Easy microwave peanut butter fudge that’s big on flavor with a short ingredient list! Just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on time to get a creamy, decadent fudge filled with peanut butter flavor! This is the perfect dessert for the holidays, and is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan but it tastes so good no one would know!
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Jump to:
- The Sweetest Time of Year!
- What is Fudge?
- Why This Recipe Works:
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
- How to Make Peanut Butter Microwave Fudge (Step by Step):
- Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Recipe FAQs:
- Other Gluten-Free Sweet Treats You’ll Love:
- Dessert Recipes to Indulge in:
- Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
The Sweetest Time of Year!
December is here, and we’re thick in holiday season. That means plenty of cookies, candies, and the annual cookie and candy exchange!
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, and have a particular soft spot for all things peanut butter, I’ve got you covered – from peanut butter cookies, to peanut butter buckeye balls, peanut butter blondies, peanut butter crunch bars to homemade peanut butter cups.
And…this microwave peanut butter fudge that’s the perfect Christmas candy for you!
What is Fudge?
I’d never tried fudge until early this year, and I have to say that it’s certainly decadent.
For those who haven’t had fudge before, it’s basically a sugar candy made from heating sugar, butter and milk and mixing the ingredients together until evenly combined. As it cools down, the fudge solidifies and can be cut into desired shapes.
Fudge originated in the US in the 19th century, and became increasingly popular as the cost of refined sugar decreased and also due to the fact that you can easily make fudge at home without any special equipment.
Some of the more popular types of traditional fudge include chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge.
Peanut butter fudge is basically peanut-butter flavored fudge, with the main ingredients traditionally being peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter.
And today you’ll learn how to make peanut butter fudge in the microwave – it’s so incredibly easy!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Just 3 Simple Ingredients: You literally need just 3 simple ingredients to make this homemade peanut butter candy. I’m pretty sure you might already have them at home!
- Little Hands-On Time: With the help of the microwave, only 5 minutes of hands-on prep time is required. Once you’ve poured the liquid fudge batter into the pan, all you need to do is let it chill and let the fridge do all the work!
- Minimal Cleanup: Simply mix the ingredients in a large glass bowl bowl (make sure it’s microwave-safe!), and heat them up in the microwave – which means no stovetop cooking or dirtying a pot or pan! Less work, less cleanup, but equally delicious and decadent fudge – what’s there not to love about this microwave fudge version?
- Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: This 3 ingredient peanut butter fudge is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, as we’ve swapped out the usual butter for refined coconut oil, which works just as well, and is completely dairy-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required to make this easy recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
- Peanut Butter: I used natural peanut butter because I like that it doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives. However, you can also use creamy peanut butter (which will result in a thicker, more paste-like batter).
- Coconut Oil: I prefer using refined coconut oil in this recipe because it has a neutral flavor (as opposed to extra virgin coconut oil that has a strong coconut smell and taste). You may also use unsalted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use unsalted butter in equal quantities.
- Powdered Sugar: It’s important to use powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) instead of granulated sugar to get a creamy texture as the granulated sugar will not dissolve well and you will find it grainy. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly suggest that you use powdered monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 powdered sugar substitute with zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
How to Make Peanut Butter Microwave Fudge (Step by Step):
1. Line Pan with Parchment
Line a 10 x 7-inch pan or an 8 x 8-inch square pan with either wax paper or parchment paper (make the parchment long enough so that it hangs off on both sides of the pan and makes it easier to pull out the fudge later).
2. Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave on high heat for 1 minute and then whisk. Microwave for another 1 minute and whisk again until you get a smooth liquid mixture.
3. Add Powdered Sugar
Sift in the powdered sugar and whisk or stir as well as you can. The batter will have a thick consistency.
4. Pour Batter into Pan
Spoon or pour the fudge batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top of the peanut butter mixture.
5. Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours until fudge has set and is firm to the touch.
6. Cut Fudge into Pieces
Use the parchment overhang to pull out the fudge from the pan, and then slice the fudge into small squares with a sharp knife.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Use Parchment for Easy Removal: Make sure to use either wax paper or parchment paper to line your pan before pouring in the liquid fudge mixture as this will make it much easier to remove the fudge from the pan once it’s solid and set.
- Add Chopped Peanuts/Nuts: If you want to have some kind of contrast in texture, feel free to mix in chopped peanuts or other chopped nuts to this easy fudge recipe, or sprinkle the nuts on top of the fudge mixture before chilling.
- Additional Flavor: If you like, you may add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra taste. You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the fudge before chilling it for a bit of a savory flavor.
Recipe FAQs:
As this dairy-free peanut butter fudge will melt if left outside the fridge for too long, place fudge pieces in an airtight container (or in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil) and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze, place fudge pieces in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the frozen fudge thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving and eating.
Other Gluten-Free Sweet Treats You’ll Love:
- 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- 5-Minute Chocolate Pudding (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Easy Homemade Chocolate (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Easy Candied Pecans (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Microwave Lemon Curd (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Dessert Recipes to Indulge in:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
PrintMicrowave Peanut Butter Fudge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The simplest microwave peanut butter fudge ever that’s big on flavor with a short ingredient list! Just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on time to get a creamy, decadent and crazy good fudge oozing with peanut butter flavor! This is the perfect dessert for the holidays, and is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan but it tastes so good no one would know!
Instructions
- Line Pan with Parchment: Line a 10 x 7-inch pan or an 8 x 8-inch square pan with either wax paper or parchment paper (make the parchment long enough so that it hangs off on both sides of the pan and makes it easier to pull out the fudge later).
- Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave on high heat for 1 minute and then whisk. Microwave for another 1 minute and whisk again until you get a smooth liquid mixture.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Sift in the powdered sugar and whisk as well as you can. The batter will be a thick mixture.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours until fudge has set and is firm to the touch. Use the parchment overhang to pull out the fudge from the pan and then cut into pieces.
Notes
Peanut Butter: I used natural peanut butter because I like that it doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives. However, you can also use creamy peanut butter (which will result in a thicker, more paste-like batter).
Coconut Oil: I prefer using refined coconut oil in this recipe because it has a neutral flavor (as opposed to extra virgin coconut oil that has a strong coconut smell and taste). You may also use unsalted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use unsalted butter in equal quantities.
Powdered Sugar: It’s important to use powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) instead of granulated sugar as the granulated sugar will not dissolve well and you will find it grainy. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly suggest that you use powdered monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 powdered sugar substitute with zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
Storing/Freezing: As this fudge will melt if left out the fridge for too long, make sure to place the fudge pieces in an airtight container, or cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, place fudge pieces in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let fudge thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving and eating.
This recipe was originally posted in December 2020, but has since been updated to include clearer step-by-step instructions, as well as better ingredient notes and substitutions.
Adapted from: Kirbie’s Cravings
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Grace Lim says
Good morning Felicia,
Thanks for this simple peanut butter fudge.
Just thinking aloud, since I have a packet of peanuts available, can I just blend these peanuts with coconut oil directly instead of using peanut butter. If so, I guess that I would need to double the quantity of coconut oil to make it smooth enough to blend with the icing sugar. What are your thoughts on this?
Your comments on this will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and God bless!
Mum
Felicia Lim says
Hi mummy! Yes, you could try that! But maybe it would be easier if you blended the peanuts with a bit of oil first to make the amount of peanut butter required, before melting it in coconut oil and heating it up so when you mix the powdered sugar the sugar will dissolve.
🙂
Grace Lim says
Thanks Felicia for getting back so promptly!
Felicia Lim says
Most welcome mummy!