Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge with condensed milk is perfect for those who want to make a tasty dessert without the fuss. With only four ingredients and no baking required, this gluten-free fudge can be made in just five minutes.

It’s an ideal recipe for novice candy makers, children, and even those living in dorm rooms, as all you need is a microwave to create this delectable treat. Make this peanut butter fudge a part of your holiday traditions, and impress your loved ones with your candy-making skills!

For even more creamy fudge recipes, check out Old Fashioned Fudge, Christmas Fudge Recipe, and Marshmallow Cream Fudge.

Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

You will be impressed with this easy fudge recipe. It uses minimal ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find at the store.

Best of all, it is a combination of peanut butter and chocolate flavors. The second you sink your teeth into a fudge square, you will be reminded that combo never disappoints.

Our recipe turns out smooth and creamy every time with the richness that everyone expects from a piece of fudge.

It is the easiest peanut butter fudge that gifts well too just like our Gluten Free Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, Saltine Toffee and Caramel Puff Corn.

So, are you ready to learn how to make fudge? Keep reading for step-by-step directions and storage instructions.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

chocolate chips, condensed milk, vanilla extract and peanut butter on counter

Equipment

Ingredients

10 ounces milk chocolate ✅ (chocolate chips or brick chocolate)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, divided ✅
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

chocolate chips, vanilla and chocolate chips in mixing bowl

melted chocolate in mixing bowl with spoon

How To Make

Prepare a 9 x 9-inch pan lined with wax paper. You can line just the bottom or the whole pan.

Set aside condensed milk

Measure 4 tablespoons of condensed milk and place it into a mixing bowl.

Blend the chocolate

Add chocolate to a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Add the remaining sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.

Heat

Microwave the chocolate for 60 seconds then stir. Continue heating in 30-second increments until smooth. Do not overheat.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the wax paper-lined 9×9-inch pan.

Combine the peanut butter with condensed milk

Add the peanut butter to the sweetened condensed milk in the mixing bowl. Combine until smooth.

Add on top of the chocolate fudge and gently spread with spatula. Don’t let the peanut butter mixture sit, it will start to harden. Spread it right away.

Chill

Place the peanut butter fudge into the refrigerator and let chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Serve

Lift wax paper from the pan or turn the pan upside down to remove the fudge onto a cutting board. Use a chef’s knife or pizza cutter to slice.

condensed milk and peanut butter in bowl

melted peanut butter in mixing bowl with spoon

How To Store Peanut Butter Fudge

In the fridge: Add fudge to a covered container and place in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

At room temperature: Store in a covered container for 1 week on the counter.

Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Fudge Made With Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Yes, you can! Store in an airtight container or wrap with wax paper and seal in a ziplock bag. Follow these tips for the best results:

Make sure the fudge is properly cooled before freezing.
Don’t store it in the door portion of the freezer as it’s the warmer spot.
Prevent ice crystals and freezer burn by using an air-tight container and wrapping with parchment paper or wax paper.
If storing fudge in layers, place a piece of wax paper between the layers.

fudge topped with peanut butter in glass dish

Making Peanut Butter Fudge Tips

Get started by lining a 9×9 inch pan with wax paper. You don’t have to do this step, but it makes it really easy to remove and cut the fudge once it hardens.
It can be tricky to get the wax paper to stay in the pan. Crease around the bottom edges, folding the paper to help, then place 2 cans into the dish to weigh it down while you make the recipe.
This fudge is much easier to make and you have a lesser chance of it not working. Check out this post for tips on how to fix fudge that hasn’t set, but by using sweetened condensed milk, you should not have this problem.
I use Jiffy or Skippy, but you could use natural peanut butter, allergy-free butter, or even Nutella for a different version.
Swap the vanilla extract with almond or simply leave it out if you don’t have it on hand.
Do not overcook or the chocolate will seize up.
You can use chocolate chips for an even faster version or buy brick chocolate to save a little money. Carefully use the tip of a knife to break apart the brick.
Sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the peanut butter layer before it hardens for a new flavor or crunch.

piece of parchment paper removed from bottom of fudge slab

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fudge made with sweetened condensed milk need to be refrigerated?

After cooking fudge made with sweetened condensed milk, it does not need to be refrigerated.

Why is my condensed milk fudge grainy?

Large sugar crystals in fudge typically cause it to be grainy. It can be due to over-stirring and overheating the fudge. Once the chocolate mixture is blended and smooth, let the fudge cool and don’t over-stir.

How long does peanut butter fudge last?

This easy homemade fudge will last up to 3 weeks in the fridge or up to 1 week at room temp. To extend the shelf life, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Do you have more easy recipes using peanut butter?

You bet! Use leftover peanut butter to make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, No Bake Peanut Butter Balls, Peanut Butter Pie (No Bake), Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies, Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms and Peanut Butter Overnight Oats.

pieces of peanut butter fudge on parchment paper

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Lining the pan with wax or parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the fudge once cooled.
Use oven mitts to remove the bowl from the microwave to stir when heating the chocolate.
Spray the measuring cup with nonstick spray to measure out peanut butter. This makes it much easier to scoop into the mixing bowl.
Did you know you can cut fudge with a pizza cutter? It is a safe way to easily cut without needing to use a large knife.

More Holiday Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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