Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that tastes like pure peanut butter heaven. Sounds complicated, right? Wrong! I’m about to let you in on a little secret: you can make the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge – 3 Ingredients! This recipe is so simple, so quick, and so delicious that you’ll be making it on repeat. Get ready to impress everyone (including yourself!) with this effortless treat.
Gathering Your Three Magical Ingredients
That’s right, only three ingredients stand between you and peanut butter fudge bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:
The Holy Trinity of Fudge:
- Peanut Butter: 16 ounces (1 jar) creamy peanut butter (I recommend a mainstream brand like Jif or Skippy for best results, but natural peanut butter will work too – see notes below!).
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 ounces (1 can). This is *not* evaporated milk! It’s the key to the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A little goes a long way in enhancing the peanut butter flavor!
Tools of the Trade (Simple is Best!)
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. We’re keeping it simple!
- 8×8 inch Baking Pan: This is the perfect size for the fudge, giving you a nice thickness.
- Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank me later!).
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: A large one to prevent splatters!
- Rubber Spatula: For stirring and scraping the bowl clean (we don’t want to waste any fudge!).
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
Step-by-Step to Peanut Butter Fudge Perfection
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have amazing fudge in no time.
- Prepare Your Pan: Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out later.
- Combine Ingredients: In your microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it!
- Pour and Spread: Pour the melted fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use your rubber spatula to spread it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap (or another piece of parchment) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely.
- Cut and Enjoy: Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Peanut Butter Power: Choosing the Right Kind
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, the type of peanut butter you use *can* affect the final result. Here’s what I recommend:
- Mainstream Creamy Peanut Butter: Brands like Jif and Skippy are my go-to for this recipe. They have a consistent texture and sweetness that works perfectly.
- Natural Peanut Butter: If you prefer natural peanut butter (the kind you have to stir), it will work, but the fudge may be a little drier. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture to compensate.
- Avoid chunky peanut butter for this recipe, unless you really want that texture.
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Even the simplest recipes can sometimes have hiccups. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Fudge is Too Soft: It needs more chilling time! Pop it back in the refrigerator for a few more hours, or even overnight.
- Fudge is Too Hard: You may have overcooked it in the microwave. Next time, be more careful with the microwave intervals and avoid overheating.
- Fudge is Grainy: This can happen if the peanut butter separates. Make sure to stir the mixture very well while microwaving to keep it smooth. Using a mainstream brand of peanut butter can help prevent this.
Flavor Variations: Let Your Creativity Shine!
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture.
- Peanut Butter Cup Fudge: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top of the fudge before chilling.
- Sea Salt Peanut Butter Fudge: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the fudge after spreading it in the pan. The saltiness enhances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles! Because sprinkles make everything better.
Beyond Basic: Elevating Your Fudge Game
Feeling adventurous? Let’s take this fudge to the next level! Think about layering flavors and textures for an extra-special treat.
- Swirl in Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge before chilling and swirl it in with a knife.
- Add Marshmallows: Chop up some mini marshmallows and stir them into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan. You could even try a recipe similar to MARSHMALLOW SWIRL FUDGE!
Making Ahead and Storing Your Fudge
This fudge is perfect for making ahead of time! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.
- Refrigerator: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Delicious Dessert Ideas
If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out these other favorites!
- Craving cookies? Why not check out BISCOFF CHOCOLATE COOKIE CRAVINGS for something truly special?
- If you are a cheesecake lover, you should try our CHURRO CHEESECAKE for a sweet and spicy treat!
- Or, try our PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BALLS
- If you want a tropical twist, then our BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE HEAVEN will be perfect for you!
- And don’t forget to try our Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake!
Why This Recipe Works
So, what makes this 3-ingredient fudge so darn good? It’s all about the simplicity. The sweetened condensed milk provides the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess, while the peanut butter delivers that unmistakable nutty flavor. The vanilla extract enhances everything, creating a harmonious blend of deliciousness. And because it’s so easy to make, it’s the perfect recipe for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a quick and satisfying dessert.
There you have it – the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge – 3 Ingredients! I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, or just because. Happy baking!
Can I use natural peanut butter for this fudge recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, the fudge may be a little drier. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture to compensate.
What kind of sweetened condensed milk should I use?
Use a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Make sure it’s *not* evaporated milk, as sweetened condensed milk is crucial for the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness.
My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong?
If your fudge is too soft, it likely needs more chilling time. Put it back in the refrigerator for a few more hours or even overnight to allow it to set completely.
How long can I store the peanut butter fudge?
You can store the fudge in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container or in the freezer for up to a month wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic Wrap (optional)
- Knife
Ingredients
- 16 ounces creamy peanut butter 1 jar
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Pour the melted fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or another piece of parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely.
- Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares and enjoy.
