There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a square of Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s creamy, rich, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and filled with that sweet, salty peanut butter flavor we all grew up loving. This is the kind of treat that instantly brings back memories of holidays, bake sales, and handwritten recipe cards tucked into kitchen drawers. No fancy techniques. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients coming together to create pure comfort.
This peanut butter fudge is smooth, sweet, and perfectly balanced. It sets up beautifully, slices cleanly, and tastes even better after a little chill time. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, gifting it to friends, or sneaking a square late at night, this fudge delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe keeps things classic and stress-free. It doesn’t require a candy thermometer or hours of monitoring, which makes it perfect for beginner bakers or busy days. The texture is soft and creamy, never grainy, and the flavor is pure peanut butter bliss.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s easy and foolproof
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- No baking required
- Perfect for holidays, gifts, and parties
- Creamy, smooth texture every time
- Freezes beautifully
This is the kind of recipe you make once and then keep forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Peanut butter fudge doesn’t need much just the right combination of classic ingredients.
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
That’s it. Just four ingredients create a rich, satisfying fudge that tastes like old-fashioned goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
1. Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes removing and slicing the fudge much easier later.
2. Melt the butter and peanut butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
3. Add vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
4. Mix in powdered sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until a thick, smooth mixture forms. Start with 3½ cups and add more if you want firmer fudge.
5. Spread and smooth
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
6. Chill until set
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, lift it out of the pan and slice into squares.
That’s it no baking, no stress, just creamy peanut butter perfection.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge
This fudge is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other treats. Serve it:
- On a holiday dessert tray
- Wrapped in parchment for homemade gifts
- Alongside cookies and brownies
- With coffee or hot cocoa
- As a sweet bite after dinner
- At parties, potlucks, or bake sales
A small square goes a long way, making it perfect for sharing.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture
- Keep heat low when melting to avoid separation
- Add powdered sugar gradually to control firmness
- Stir well to avoid lumps
- Chill fully before slicing for clean edges
- Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts
These small details help guarantee perfect fudge every time.
Fun Variations
You can easily customize this peanut butter fudge to match your cravings:
- Chocolate Swirl Fudge: swirl melted chocolate on top
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge: add cocoa powder
- Salted Peanut Butter Fudge: sprinkle flaky salt on top
- Crunchy Peanut Fudge: stir in chopped peanuts
- Marshmallow Fudge: add mini marshmallows for fluffiness
Each variation keeps the base creamy while adding something special.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Peanut butter fudge stores beautifully, making it ideal for planning ahead.
- Room temperature: up to 3 days (cool room)
- Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: up to 2 months
To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly and store in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the butter and peanut butter
- Using natural peanut butter (can separate)
- Adding powdered sugar too quickly
- Skipping the chill time
- Cutting before fully set
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Fudge is everything a homemade treat should be — simple, rich, creamy, and filled with nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks memories, and disappears fast once it hits the table. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this peanut butter fudge delivers comfort in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.