Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge: 3-Ingredient Magic!

Are you craving a sweet treat that’s unbelievably easy to make and requires minimal effort? Look no further! This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is a game-changer. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or whipping up a quick dessert when time is short. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy ingredient lists – this fudge is all about simplicity and deliciousness.

## Why This Peanut Butter Fudge is a Winner

* **Incredibly Easy:** As the title suggests, this recipe is ridiculously easy. It only requires three ingredients, making it a breeze for even the most novice baker.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, this fudge takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, including chilling time.
* **Delicious:** The combination of peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract creates a creamy, rich, and decadent fudge that’s simply irresistible.
* **No-Bake:** No oven required! This is a perfect recipe for hot summer days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.

## The Magic 3 Ingredients

That’s right, you only need three ingredients to create this amazing fudge:

1. **Peanut Butter:** Use your favorite creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can affect the texture of the fudge. A good quality, stabilized peanut butter will give you the best results. If you prefer crunchy fudge, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture will be less smooth.
2. **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This is the key ingredient that provides sweetness and creaminess to the fudge. Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. They are not interchangeable.
3. **Vanilla Extract:** A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and adds a subtle sweetness.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how to make this incredibly easy peanut butter fudge:

**Yields:** Approximately 16 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes
**Chill time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Equipment:**

* 8×8 inch square baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Microwave-safe bowl
* Spatula or spoon

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pan:** Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the fudge later. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the edges of the pan for easy lifting.

2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Make sure the bowl is large enough to prevent the mixture from overflowing when heated.

3. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir well. The mixture will be thick and may require some effort to stir.

4. **Microwave Again:** Microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir again until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If there are still lumps, microwave for another 15 seconds, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the fudge, as it can become grainy.

5. **Add Vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract until it is evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.

6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the fudge evenly into a smooth layer.

7. **Chill:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until the fudge is firm enough to cut. You can also chill it for longer, up to a few hours, for a firmer fudge.

8. **Cut and Serve:** Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the fudge on a cutting board and cut it into 16 equal squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

* **Use the Right Peanut Butter:** As mentioned earlier, avoid using natural peanut butter that separates. A stabilized creamy peanut butter will give you the best results. If you want to use natural peanut butter, try mixing it very well before measuring, and add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to help stabilize it.
* **Don’t Overheat:** Be careful not to overheat the fudge in the microwave. Overheating can cause the fudge to become grainy. Microwave in short intervals and stir well after each interval.
* **Line the Pan:** Lining the pan with parchment paper is essential for easy removal of the fudge. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the edges of the pan.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling the fudge for at least 20 minutes is necessary for it to firm up enough to cut. If you want a firmer fudge, chill it for longer.
* **Cut with a Warm Knife:** To make it easier to cut the fudge, warm a knife under hot water and dry it before each cut. This will help prevent the fudge from sticking to the knife.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) to the fudge mixture after microwaving. Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and evenly distributed.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or pecans) to the fudge mixture after microwaving. Stir until the nuts are evenly distributed.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Sprinkles:** Sprinkle the top of the fudge with sprinkles before chilling. This adds a festive touch and makes it perfect for parties.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallows:** Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the fudge mixture after microwaving. Stir until the marshmallows are partially melted and evenly distributed.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Pretzels:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels to the fudge mixture after microwaving. Stir until the pretzels are evenly distributed. The salty pretzels contrast nicely with the sweet fudge.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Coffee:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the mixture for a mocha twist. This enhances the richness and adds a slightly bitter flavor.
* **Swirl Fudge:** Melt chocolate separately. Pour the peanut butter fudge into the pan and then drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the chocolate into the peanut butter for a marbled effect.
* **Salted Peanut Butter Fudge:** Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the fudge before chilling for a delightful salty-sweet combination.

## Storing Peanut Butter Fudge

Store the peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.

## Troubleshooting

* **Fudge is Grainy:** This is usually caused by overheating the fudge. Be sure to microwave in short intervals and stir well after each interval. Also, avoid using natural peanut butter that separates.
* **Fudge is Too Soft:** This could be due to not chilling the fudge long enough. Make sure to chill the fudge for at least 20 minutes, or longer if necessary.
* **Fudge is Too Hard:** This could be due to over-chilling the fudge. If the fudge is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
* **Fudge is Sticking to the Pan:** Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the fudge.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Calories: 200
*Fat: 12g
*Saturated Fat: 5g
*Cholesterol: 10mg
*Sodium: 50mg
*Carbohydrates: 20g
*Sugar: 18g
*Protein: 5g

*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the fudge as a standalone dessert.
* Cut the fudge into small squares and add it to ice cream sundaes.
* Crumble the fudge and sprinkle it on top of yogurt or oatmeal.
* Include the fudge in a dessert platter for parties.
* Give the fudge as a homemade gift.

## Conclusion

This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge is a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a creamy, rich, and decadent fudge that’s unbelievably easy to make! Enjoy!

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?**
A: While it’s recommended to use stabilized peanut butter, you *can* use natural peanut butter. Make sure to stir it very well before measuring and consider adding a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to help stabilize it and prevent the fudge from becoming oily.

**Q: Can I use different extracts besides vanilla?**
A: Absolutely! Almond extract, maple extract, or even a hint of peppermint extract can add a unique twist to your peanut butter fudge. Start with a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) and adjust to your taste.

**Q: Can I double the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a 9×13 inch baking pan instead of an 8×8 inch pan. Adjust the microwaving time accordingly, adding a bit more time as needed, and stirring frequently.

**Q: How long does the fudge last at room temperature?**
A: While refrigeration is recommended, the fudge can usually last for a day or two at room temperature, especially in cooler environments. However, it will soften, so keep that in mind. Refrigeration will help maintain its shape and texture.

**Q: Can I make this fudge without a microwave?**
A: Yes! You can melt the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Be very careful not to burn the mixture. Once smooth, follow the remaining steps.

**Q: My fudge is oily. What did I do wrong?**
A: Oily fudge is often caused by using natural peanut butter or overheating the mixture. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and consider adding powdered sugar. Avoid overheating by microwaving in short intervals and stirring frequently.

**Q: Can I add food coloring to this fudge?**
A: Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture after microwaving to create a fun, colorful fudge.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free facility if you have severe gluten sensitivities.