This old-fashioned, Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is a family favorite that instantly brings back memories of Grandma’s kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a creamy fudge that sets up beautifully and tastes like something you’d find in small town fudge shops. Complete the holiday dessert tray with my delicious Hershey Kiss Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fudge Recipe
This easy peanut butter fudge recipe comes together with just five minutes of prep time and makes a smooth fudge that’s full of flavor. It’s the perfect Christmas dessert, is great for holiday gifts, or even just a delicious treat for the peanut butter lover with a sweet tooth. It’s me. I’m the peanut butter lover with a constant sweet tooth!
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Making homemade fudge at home may sound tricky, but this step-by-step recipe is one of the easiest ways to get the perfect consistency. Here’s a brief overview of how it comes together:
Step One: Combine sugar and whole milk in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low until it comes to a gentle boil.
Step Two: Let it boil for about 2 ½ minutes, stirring often so the fudge doesn’t turn grainy. No candy thermometer is needed for this recipe.
Step Three: Take the pan off the heat, then stir in creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step Four: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Let it cool, then cut into small squares to serve.
Remember, the full recipe card with ingredient amounts is at the bottom of this post.
Ingredient Insights
- Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter gives you the soft fudge texture most people love, but crunchy peanut butter adds a little texture. Natural peanut butter can be used, though the brand of peanut butter matters for the right consistency.
- Milk: Whole milk helps create a creamier fudge, while other dairy might change the final result.
- Sugar: Brown sugar can add depth if you want a slightly different flavor.
- Vanilla: A small splash of vanilla extract balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make chocolate peanut butter fudge by adding chocolate chips or even peanut butter cups on top before the fudge sets.
- For a thicker fudge, stir in mini marshmallows or powdered sugar before pouring into the dish.
- Try swapping smooth peanut butter for chunky peanut butter to create a soft fudge with a little bit of texture.
If you’re a fudge fan, try my Easy 3-Ingredient Fudge, sweet and nutty Maple Walnut Fudge, festive Sugar Cookie Fudge, or the unique and creamy Fantasy Fudge.
Crissy’s Peanut Butter Fudge Tips
- Use a heavy bottom medium saucepan to prevent scorching while you melt butter or sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat.
- Always line the edges of the pan with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or wax paper for easier cleanup.
- You do not need a candy thermometer for this recipe, which makes it one of the easiest ways to make homemade fudge. The boil time is short and forgiving.
- Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- If your first batch turns out grainy fudge, double-check your boil time and stir more consistently.
- Cut into 1-inch squares for serving. The small squares make this a great bake dessert to share at special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the type of peanut butter matters. Natural peanut butter sometimes separates and may not give the smooth fudge texture you want. I highly recommend using creamy peanut butter. My favorite product for this recipe is Jif Creamy Peanut Butter.
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
If your creamy peanut butter fudge is too soft, it’s often from not boiling long enough. Next time, let it bubble for the full time indicated and be sure to stir consistently.
How do I store homemade peanut butter fudge?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container, or freeze in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper for holiday gifts.
If you give this delicious fudge recipe a whirl, let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you!
Easy Desserts
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup peanut butter I use creamy
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 8×8 dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium pan stir together the sugar and the milk. Over medium-low heat, bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 2 ½ minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the peanut butter and the vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared pan and allow to cool completely.
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Nutrition
Did you make this?
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I made this so easy.set up great.