Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe delivers a remarkably easy and quick peanut butter fudge using only a microwave. Featuring butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, it requires minimal cooking time and sets in just two hours. The result is a rich, creamy, and classic fudge that's perfect for a sweet treat or gifting, yielding approximately 64 bite-sized pieces.
Equipment
- 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl Preferably 4-quart capacity
- 1 Plastic Wrap
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring, especially as mixture thickens
- 1 8x8 inch Baking Pan Or similar square pan
- 1 Parchment Paper For easy removal and chilling
Ingredients
Main
- 8 ounces unsalted butter plus more for greasing pan
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the butter and peanut butter in a 4-quart microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 2 minutes on high. Stir and microwave on high for 2 more minutes. (Use caution when removing this mixture from the microwave, it will be very hot.) Add the vanilla and powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon. The mixture will become hard to stir and lose its sheen. Spread into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Fold the excess parchment paper so it covers the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool, about 2 hours. Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
1. Precision is key with microwave times; butter and peanut butter can scorch quickly. Always exercise caution as the mixture will be extremely hot.2. The stirring phase after adding powdered sugar is critical. The mixture will become quite stiff, requiring strong, continuous stirring to fully incorporate the sugar and achieve the classic fudge texture, which involves losing its initial glossy sheen.3. Lining the pan with parchment paper is non-negotiable for easy removal and clean cuts. A slight overhang of parchment also helps in lifting the cooled fudge out.4. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of flaky sea salt to the mixture along with the vanilla. This balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter. A handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts could be folded in at the very end for texture.