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}
Jessica Owens says
This was an incredible fudge recipe that I will definitely be using again! It was smooth and the peanut butter taste showed through beautifully, the recipe was also not too sweet which was a big selling point for me. This was a great Christmas treat!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Jessica.
Tamara says
Not good. It tasted like a stick of butter. Way too much butter. Yuck!
Mary Younkin says
Hmm I have not had that experience but we all enjoy different things.
Mccoy says
Too sweet too much butter
Jason Fairchild says
This is how I have been making mine and everyone loves it, they have no idea how simple it is.
Mary Younkin says
So simple and delicious, Jason.
Maureen Roberts says
Just found this recipe, making it today looks delicious and so easy to make. It’s a guaranteed hit in my house! Thanks so much.
Mary Younkin says
Love that! Enjoy.
Capri says
It is incredibly dry and crumbly, not fudge-consistency at all. I wouldn’t make again.
Mary Younkin says
Hmmm I think you had a miss-step in your process, Capri.
Elizabeth says
Mine came out with too much butter. After I poured it in the pan, I took some paper towels and laid it on the fudge to soak some butter out. Next time, I’ll cut down on the butter. No problem. Also, after I put mine in the pan, I drizzled some melted chocolate bark on top of it before putting it in the fridge. Not only delicious, it looked pretty, too!
Mary Younkin says
I am glad you found a way to make it work. I am not sure how you ended up with too much butter though, Elizabeth.
Henry Chamberlain says
As child, I bought a cookbook for kids and we intrigued by Peanut Butter Fudge. I could see right away that this was an easy recipe but I was curious about actually making it. I’m so glad to stumble upon Barefeet in the Kitchen and your wonderful recipe. It brought back memories for sure. It worked out better than I expected!
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy you made this Henry. It really is simple and delicious.
Mark says
Why do these people have to add so much BS to these recipes I don’t care about your Christmas your gift basket idea it is absurd just put the recipe on what a waste of time
Mary Younkin says
I can understand the frustration, which is why there is a handy “Jump to Recipe” button for you at the top of the page. Clicking this takes you right to the recipe. It is interesting you have such a strong opinion about something that is provided to you for free. Enjoy your day, Mark.
Jayson says
Came here just to say the fudge was delish! And that Mark is really kind of a dick!
Mary Younkin says
Thank you, Jayson. And bless that, Mark; I hope he is having a delightful day. I sure am!
Faith says
I love this but we didnt have an
8-9 but are you able to use a bigger pan for your fudge and will it mess your fudge up ??
Mary Younkin says
A larger pan will work fine. The fudge will simply be a bit thinner.
Wanda K Spatzer says
Yummm! Very good and so quick and easy.
Advice though…. my 4th batch was pretty soft when I put it in the pan. After it cooled, it was more crumbly than previous batches and more difficult to get out of pan. Need more powered sugar?
Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’m guessing something was off, and if it was too soft, it was likely not enough powdered sugar.
Christina says
This was AMAZING! You don’t want to know how many I ate. 😲😋 I know people were saying that there was too much butter, but when I made it, I reduced the butter by two tablespoons, and it was PERFECT. Thank you so much for this amazing recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy it was a hit, Christina!
Dani says
Awesome recipe! Tastes like the peanut butter filling inside a Reese’s Cup, love it!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad the fudge was a success for you, Dani!
Valarie says
Not very thick. Says press into pan but it’s runny.
Mary Younkin says
This shouldn’t be runny at ALL. Did you use the full amount of each ingredient? Swap anything out? If you watch the video in this post, you’ll see how thick it should be.
Nan says
Can you substitute chunky instead of creamy?
Mary Younkin says
Hi, Nan! I’m not sure how the texture of the fudge would turn out, but it might be worth a try. If you decide to make the fudge with chunky peanut butter, let me know how it turns out!
Amy says
Simply “Amazing”!!!!!! Brought to work; pan was empty in minutes! I have been requested to make for a graduation party!
Thank YOU!
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear that the fudge was a hit at the party, Amy!
Mindy P says
Very good! And one factor of the “too much butter” folks to consider is something some, the brand of peanut butter. It can be the reason some are too buttery. I use peter pan honey roasted peanut butter & to compensate for the better brand, I reduced the butter by 2 tablespoons. I love that particular flavor, is one of the best ever, and sometimes, hard to find. Thank you for the recipe for such an easy fudge!
Mary Younkin says
Agreed, Mindy. Sometimes the brand of peanut butter used can make a large difference in the end result. I commonly use Jif peanut butter in my cooking, as it tends to be slightly thicker and easier to work with when making creamy baking recipes. I’m so glad you enjoyed the fudge; happy baking!
Troy says
Easy to make. Family enjoyed every piece unfortunately to quickly
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad it was a hit, Troy!
Lanet Owens says
I loved it. Although I think I put a little more peanut than I should have only because I had a spoon full or 2 left from the jar I was using and I think it made it less fudgy. But overall it is very delicious and I will be making it again. Thank you for taking your time to post the recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the fudge, Lanet.
Dave H says
Late night. Wife and I needed something sweet. Cut the recipe in half and whipped this up in just a few minutes. Spread it thin in a pie pan and it set up perfectly in no time. Came out with a great balance of creamy and sweet without being too rich. Moist, but slightly crumbly like good fudge should be. The recipes with the simplest ingredients are usually the best. We will definitely be using this one again!
Mary Younkin says
Happy to hear that the fudge was a hit with you and your wife, Dave. Enjoy!