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}
Bam says
Great recipe! Needed this last minute when my daughter said she suddenly needed to bring fudge to school. Easy enough for her to do in batches herself.
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome! I’m glad it worked out for her.
Mary says
It’s soooo easy to make! This is definitely a keeper! Best peanut butter fudge I’ve had in a long time.
Mary Younkin says
Glad to hear it, Mary.
Shawn says
Made this today and it turned out terrific. So easy and delicious. The only problem is stopping myself from eating the whole pan in one sitting.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad the recipe came together so easily, Shawn! It can be hard to resist a fresh pan of fudge.
MARYBETH SCHNEIDER says
What’s the best PB to use? Can I use Natural Organic PB from Costco?
Mary Younkin says
That should work for this recipe, Mary Beth. Enjoy the fudge!
Shannon says
I’ve been making this fudge for years, I can always find it on the internet because your website barefeet in the kitchen is so relatable. I did write it into my cookbook this year though, it is definitely a tradition in my family and my coworkers love it. Favorite holiday treat!! <3
Mary Younkin says
It’s always nice to hear that one of these recipes has become someone’s favorite. Happy holidays, Shannon!
Anna says
I can make this is with two ingredients. 16-18 Oz jar of peanut butter. One can of vanilla frosting. Make sure it is not whipped frosting. Add both ingredients to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for about one minute 30 seconds. Stir will combine then pour into a parchment line 8 x 8 pan and you are done. Let’s sit overnight cut and enjoy.
Mary Younkin says
Glad you’ve found a recipe that works for you, Anna. I’ve tried that as well and for me, I prefer the fudge as written in the recipe card.
Tina S says
So easy and So good!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad the fudge is a win for you, Tina!
Angela M Taylor says
I have a silly question because I often use blue bonnet sticks when baking…even if it calls for butter but I want to o be sure in thai one as it could make a huge difference…do you use real butter or margarine in this recipe?
Mary Younkin says
I haven’t tried that myself, however many people have confirmed that this will work fine with margarine.
Judy says
This is the best and easiest peanut butter fudge ever. I make mine on the stove and stir alot so it doesn’t burn then set aside, have your powered sugar already in a bowl, get the mixer out and pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the powered sugar ,a little at a time or at once, I do mine all at once. Mix with mixer till all mixed up and looks like cookie dough consistency and put it your pan. I don’t butter the pan there’s enough in the batter. I use a glass dish 8×8. love it.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the fudge, Judy.
Lyn says
Should this be Salted or Unsalted Butter?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Lyn! Unless the recipe says otherwise, I use salted butter in my recipes. Happy cooking!
Gloria Wyatt says
Perfect recipe! So easy and didn’t ned to dirty every dish in the kitchen to make it! Hubby loves it.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad the fudge is a hit, Gloria. Enjoy!
Linda says
Can i cut back on the powdered sugar & use crunchy pb?
Mary Younkin says
I haven’t tried doing that in this recipe, Linda. I think it would be difficult to get an even consistency in the fudge with crunchy peanut butter, but I can’t be sure. If you decide to try making the fudge with crunchy peanut butter, let me know how it turns out!
Sandrine Rouillard says
Should I use unsalted butter?
Mary Younkin says
Hi, Sandrine. Unless the recipe says otherwise, I typically use salted butter.
deborah lawson says
Very easy to make and extremely good. This will be my go to peanut butter fudge recipe
Mary Younkin says
Glad to hear it, Deborah. Enjoy the fudge!
Connie says
I love this recipe! The fudge turns out perfect every time. I was wondering if anyone has tried making chocolate fudge with this recipe? I can never get the chocolate fudge to turn out.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the peanut butter fudge, Connie. I have over a dozen chocolate fudge variations here. This one is easy as can be and turns out perfectly every time: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/chocolate-pecan-fudge-recipe
J F says
I followed this recipe to the T and the fudge did not set up. Very disappointed.
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never had that happen. Did you by chance use a natural peanut butter or substitute another ingredient?
Josette says
I’m currently in the process of making this fudge but as it’s cooling im noticing some oil/butter sitting on top is this normal?
Mary Younkin says
That happens sometimes, but you should be able to blot it with a paper towel after the fudge is firm – IF it’s still there.
Jf says
This pnb fudge did nit set up and doesn’t have the pnb flavor. Very disappointed
Mary Younkin says
With only a handful of ingredients, the peanut butter flavor should’ve been dominant. Did you by chance substitute any of the ingredients? Or alter the method of making it?
Judy says
best fudge ,quickess fudge to make only I don’t use the microwave ,I use the stove and a pot to melt the ingredients and put my measured powered sugar in a bowl and pour my peanut butter mixture into the P sugar and mix with my hand mixer. makes it very smooth.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’ve found a way to make the fudge your own, Judy. Enjoy!
Patty says
Are you sure it doesn’t call for 1 stick of butter instead of 1 cup? I did 1 cup per recipe instructions and it was way too much butter! It would have been great if there was less butter.
Mary Younkin says
I just made this yesterday, Patty. And as you can see in the photo, yes, it is 2 sticks or 1 cup of butter. You should’ve been able to whisk the peanut butter and butter together smoothly and then added the powdered sugar. There are a ton of step by step photos here illustrating the process. Did your fudge set? Did it taste good? Was there an issue with it after it cooled?