This super easy peanut butter fudge is impossible to mess up. Traditional fudge recipes require a lot of time and attention. You need to stand over the stove, monitor the temperature of your mixture, and wait for your fudge to set. This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge uses the microwave instead! All it takes is a bit of stirring and a little patience for it to set before cutting and enjoying.
Unlike most candies, fudge is creamy and soft. It’s traditionally made by cooking milk or cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and other flavorings to a high enough temperature that the mixture sets up when cooled. Fudge can be perfectly smooth, or it can have extra ingredients added, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, to add texture.
Peanut butter fudge is frequently brought to cookie exchanges and found on holiday cookie trays. But why wait until the holidays? Fudge this easy can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Recipe Ingredients
With only 3 ingredients, this homemade peanut butter fudge couldn’t be easier to make. Here’s what you’ll need.
Almond Bark: Originally, we tested this recipe with white vanilla baking chips, but they were fussy and inconsistent when it came to melting. We prefer using almond bark, because it melts well, keeps the fudge smooth, and sets up the easiest.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a creamy sweetness to the mixture, and because it’s condensed, it solidifies more than regular milk, which helps bring structure to the fudge. Make sure you’re using sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, which is not sweetened.
Peanut Butter: This brings a classic nutty flavor to our fudge! Because we’re using almond bark for this recipe, we upped the amount of peanut butter from our original recipe to help balance the flavors.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
Making peanut butter fudge is simple if you know the trick. Here’s a quick overview—keep reading for the full recipe.
1. Line the Pan with Foil
You might be tempted to skip the foil or do this step later, but trust us: do this step now. Line the pan with foil, including up and over the sides, and spray with cooking spray. This will allow you to lift the fudge out of the pan for easier cutting. Plus, having the pan prepped ahead of time means you can spread the fudge mixture immediately in the pan. This is important for a creamy texture without any graininess.
2. Microwave Ingredients Until Smooth
Heat the almond bark, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter in a microwaveable bowl, one minute at a time. After each minute, stir well to distribute the heat, which will continue to melt the ingredients. Make sure it’s as melted and smooth as possible each time before adding more microwave time. This will avoid overheating and causing the fudge mixture to seize (thicken and become grainy).
3. Spread in the Pan and Wait
When the ingredients are completely melted and have a smooth consistency, immediately spread in the pan. Let sit at room temperature without being disturbed. It will take about 2 hours (or more) for the fudge to cool completely and be ready for cutting.
4. Lift the Fudge from the Pan and Cut
Use the extra foil on the edges of the pan to lift the foil and fudge out of the pan. Cut only as much as you’ll need at a time to prevent the pieces from drying out.
Storing Peanut Butter Fudge
The key to keeping fudge as delicious as the day you made it is to keep it from drying out. If you won’t use the entire pan of fudge at your gathering, cut only the number of pieces you’ll need. Once the fudge is cut, the exposed surface areas can become dry.
Room Temperature
This peanut butter fudge will keep well at room temperature. Just wrap the foil tightly around the leftover fudge, place it in an airtight container, and store at room temperature in a cool spot for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Due to the fragile structure of the fudge crystals, we do not recommend freezing fudge as it tends to dry out and get crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The texture you should expect this fudge to be is creamy and soft, while holding its shape when cut into pieces. Here’s how to help make this this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge set up perfectly.
Use the Correct Ingredients: Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk or regular milk) and regular creamy peanut butter (not natural peanut butter or another nut-based butter). If any of these other variations of ingredients are used, the fudge may not set up well.
Use an 8-Inch Square Pan: If you use a smaller pan, it will be hard for the fudge to set up properly. A larger pan will mean your fudge isn’t as thick, so there’s less to sink your teeth into.
Allow the Fudge to Cool Completely: Leave it undisturbed before cutting.
The secret to good fudge is in its texture. If the fudge is creamy, moist, and fudgy, it’s an indulgent treat to eat. Follow our tips above in the how to make fudge section, so your fudge will turn out with a texture that rivals any fudge shop in town.
While each recipe for fudge can have a texture that’s slightly different from the next, our peanut butter fudge does have that creamy, soft candy texture that fudge is known for. Just follow our tips above, and store it no longer than 5 days for a delightful fudge that sweet tooths adore.
Peanut Butter Fudge
- Prep Time 10 min
- Total 2 hr 10 min
- Ingredients 3
- Servings 36
Ingredients
- 1 lb almond bark, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (not natural)
Instructions
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Step1
Line 8-inch square baking dish or baking pan with foil, and spray with cooking spray.
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Step2
Place almond bark, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter in large microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High in 1-minute increments, stirring well between each, until melted and smooth. This may take several minutes. Be careful; the bowl will get hot.
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Step3
Spread immediately in pan. Let stand at least 2 hours to set before cutting. For 36 squares, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store in airtight container, and use within 5 days.
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Nutrition
Recipe Tips
