If you’re a peanut butter lover, this recipe is going to be your new favorite treat! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with a delicious peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth. Best of all, this easy fudge recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort—no candy thermometer needed!
Whether you’re making it for the holidays, as a homemade gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this old-fashioned peanut butter fudge is a classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients
This recipe only requires 4 pantry staples, making it incredibly easy to whip up anytime!
You’ll Need:
- 2 cups sugar – Granulated sugar works best.
- ½ cup milk – Whole milk or evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- 1 cup peanut butter – Smooth peanut butter gives the best consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds extra depth of flavor.
Optional Mix-Ins & Toppings:
- Chopped peanuts – For extra crunch.
- Chocolate drizzle – A delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo.
- Sea salt – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
This simple peanut butter fudge comes together in just a few easy steps!
Prepare Your Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This makes it easier to remove the fudge later.
Heat the Sugar & Milk
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Peanut Butter & Vanilla
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Pour & Set
- Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Slice & Enjoy
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into small squares and serve!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Fudge
Use Smooth Peanut Butter – This ensures a creamy consistency. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can be too oily.
Boil the Mixture for at Least 2 Minutes – This step is crucial to get the right texture.
Work Quickly When Mixing – The fudge sets fast, so have everything ready!
Line Your Pan – Parchment paper makes removal easy and prevents sticking.
Let It Fully Set – Don’t rush the cooling process; refrigerate for at least an hour.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
How to Store:
- Keep peanut butter fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
How to Freeze:
- Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper and store in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve, let the fudge thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge – Add ½ cup melted chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter swirl.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge – Use crunchy peanut butter or stir in chopped peanuts.
Honey Peanut Butter Fudge – Swap ½ cup sugar for ¼ cup honey for a natural sweetness.
Salted Peanut Butter Fudge – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast.
Conclusion
This old-fashioned peanut butter fudge is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for the holidays, as a homemade gift, or just for yourself, this simple peanut butter fudge recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try it out today and let me know how it turns out! Happy fudge-making!
FAQs
Why is my peanut butter fudge grainy?
If the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or the mixture wasn’t boiled long enough, the fudge may turn out grainy. Try stirring thoroughly and ensuring it boils for at least 2 minutes.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter, as natural peanut butter has more oil and can affect the texture.
Can I make this fudge without milk?
Yes! You can use evaporated milk or almond milk as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make peanut butter chocolate fudge?
Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and swirl them into the peanut butter mixture before setting.
Print
Peanut Butter Fudge
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is rich, smooth, and melts in your mouth! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s an easy, no-bake treat that comes together in minutes. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or evaporated milk)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth, not natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins & Toppings:
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (for crunch)
- ½ cup melted chocolate chips (for peanut butter-chocolate swirl)
- Flaky sea salt (for a sweet-salty contrast)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Heat Sugar & Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Peanut Butter & Vanilla:
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Pour & Set:
- Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Slice & Enjoy:
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into small squares and serve!
Notes
Use smooth peanut butter – Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can separate.
Work quickly – The mixture sets fast, so be ready to pour immediately.
Boil for at least 2 minutes – This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Store properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Fudge, Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, No-Bake Fudge, Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge, Homemade Fudge, Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge, Holiday Treats, Quick Desserts