Easy Peanut Butter Fudge | A Super Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe! (2024)

This melt-in-your-mouth easy peanut butter fudge is any peanut butter lovers dream! With just 10 minutes of work, this rich and velvety microwave fudge recipe is packed with sweet peanut butter cups.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
• What You’ll Need For Easy Microwave Fudge
• How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
• Tips for Success
• How To Store Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
• More Easy Homemade Candy Recipes To Try
• Get the Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Everyone loves homemade candy, especially if it involves chocolate and peanut butter!

• Easy: The microwave and fridge do most of the work for you! If you can use the microwave and stir ingredients together, you will nail this fudge!
• Traditional: Fudge is a traditional holiday candy you can expect to see at all your festive gatherings. It is also a great alternative to bring to a Christmas cookie exchange.
• Great for gifting: This creamy peanut butter fudge looks super pretty when packed into cute boxes or bags. No one has to know how simple it was to make!

Looking for more easy and festive fudge recipes? Try this rocky road fudge, bright green Grinch fudge, or this decadent pralines and cream fudge!

What You’ll Need For Easy Microwave Fudge

Peanut butter and Reese’s means twice the peanut butter flavor in every bite. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter. If using unsalted, add 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Peanut Butter: Use standard creamy peanut butter.
• Vanilla Extract: It helps round out the flavors but feel free to skip it.
• Powdered Sugar: Don’t use granulated sugar or the fudge will turn out grainy.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: You can use all full size cups, mini peanut butter cups or a mixture of the two!

What Type of Peanut Butter is Best for Fudge?

Both smooth and chunky peanut butter are great for this easy peanut butter fudge recipe. The only difference is the texture they’ll add. Smooth peanut butter gives the fudge a creamy texture, whereas chunky adds texture regardless of whether your add-ins are crunchy. Avoid natural peanut butters because the oil and peanuts will separate over time and the texture will not be the same.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

No need for a candy thermometer, as the microwave saves the day when it comes to last-minute cravings for fudge. Check the recipe or at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.

• Prep: Lightly butter a baking dish and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Heat and Stir: Microwave the butter and peanut butter until the butter melts. Stir and heat it again.
• Combine: Stir the vanilla extract and powdered sugar into the butter mixture until smooth. The mixture will thicken and lose its sheen.
• Assemble: Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan and top with Reese’s cups. Or you can add half the fudge mixture, followed by a layer of Reese’s cups, and top with remaining fudge and Reese’s cups.
• Chill: Pop fudge into the fridge to chill until the mixture is firm. Cut it into 1″ pieces and enjoy.

Tips for Success

Any easy peanut butter fudge recipe can be taken to the next level with a fruit jam swirl or chopped mini pretzels.

• Let it chill: The more you let the fudge chill, the less chances you have of it being melty and sticky when you slice it or serve.
• Add a base: You can add a layer of graham crackers or wafer cookies along the bottom of the baking dish and pour the fudge on top. When it sets, you have a cookie-fudge combo.
• PB&J Fudge: Microwave 1/4 cup strawberry or blackberry jam to make it runny. Swirl it into the fudge mixture and let it set for a touch of fruitiness.
• Use more add-ins: Chopped mini pretzels, peanuts, pecans or mini chocolate chips are great ways to add more flavor and texture to each bite.
• Add a drizzle: Use salted caramel sauce or chocolate sauce to add a sweet drizzle right before refrigerating the fudge. It’ll make it extra pretty!
• Choose the right baking dish: The larger it is, the more spread out the fudge will be. Stick to an 8×8″ baking dish for a thicker fudge, or double the recipe if using a 9×13 pan.

How To Store Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

Cut strips of parchment paper and place them between the pieces of this homemade peanut butter fudge to keep them from sticking.

• On the counter: Place the fudge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Store it away from direct heat to keep it from melting. This method isn’t great if the area where you live is warm and humid.
• In the fridge: Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions.
• In the freezer: Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it on the counter to room temperature before digging in.

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