Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Peanut butter fudge is one of those treats that brings pure joy with every bite. This creamy, melt-in-your-mouth confection combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a smooth, sweet texture that keeps you coming back for more. Making fudge at home might sound tricky, but this recipe proves just how simple it can be. You need only a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of active work to create a batch of perfect fudge.

The result is a homemade candy that tastes far better than anything you’ll find at the store. Whether you’re preparing treats for a holiday gathering, packing gift boxes for friends, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this peanut butter fudge delivers every time. The recipe creates smooth, creamy squares that hold their shape beautifully and taste absolutely divine. Best of all, you don’t need any special equipment or candy-making experience to succeed.

Reasons to Try Peanut Butter Fudge

This peanut butter fudge stands out for several compelling reasons. The texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, melting on your tongue without any graininess or crystallization. Unlike some fudge recipes that require precise temperature control and a candy thermometer, this version uses a straightforward method that produces consistent results every time.

The flavor strikes a perfect balance between sweet and salty, with the peanut butter providing a rich, nutty taste that prevents the fudge from becoming cloying. Each bite offers that classic peanut butter taste you love, amplified by the creamy sweetness of the fudge base.

The recipe is also remarkably quick. You can have finished fudge ready to serve in about two hours total, with most of that time being hands-off cooling and setting. The active cooking time takes less than 10 minutes, making this an ideal choice when you need an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Another major advantage is the recipe’s flexibility. You can easily adjust the sweetness level, add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, or create flavor variations to suit your preferences. The basic recipe serves as an excellent foundation for creativity.

Where Did Peanut Butter Fudge Come From?

Fudge first appeared in American kitchens during the late 1800s, with early recipes emerging from women’s colleges on the East Coast. The original fudge was chocolate-based, but creative cooks soon began experimenting with other flavors. Peanut butter fudge likely emerged in the early 1900s, after peanut butter became commercially available and gained popularity across America.

The combination made perfect sense—peanut butter’s creamy texture and rich flavor paired beautifully with fudge’s sweet, smooth consistency. During the mid-20th century, peanut butter fudge became a staple at holiday gatherings, church bake sales, and family celebrations throughout the United States. Today, it remains a beloved treat, particularly in regions where peanut farming has deep roots. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touches.

Ingredients Notes

Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a commercial brand of creamy peanut butter, not natural or old-fashioned varieties. Natural peanut butter contains too much oil and won’t set properly in fudge. Brands like Jif or Skippy work perfectly because they have stabilizers that help create the right texture. The peanut butter provides the primary flavor, so use one you truly enjoy eating.

Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar forms the sweet base of your fudge. The sugar dissolves during cooking and creates the characteristic smooth texture. Don’t substitute other sweeteners here, as they will affect how the fudge sets.

Butter: Use real butter, not margarine. Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. It also contributes to the fudge’s melt-in-your-mouth quality. The fat content in butter is crucial for proper texture development.

Milk: Whole milk works best, though you can use 2% milk if needed. The milk helps dissolve the sugar and creates a smooth mixture. Don’t use skim milk, as you need the fat content for proper consistency.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and enhances the peanut butter flavor. The vanilla rounds out the sweetness and makes the fudge taste more complex. Use real vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best results.

Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor pop. Even if you use salted peanut butter, you’ll still need a pinch of additional salt in the recipe.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Leave some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the fudge out later. Lightly spray the liner with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Measure out your peanut butter and place it in a large mixing bowl. Set this bowl aside near your stove so it’s ready when you need it. Having everything prepared makes the process much smoother.

Step 3: Combine the sugar, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. You should see no sugar granules remaining.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a full boil, continue boiling for exactly 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Time this carefully—too little cooking and your fudge won’t set, too much and it becomes too hard. The mixture will bubble vigorously and increase slightly in volume.

Step 5: Remove the pan from heat immediately after 2 minutes. Pour the hot mixture over the peanut butter in your bowl. Add the vanilla extract and salt at this point.

Step 6: Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens noticeably and loses its glossy shine. Your arm might get tired, but this beating process is crucial for creating the right texture. The fudge will start to look less shiny and more matte.

Step 7: Quickly pour the thickened fudge into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Work fast because the fudge begins setting quickly once you stop stirring.

Step 8: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until completely set. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the process, though room temperature cooling creates a slightly creamier texture.

Step 9: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares. A sharp knife works best—wipe the blade between cuts for neat edges.

What You Must Know About Peanut Butter Fudge

The beating step is absolutely critical. You must stir vigorously for the full time to achieve proper texture. If you stop stirring too soon, the fudge will be too soft and won’t hold its shape. If you beat it too long, it becomes crumbly and dry.

Use a timer for the boiling step. Those 2 minutes matter significantly. Even 30 seconds can make a difference between perfect fudge and fudge that’s either too soft or too hard.

Work quickly once you start beating the mixture. Fudge begins to set as it cools, so you need to pour it into the pan before it becomes too stiff to spread. Have your pan prepared and ready before you start cooking.

Don’t use natural peanut butter. This cannot be stressed enough. Natural peanut butter separates easily and contains too much oil, which prevents proper setting. Your fudge will never firm up correctly if you use natural varieties.

Humidity affects fudge-making. On very humid days, your fudge might take longer to set or may remain slightly softer than usual. Try to make fudge on dry days for the best results.

Helpful Tips

Keep a bowl of ice water nearby while cooking. If you’re unsure whether your mixture has boiled long enough, you can test it by dropping a small amount into the ice water. It should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water.

If your fudge turns out too soft, you can salvage it by returning it to the pan, adding a tablespoon of milk, reheating it, boiling for an additional 30 seconds, and beating it again.

For easier cutting, refrigerate the fudge for 30 minutes before slicing. Cold fudge cuts more cleanly than room temperature fudge.

Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for the neatest squares. This prevents the fudge from sticking to the blade and creating ragged edges.

If you want to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in quickly during the final 30 seconds of beating, just before pouring the fudge into the pan.

Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the hot mixture before beating. Stir them in and they’ll melt into the fudge, creating a chocolate-peanut butter swirl.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge: Replace half the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture and peanut pieces throughout.

Peanut Butter Cup Fudge: Chop up 6-8 peanut butter cups and fold them into the fudge during the last few stirs before pouring into the pan.

Chocolate Drizzle: Once your fudge has set, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an elegant finish.

Almond Butter Fudge: Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you have nut allergies in the family. Use the same amount and follow the same process.

Reduced Sugar Version: You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet fudge, though this may affect the texture slightly. The fudge might be a bit softer but still delicious.

Marshmallow Fluff Addition: Replace one cup of the peanut butter with marshmallow fluff for an even sweeter, fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Fudge

Serve peanut butter fudge as small squares on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. The rich flavor means people usually prefer smaller portions, so cutting 1-inch squares works perfectly.

Pair the fudge with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweet, rich fudge beautifully.

Create a dessert board by arranging peanut butter fudge alongside other homemade candies, cookies, and chocolate treats. This makes an impressive display for holidays or special occasions.

Package individual pieces in small paper cups and place them in decorative boxes for homemade gifts. Friends and family always appreciate receiving homemade candy, especially during holiday seasons.

Crumble pieces of fudge over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae topping. The combination of cold ice cream and rich, creamy fudge is wonderful.

Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries. The fruit’s tartness provides a nice contrast to the fudge’s sweetness.

Storage

Store peanut butter fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking pieces to prevent them from sticking together.

You can refrigerate the fudge for longer storage, up to 1 month. Refrigeration makes the fudge firmer and slightly less creamy, but it still tastes delicious. Let refrigerated fudge sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

For even longer storage, freeze peanut butter fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces or small portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw frozen fudge in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Always ensure your storage container is completely airtight. Exposure to air causes fudge to dry out and become crumbly. Proper storage keeps your fudge fresh, moist, and delicious for weeks.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is calculated per piece based on 24 servings. Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Best Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe – Incredibly Easy 5-Ingredient Treat

Make perfect peanut butter fudge with this simple recipe using just 5 ingredients. This creamy, smooth peanut butter fudge sets beautifully and tastes amazing. Ready in 2 hours with only 10 minutes of active work.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

setting time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course candy, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 pieces

Calories 145 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter commercial brand
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Place peanut butter in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.
• Bring mixture to a rolling boil and continue boiling for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and immediately pour hot mixture over peanut butter. Add vanilla extract and salt.
• Beat mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and loses its glossy shine.
• Quickly pour thickened fudge into prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Cool at room temperature for 2 hours until completely set.
• Lift fudge from pan using parchment overhang, place on cutting board, and cut into small squares.

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