a world of difference and stops any little lumps from sneaking into your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Okay, here’s how we bring this amazing Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge to life! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have delicious, creamy fudge in no time. It really is that straightforward!
Preparing the Base for Your Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
First things first, grab a microwave-safe bowl. And I mean a *good-sized* one, okay? Trust me on this one – you don’t want a sugary lava flow erupting in your microwave! Combine your 1 cup of granulated sugar, that 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and the 1/2 cup of milk right in there. Pop it into the microwave. We’re going to let it cook on high for about 5 minutes. But here’s the crucial part: halfway through that 5 minutes, you need to pull it out and give it a good stir. This helps everything melt and combine evenly. Now, microwaves can be a little different, so keep an eye on it. If it looks like it’s about to boil over, just pause it for a sec. We want it melted and smooth, not a sticky mess!
Adding Flavor and Texture to Your Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Once that sugar, butter, and milk mixture is all melty and happy, carefully take it out of the microwave. Now for the star of the show: the peanut butter! Add your 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and that teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s wonderfully smooth and glossy. See? It’s already smelling amazing! Now, we’re going to gradually add in that 1 cup of powdered sugar. Just start stirring it in, a little at a time. Keep mixing until it’s all incorporated and the mixture starts to thicken up nicely. It should get pretty thick, almost like a soft dough.
Chilling and Cutting Your Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Alright, almost there! You’ll need an 8×8 inch baking dish for this. Make sure it’s greased really well – a little butter or cooking spray works wonders to prevent sticking. Pour all that glorious, thick fudge mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it out evenly so it’s nice and flat. Now, we need to let it chill out and firm up. Pop that dish into the refrigerator for at least an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm to the touch. Once it’s perfectly chilled and firm, take it out, cut it into little squares, and voila! You’ve just made the easiest, most delicious Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge ever!
Tips for Perfect Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Making this Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge is already super easy, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, that powdered sugar? Definitely sift it if you can! It makes the fudge so much smoother and creamier, without any sneaky little lumps. Also, don’t skimp on the peanut butter quality – a good, creamy peanut butter really makes a difference in flavor and texture. And about the microwave time – pay attention! Microwaves vary, so if it looks like it’s bubbling up too much, just give it a quick stir and maybe a few extra seconds. Over-microwaving can make it too stiff, and nobody wants that! Just aim for that smooth, thick consistency, and you’ll be golden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Got questions about this super easy Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge? I’ve got answers! It’s honestly so forgiving, but here are a few things people often ask:
How should I store Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge?
This fudge is best kept in an airtight container. You can totally leave it at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm – it should stay fresh for a few days! If it’s a really hot day, or you just prefer it a little firmer, popping it in the refrigerator is also a great option. It’ll keep well for about a week that way.
Can I use chunky peanut butter for Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge?
You absolutely can use chunky peanut butter! Just know that it will give your fudge a different texture, with little peanut bits throughout. If you’re dreaming of that super smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge, creamy peanut butter is definitely the way to go. But hey, if you love that extra crunch, chunky is totally fine!
How do I know if my Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge is firm enough?
The best way to tell if your fudge is ready to be cut is by gently touching the surface. It should feel firm and not at all squishy or soft. It won’t be rock hard, but it should hold its shape when you press it lightly with your finger. If it still feels a bit soft, just give it another 15-30 minutes in the fridge. You’ll get the hang of it!
Nutritional Information for Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
Just a quick heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how you cut your fudge! But generally speaking, each delicious square of this Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge usually packs about:
- Calories: Around 150
- Fat: About 8g (with 3g being saturated)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 18g
- Protein: Around 2g
- Sugar: Typically 20g (it is fudge, after all!)
It’s a little sweet treat, so enjoy it!
Print
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge: Foolproof 1-Minute Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe makes a quick and easy microwave peanut butter fudge. It’s a simple treat that requires minimal effort and delivers a delicious, creamy result.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine granulated sugar, butter, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stir in vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until well combined and thick.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure your bowl is large enough to prevent overflow.
- Adjust microwave time based on your appliance’s power.
- For a smoother fudge, sift the powdered sugar.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge, easy fudge, quick dessert, peanut butter candy, no-bake treat