Let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: peanut butter microwave fudge! Seriously, this recipe is a game changer when you need a quick and delicious treat. It takes just minutes to whip up, and the result is a rich, creamy fudge that’s bursting with peanut butter flavor. I remember the first time I made it; I was in a pinch for a last-minute dessert for a gathering. I was a little skeptical at first, but after just one bite, I knew I had struck gold! Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I need something sweet and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, which makes it a fun treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this peanut butter microwave fudge, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delightful peanut butter microwave fudge! I promise you, it’s as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious fudge ready to enjoy in no time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First up, grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine your 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. I like to use a glass bowl so I can see everything melting beautifully!
- Microwave the mixture on high for about 30 seconds. Once that’s done, take it out (careful, it’s hot!) and stir it well. You want everything to blend together into a luscious, gooey mixture.
- Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of powdered sugar and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If you find the mixture a bit stiff, don’t hesitate to give it another quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds—it helps to loosen things up.
- Once your fudge batter is smooth, pour it into a greased dish. I usually use an 8×8 inch square pan, but any dish will do. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top so it looks nice and pretty.
- Now, we need to be patient! Pop the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This will help the fudge set perfectly. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- After it’s nicely chilled, take it out and cut it into squares. You’ll be amazed at how easily it comes out of the dish!
And there you have it! A batch of rich and creamy peanut butter microwave fudge ready to be devoured. I always find it hard to resist sneaking a piece right away—it’s just too good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip it up in just 10 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients make it super easy and accessible.
- Deliciously rich peanut butter flavor that’s utterly satisfying.
- Perfectly creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile—customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or other flavorings!
- Great for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself (I won’t tell!).
- No baking required, so it’s a hassle-free dessert option.
- Easy to store and lasts well in the fridge—if it lasts that long!
- Kid-friendly fun; involve the little ones in the mixing!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter microwave fudge turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips that I swear by! Trust me, following these will elevate your fudge game to the next level.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your peanut butter and butter sit out for a bit before you start. This makes mixing super easy and helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Microwave in short bursts: When melting the peanut butter and butter, microwave in 30-second intervals and stir in between. This keeps the mixture from getting too hot and ensures a lovely, creamy consistency.
- Mix thoroughly: When you add the powdered sugar, make sure to mix it well until there are no lumps. A smooth mixture is key to that melt-in-your-mouth fudge texture!
- Grease your dish well: Use a bit of cooking spray or butter to grease your dish before pouring in the fudge. This will help it come out easily once it’s set, and you won’t be left with any sticky surprises!
- Chill properly: Be patient and let the fudge chill for at least 2 hours. This gives it time to set up perfectly. If you’re in a rush, you can pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
- Storage is key: Keep your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt it’ll last that long once you and your family get a taste!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Add a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling, or try different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips, your peanut butter microwave fudge will be a hit every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it turns out—you’re going to love it!
Variations
The beauty of this peanut butter microwave fudge is that it’s super versatile! Once you get the basic recipe down, feel free to have a little fun and customize it to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can easily try:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in a generous handful of chocolate chips right after mixing in the powdered sugar. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. The melted chocolate adds a delicious twist!
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap in crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a delightful texture. The little peanut pieces add a nice crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth fudge.
- Nutty Add-ins: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor. Just be sure to mix them in well so they’re evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts! Try adding almond extract or coconut extract for a unique flavor profile. Just a teaspoon can dramatically change the fudge’s taste—so exciting!
- Swirls of Goodness: Before refrigerating the fudge, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top and use a toothpick to create swirls. It not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of flavor!
- Salted Caramel Fudge: Top your fudge with a sprinkle of sea salt right before it sets. The sweet and salty combination is absolutely divine and takes it to a whole new level!
- Marshmallow Fluff: For a fluffier texture, fold in a bit of marshmallow fluff after mixing the fudge. It makes the fudge super creamy, and who doesn’t love marshmallows?
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and mix things up based on what you love. I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with—happy fudging!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this scrumptious peanut butter microwave fudge. While I believe in enjoying treats like this in moderation, it’s always good to know what you’re getting into, right? Here’s a rough estimate of what one piece of fudge offers:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you add extras like chocolate chips or nuts, those numbers will change a bit. But that’s the beauty of it—you can tailor this fudge to fit your cravings! Enjoy your sweet treat, and feel good about it!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely, you can use natural peanut butter! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and can make the fudge a little softer than if you used creamy peanut butter. But hey, if you love that nutty flavor and don’t mind a slight variation in texture, go for it! Just be sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil can separate.
How long will the fudge last?
If you store your peanut butter microwave fudge properly, it can last about a week in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. But honestly, it’s so delicious that I doubt it’ll last that long in your house! If you find it’s getting a little too soft, you can always pop it back in the fridge to firm up before enjoying another piece.
Can I freeze peanut butter microwave fudge?
Yes, you can definitely freeze peanut butter microwave fudge! Just cut it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy some fudge, simply move the pieces to the fridge to thaw overnight. It’ll be just as delicious as the first time you made it—trust me!
Print
Simple Peanut Butter Microwave Fudge: 5-Minute Comfort Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours 11 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for peanut butter microwave fudge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and butter.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until smooth.
- Pour into a greased dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Can add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter microwave fudge, quick fudge, easy dessert