Fudge has a great reputation as one of the most comforting sweet treats of all time. We can always find some fudge at parties and special occasions, simply because it is widely popular for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a rich flavor.
When you make peanut butter fudge in the traditional way, you will need a candy thermometer, careful temperature monitoring, and plenty of patience.
However, you can always turn to an easier way to make peanut butter fudge and that is microwaving. With several easy-to-get ingredients and a basic microwave oven, you can easily make yourself and loved ones some peanut butter fudge in minutes.
Why Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge?
The beauty of making peanut butter fudge in the microwave lies in the simplicity and straightforwardness.
No Stress: Forget trying to hit exact temperatures. Cooking it in the microwave takes all the fuss out of reaching precise sugar stages.
Always Smooth: The mix of peanut butter and sugar creates a perfect, smooth structure every time, so you won’t end up with a grainy mess.
Great for Everyone: It’s an ideal choice for a beginner and a super fast and convenient way for an experienced cook to make something impressive with hardly any effort.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge: Ingredients You’ll Need
To make peanut butter fudge in a microwave oven, you will need to have the following ingredients ready. All of these ingredients are extremely easy to get and most of us would already have them in the kitchen.
·1 cup of creamy peanut butter
I would recommend you to use smooth, unsalted peanut butter for this recipe.
·1 cup of unsalted butter
You will need to cut them into pieces to make sure even melting.
·1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
It is recommended to add a 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give the peanut butter fudge some depth of flavor.
·1/2 teaspoon of salt
Salt is optional for this recipe. However, you could add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to it in order to further enhance the flavor.
· 4 cups of powdered sugar
You will wwant to add some sifted powdered sugar to it for a silky texture.
Optional garnishes: Chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge: Equipments
·A microwave-safe bowl. A glass one is preferable.
·A rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
·A 9×9-inch baking pan, and it should be lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
·Measuring cups and spoons.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
First, line the baking pan with parchment paper, and you will want to leave some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. If you don’t have parchment at hand, you could lightly butter the pan. This step ensures your peanut butter fudge comes out easily and cleanly.
Step 2: Melt butter and peanut butter
Put the butter and peanut butter in the microwave-safe bowl. Cook it on high power in the microwave oven for around 2 minutes, then stir it. Microwave for another 90 seconds until the mixture is fully melted and looks smooth.
Step 3: Add flavor
Add the vanilla extract and salt to the mixture, and stir them thoroughly. At this stage, the mixture should be creamy and fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate powdered sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, about one cup at a time, stirring thoroughly throughout the addition process. During the process, the mixture will thicken quickly and resemble cookie dough. Then, press the sugar in until no white streaks remain.
Step 5: Spread into the pan
Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the spatula to press it down evenly until the top is smooth and even. Optionally, you could sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolocate chips on top of the fudge and press them gently into the surface, which could enhance the peanut butter fudge’s texture for a satisfying contrast.
Step 6: Cool down and set
Put the microwaved peanut butter fudge in the fridge and let it sit for at least 2 hours. It would even form a firmer texture if you let it sit in the fridge and chill overnight.
Step 7: Cut and enjoy
Once the peanut butter fudge is fully set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles. Now you can enjoy your peanut butter fudge anytime you want. And you could Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.