I’m not exaggerating when I say this Peanut Butter Fudge is one of the best fudges I’ve ever tasted. Rich, creamy, over-the-top fudge that is so easy to make, you might laugh.
Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
My brother tasted this creamy fudge at my house years ago and called us the very next night for the recipe. He couldn’t stop thinking about it and needed to make it right away.
I gave him the recipe and he couldn’t believe this was all there is to it. With just four ingredients, this is one of the best peanut butter fudge recipes I’ve ever tasted, and it is also beyond simple to make.
I’ve been making this fudge recipe now for over 10 years now and it’s a solid keeper. Without fail, everyone who tastes it requests the recipe immediately.
Recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge
I was so excited to find Alton Brown’s recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge almost ten years ago and it’s become a family and friend favorite over the years.
It is an awesome way to impress someone with a gift that takes just minutes to put together. I can’t think of anyone who likes peanut butter and wouldn’t be excited to receive a box full of this during the holidays.
Put this recipe on your Christmas treat list now and skip the baking! It’s perfect to snack on while you’re wrapping gifts or for enjoying next to a crackling fireplace with the ones you love.
Peanut Butter Fudge
With all the attention we give chocolate fudge, I think the goodness of peanut butter fudge gets overlooked.
Don’t get me wrong, I love all kinds of chocolate fudge from Chocolate Almond Fudge to this Chocolate Covered Oreo Fudge and everything in between.
Peanut butter fudge brings images of childhood to mind, noses pressed up against confectionary cases, selecting the perfect square fudge to bring home.
The simple combination of sweet, creamy, and salty remains a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
The secret to making peanut butter fudge with the right consistency is in the powdered sugar. It dissolves into the fudge smoothly without any grittiness at all.
You can melt everything in the microwave or on the stove-top. However you make it, it’s dangerously easy. Your kids are likely to start requesting this fudge regularly.
Thankfully, this is a recipe that’s easy enough for them to learn how to make on their own! Plus, with no stovetop cooking required, you can teach them to make this fudge without fear of burn accidents.
This fudge is delicious just as is but is also a great canvas for adding mix-ins and toppings as well. I layer it with my 5 Minute Chocolate Fudge recipe to create Buckeye Fudge–a treat all of us found irresistible!
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave for 90 seconds.
- Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9″ pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
PLEASE NOTE: The video for this recipe was made with a HALF recipe for this fudge. The recipe can easily be halved or doubled or multiplied however you like.
As pictured in the video, the fudge should be firm and almost crumbly when mixed together and pressed into the pan. It should not be liquid at all.
This simple four-ingredient recipe is made with real butter. The results can’t be guaranteed if you choose to substitute margarine or another butter alternative. The fudge might be greasy and might not even set up without the original ingredients.
How to Make Microwave Fudge
Kitchen Tip: I use these bowls and this spatula to make this recipe.
This recipe uses a microwave method for melting the ingredients together. While I’m not usually a fan of microwave cooking, nothing beats being able to melt baking ingredients to the perfect consistency in just moments.
It only takes 90 seconds of cook time to soften the peanut butter and butter to the right consistency, plus a few seconds of mixing. Add the powdered sugar to the other ingredients and mix well until the powdered sugar dissolves.
If you don’t happen to be a fan of the microwave, or don’t have one, you can easily melt the butter and peanut butter in a double boiler on the stove top.
It will just take a few minutes longer. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat and stir well to combine before adding the powdered sugar.
I love this fudge cut into 1-inch squares to make it easy to share. This fudge pairs beautifully with an ice-cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee or a mug of tea!
Easy Fudge Recipes
There are so many terrific fudge recipes that my family loves. The 5 Minute 5 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge I linked above has become everyone’s go-to recipe and it’s a favorite all year long.
I’ve used that basic recipe as the foundation for tons of different variations on chocolate fudge and it’s the one I find myself coming back to the most often.
White Chocolate Caramel Fudge has been a huge hit as well and I highly recommend you add it to your holiday baking list.
Give this Vanilla Walnut Fudge a try next time you’re in the mood for an easy fudge recipe that doesn’t use chocolate or peanut butter. Cranberry Macadamia Nut Fudge is another treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
If you like this Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge, you might also enjoy this White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge from Real Housemoms.
I like to create gift bags or boxes with a few different kinds of fudge in them to give as gifts to friends and family throughout the holidays.
These fudge recipes are so easy to pull together that making two or three different kinds at once is a cinch. Fudge also makes a fantastic teacher or hostess gift!
Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Microwave Directions
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9" pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Stovetop Directions
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9" pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
{originally published 12/10/13 – notes and photos updated 10/4/22}
Roshinara says
Hi
I am from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 and I am going to try your peanut butter fudge for this Christmas and I will let you know how it comes
Thanks for the recipe
Best
Roshinara
Mary Younkin says
Enjoy, Roshinara! Thanks for saying hi.
K. McGill says
Absolutely delicious peanut butter fudge. Super simple and truly divine. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the fudge!
Elizabeth Molle says
Can
adding a couple of tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to the peanut butter fudge be a good thing? Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, Elizabeth. It might soften it too much.
CO says
Yummy!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the fudge!
Vincent Bishop-Diaz says
Tried this recipe and it worked wonderfully! Question… Would this work with Nutella instead of Peanut Butter? Thanks!
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, Vincent.
Jo-Ann Sangataldo says
Made this fudge several times. So easy and delicious. I love peanut butter and fudge although not a fan of chocolate
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the fudge, Jo-Ann.
Valerie Bolton says
Will be making this today, looks great and easy. Do you think this would keep out of the fridge.
Mary Younkin says
It will depend on the temperature of your home, Valerie. It’s worth a try to set it out at room temp and see how much it softens.
Christy Curtis says
I just made thos super easy my only problem will be waiting 4 hours to cut!!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the fudge, Christy!
Chase Sayer says
I’m going to try it and I like peanut butter. Chase, 9 years old 😀
Mary Younkin says
Have fun, Chase! Enjoy the fudge.
Chase Sayer says
I love it! I’m going to make it again. Thx for the recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the fudge, Chase.
Cheryl Williamson says
This is by far the best fudge i’ve made! It is super delicious, u can’t sop eating it. And it is so easy to make too. I’ve passed this along to my best friend & she is hooked also. You can’t miss, with making this!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you are enjoying the fudge, Cheryl!
Marta Peters says
Just finished my batch. My appears thinner than your pic. But it tastes delicious. Can’t wait.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it!
Toni says
One cup of butter or one stick of butter?
Mary Younkin says
This recipe calls for one cup (2 sticks) of butter.
David Fisher says
OMG! doesn’t anyone know how to made real traditional home made fudge with sugar, canned milk, vanilla, flavoring, and a tiny bit of baking powder?
This isn’t real fudge. This is just reconstituted peanut butter.
Mary Younkin says
There is more than one way to make many different things, David. That’s why there are thousands of fudge and candy recipes available for free online. Feel free to make your fudge however you like best.
Michelle Lewis says
I am a third generation candy maker. I have won competitions at the state fair level. This is really good! I have had several people ask me for the recipe. It took me less than ten minutes to make where one batch usually takes almost an hour.
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome, Michelle!
Amanda Grantner says
My family loves this fudge and it’s so easy to make!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled it’s a hit!
kim silver says
how long does it last in the fridge?
Mary Younkin says
At least a week or two, Kim.
Loretta says
Is that salted or unsalted butter, for us newbies? LOL.
Mary Younkin says
I use salted butter in all of my recipes unless specifically noted. Happy fudge making!
Rosa says
My whole family loves
Mary Younkin says
Rosa – Thank you. This fudge is so hard to resist!
CZG says
Very good recipe. If you taste the mixture immediately (I do!) it seems gritty. But once cooled, even better if cooled over night, it’s very good. Easy recipe. And good for cooking with children.
This was a big hit and my teenaged grandson enjoyed doing the prep and he was quite proud of himself when he finished making this recipe.
Mary Younkin says
That is fantastic. Letting it chill is a key step. It is nice to hear of kids in the kitchen.
Lena says
Even better, and easier. One jar of creamy peanut butter, and one container of frosting. Any you like, I love cream cheese frosting. Microwave both until they’re soft, mix together, put in a backing pan that’s lined with wax paper, refrigerate until hardened. It’s AMAZING, and creamy.
Donna Britton says
How far ahead can you make this fudge, I’m making it for a wedding
Margaret Coleman says
Donna – Be sure to store it in the refrigerator. It never lasts at my house for me to know just how long it will keep. I would think 5-7 days. You might try making a small batch to test so you know for sure.