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Four squares of creamy peanut butter fudge recipe stacked on a white plate, lit by natural light.

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Bliss

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Written by Alex Hayes

July 28, 2025

Oh, hello there! It brings me so much joy to have you here. You know, the kitchen used to feel like a foreign land to me. My days were packed, and the thought of cooking felt like just *another* thing on the to-do list. But then, something shifted. It started with a simple goal to bake bread, and after a few… let’s just say, *earthy* loaves, I finally pulled a beautiful, golden one from the oven. That moment, holding something warm and delicious I made myself, was pure simple joy. It’s that feeling I want to share with you today with this absolutely classic peanut butter fudge recipe. We’re talking just three ingredients, made right in the microwave – it’s nostalgic, incredibly easy, and just perfect for gifting or sharing with family. It’s proof that delicious, soul-satisfying food really doesn’t have to be complicated. This is exactly why I started this site: to bring you approachable, flavorful food made with love.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Get ready, because this peanut butter fudge recipe is almost embarrassingly simple! Seriously, you only need three things from the store: one 10-ounce package of peanut butter chips, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and just one teaspoon of vanilla extract. That’s it! No fancy stuff, no long lists. These three powerhouses are all you need for this amazing 3 ingredient fudge.

Crafting Your Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this amazing microwave peanut butter fudge! It really couldn’t be easier, and honestly, it’s a process that even the kids can totally help with. We’re talking about transforming just a few simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy treat. Trust me, you’ll feel like a baking rockstar!

Prepare Your Pan for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

First things first, grab your 8×8 inch baking pan. You’ll want to line it with parchment paper. I like to let a little hang over the edges – it makes lifting the fudge out later an absolute breeze. No sticking, no fuss!

Melting the Magic: Peanut Butter Chips and Condensed Milk

Now, into a microwave-safe bowl, toss in your peanut butter chips and that can of sweetened condensed milk. Pop it in the microwave and zap it on high for about 1 minute. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth. If it’s not quite there, microwave it for another minute, stirring again until it’s perfectly melty and smooth. This is the heart of your microwave peanut butter fudge magic!

Adding the Finishing Touch: Vanilla Extract

Just stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. It really boosts the flavor and makes everything smell amazing!

Setting the Stage: Pouring and Chilling Your No Bake Fudge

Carefully pour the gooey mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula – get into those corners! Then, pop the pan into the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. This quiet time is crucial for our no bake fudge.

The Final Cut: Serving Your Holiday Candy

Once it’s firm, lift the whole block out of the pan using the parchment paper. Now just cut it into squares, and voilà! Your delicious homemade holiday candy is ready to enjoy or share!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge Every Time

You know, even with just three ingredients, a few little tricks can make your peanut butter fudge recipe absolutely sing! For an extra smooth fudge, try giving it a stir every 30 seconds while it’s in the microwave – this helps everything melt evenly without getting too hot. Want to jazz it up? Totally go for it! Chopped peanuts or pecans are amazing in here, or even some fun sprinkles mixed in after you stir in the vanilla. And when it comes to storing, just pop it into an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for about a week!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Honestly, this 3 ingredient fudge is a total game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

  • Super Quick: Ready from start to finish in under 15 minutes!
  • Crazy Easy: Seriously, just three things to measure. Perfect for beginners or busy days.
  • Kid-Approved: The kids can totally help melt and stir this! So much fun.
  • Nostalgic Comfort: Tastes just like Grandma used to make (or maybe even better!).
  • Holiday Ready: Wrap it up for gifts or set it out at parties – it’s holiday candy perfection.

It’s all about finding that simple joy in the kitchen, and this recipe totally delivers!

Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Ingredient Fudge

Got questions about whipping up this easy peanut butter fudge? I’ve got you covered! This 3 ingredient fudge recipe is pretty foolproof, but I get it. Sometimes things pop up!

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips?

Oh, that’s a good question! While you *can* try it, it won’t give you quite the same smooth, traditional fudge texture that the chips do. Regular peanut butter has oil that can separate differently. For the best results with this specific peanut butter fudge recipe, I really recommend sticking to the chips!

My microwave peanut butter fudge didn’t set. What happened?

Don’t worry, it happens! The most common culprits are not microwaving quite long enough, or not chilling it for the full two hours. Make sure it’s really smooth and creamy before pouring. If it still doesn’t set after enough chilling time, it might have been microwaved a bit too long and lost some moisture. Pop it back in the fridge for a few more hours, and it should firm up!

Can I add anything else to this old fashioned peanut butter fudge?

Absolutely! That’s the fun part! Before you pour it into the pan, feel free to stir in some chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. It’s a great way to customize your holiday candy!

Storing Your Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge

Leftover peanut butter fudge? Lucky you! Just tuck it into a good airtight container. It’s happiest chilling at room temperature for about a week. This way, it’s always ready for a little sweet pick-me-up, making it super easy to share (or not share, I won’t tell!).

Nutritional Estimate for Your Peanut Butter Fudge

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this delicious *easy peanut butter fudge* is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so treat it as a guideline!

Share Your Holiday Candy Creations!

I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your peanut butter fudge recipe turned out! Did the kids help? Did you add toppings? Pop your thoughts in the comments below, give it a star rating if you can, or share a picture on social media – tag me! It really makes my day to see your creations.

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Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

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A simple, nostalgic peanut butter fudge recipe made in the microwave with just three ingredients. Perfect for holidays or a quick treat.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 3 min
  • Total Time: 130 min
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (10 ounce) package peanut butter chips
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine peanut butter chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir. Microwave for another 1 minute, stir until smooth.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  7. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For a smoother fudge, stir the mixture every 30 seconds during microwaving.
  • Add chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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