This easy, creamy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is extremely popular during the holiday season and it’s no wonder why – it’s ridiculously good.
With just six staple ingredients and 10 minutes hands on time, this easy fudge recipe makes the perfect holiday treat!
Originally published December 10, 2015. Updated December 2020
My mom and grandma always worked feverishly in their kitchens around the holidays. They’d whip up batches of their famous peanut brittle that required precise temperatures and even spatulas or it would flop.
Fortunately, Peanut Butter Fudge is foolproof! It has the creamiest texture and can’t-keep-my-hands-off-it quality that keeps you coming back for more!
I love all fudge, including chocolate fudge and vanilla fudge, but none can stack up to the sweet and salty creaminess of this fudge!
Two ingredients make this fudge recipe stand above the rest – milk and powdered sugar. It gives it the creamiest, dreamiest crowd pleasing texture!
This Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. It takes just 10 minutes, six staple ingredients and a little patience to solidify before you enjoy. That’s the most difficult part for me, waiting!
It’s so good that I recommend you have a share plan in mind. It’s seriously addictive.
Even better, this fudge doesn’t require any special tools or candy thermometers. It is made in a baking dish like the same square pan you use to make brownies. Honestly, it’s so SIMPLE! It’s a great no bake dessert!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Fudge
- So easy to make
- Perfect for gifting
- Gluten Free
- No special tools required
- Keeps very well
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe Ingredients
It’s made with staple ingredients you already have in your pantry!
- Butter – salted or unsalted, your preference.
- Brown Sugar – this ingredient offers beautiful color and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Whole Milk – or half and half, one reader even mentioned using skim, though I haven’t tested it.
- Peanut Butter – use creamy, but avoid using natural. It has an entirely different consistency that doesn’t play well with fudge and allow it to solidify.
- Vanilla – I like to use Homemade Vanilla Extract, but any vanilla will do!
- Powdered Sugar – also known as confectioner’s sugar, this maintains that smooth, creamy consistency that’s synonymous with peanut butter fudge.
PS It’s an amazing gluten free Christmas candy!
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe is so simple. Unlike my mom’s peanut brittle, it’s foolproof. There’s no thermometer or secret to getting a great batch, every time.
See the step-by-step photos or video in this post to see just how easy it is! You’ll find the printable Peanut Butter Fudge recipe in the card below.
- Melt the butter, add brown sugar and milk, stir and watch as it comes to a boil.
- Bring it to rolling boil – that’s what it should look like when you remove it from heat. Resist the temptation to stir.
- Blend in peanut butter and vanilla. It will become creamy in texture.
- Add powdered sugar to a mixing bowl or stand mixer.
- Pour over powdered sugar and blend.
- Pour into an 8″ prepared pan. Note that the fudge will be solid, not liquid. Cover the fudge with parchment paper just after pouring it and use your hand to smooth it.
- Refrigerate until solid to set, which takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Slice into squares or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes!
SERIOUSLY! It’s just that easy! It turns out perfectly every time!
Dare I say it’s THE BEST fudge ever? Yes. Nothing else compares. It is so creamy it melts in your mouth! It’s candy store quality, made at home in minutes.
Variations
- Swirl it into chocolate fudge
- Add nuts
- Add marshmallows
- Add chocolate chips
- Cover in melted chocolate to make Buckeye Fudge – seriously, it tastes exactly like Buckeyes!
- Make it dairy free by substituting coconut milk
Tips
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes!
- You can use any pan you have – 9″, multiple loaf pans, etc. Just keep in mind it will change the thickness of the fudge.
- Did you know that you can also make fudge in a slow cooker? Get the easy vanilla fudge recipe here.
How to Make Fudge in the Microwave
If you really want to, you can even make Peanut Butter Fudge in the microwave! It’s a great way for kids to help in the kitchen!
- Simply combine butter and peanut butter in a microwavable bowl covered with a paper towel to prevent spatter.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Stir and continue to microwave for 2 more minutes.
- Add the milk, vanilla and powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
- Pour into greased pan and smooth with parchment paper.
Often this means that your ingredients need to be cooked down a little longer, or to a higher temperature. If this happens, try reheating your peanut butter fudge by adding a little more milk and bringing it back to a slow boil.
If your fudge shows oil on the top, it could actually be that you are overcooking or simply over-stirring. Use a gentle hand with very minimal stirring and allow the ingredients to come to a slow boil.
How to Store Peanut Butter Fudge
- Room Temperature – As always, fudge is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container to keep this fudge fresh for up to two weeks.
- Refrigerated – It can also be refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature to enjoy.
- Freezer – You can freeze Peanut Butter Fudge wrapped in wax paper and sealed in a ziplock bag inside an airtight container for up to 6 months. This will eliminate any risk of absorbing odor from your freezer.
To thaw, simply remove the fudge from your freezer and bring it to room temperature before opening.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
You’ll also love these Amazing Peanut Butter Recipes including my incredible peanut butter cake recipe!
‘Tis the season for sharing! What’s your favorite candy or cookie to gift? For more simple recipes (that everyone will love) visit my recipe index!
Join the club! You can find daily updates on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and see my latest YouTube videos here!
More Easy Candy Recipes
Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter salted or unsalted
- 2 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk can use any milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil. Allow mixture to boil for 2 minutes untouched. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peanut butter.
- Add powdered sugar to a mixing bowl/mixer. Pour hot mixture over powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Pour into greased 8×8 pan. Smooth with a piece of parchment paper and refrigerate until solid (about 1 hour).
- Cut into 1" squares and share!
Video
Notes
Make Fudge in the Microwave
- Combine butter and peanut butter in a microwavable bowl covered with a paper towel to prevent spatter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Stir and continue to microwave for 2 more minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients into the peanut butter mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
- Pour into greased pan and smooth with parchment paper.
Variations
- Swirl it into chocolate fudge
- Add nuts
- Add marshmallows
- Add chocolate chips
- Cover in melted chocolate to make Buckeye Fudge – seriously, it tastes exactly like Buckeyes!
- Make it dairy free by substituting coconut milk
How to Store Fudge
- Room temperature in an airtight container up to a month.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature to enjoy.
- Freeze wrapped in wax paper and sealed in a ziplock bag inside an airtight container to prevent freezer odor from seeping in. Freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, simply remove the fudge from your freezer and bring it to room temperature before opening.
Love it!
Thank you, Jessica!
I made the peanut butter, it was amazing. But I want to make the chocolate. Do I still add peanut butter or just put chocolate powder in with what is being cooked? Thanks
I recommend you try my Chocolate Fudge Recipe. Enjoy!
i have tried so many fudge recipes and this is by far the most delicious fudge according to my husband who is a peanut butter fanatic…….so easy and it turned out perfect….this will be my go to recipe from now on
That MAKES MY DAY! Thank you, Ellen! Enjoy!
I haven’t tried this yet, but it looks absolutely delicious! I am going to use it to make peanut butter pie because I don’t have whipped cream or cream cheese. The filling won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be good! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
P.S. I love the design for your website, by the way. Very pretty!
Thank you!
Amazing PB fudge! Now I’m wanting to try it with chocolate chips added to it but not sure when to add them. ?
Thank you, Christie! I’d fold it in just after the powdered sugar is combined.
Not low carb keto like I was expecting from this website. I ask for low carb keto. Not pleased
I’m sorry, this recipe definitely isn’t, though I do have a lot of recipes that are.
This turned out so good! Husband kept sneaking bites! Followed recipe as is and used Peter Pan creamy honey roasted peanut butter. The fudge was not too sticky or crumbly but just right! Will be going in my recipe box for sure. Thank You for posting this!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Lydia! I’m elated that you loved it too. It brings me so much joy. Happy New Year!
I found this recipe in a pinch and it has served me well. Turned out very nice. I’m printing it out for my holiday recipe folder. Thank you!
Thank you, Kristin! I appreciate you sharing! Happy Holidays!
I would love your advice – I made this fudge and it came out too hard. I feel like I followed your instructions carefully but I’m wondering if you have suggestions for me. Thank you!
As water evaporates the sugar becomes concentrated. With excess evaporation (usually when cooked a bit too long) it eliminates the moisture in the fudge. In the future, reduce cook time. However, all is not lost!
To add moisture to your fudge, place it in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel overnight.
Where does the peanut butter come in this recipe ?? I don’t see it mentioned in step 1 or step 2
Sorry for the confusion, please see the full printable recipe.
Julie stop it!! Now I have to go make this yummy peanut butter fudge instead of working today. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe and video!!
Happy day!
karianne
I keep hoping one of these days you’ll visit and I can whip up a batch for you!
Hi, just wondering if you think I can use Almond milk or heavy whipping cream in this recipe with good results? Thank you.
I haven’t tested either, but think you’d find success with heavy whipping cream. Enjoy!
This looks AMAZING!!! I will definitely try this at home.
Thank you so much for sharing this refreshing recipe.
Keep sharing:)
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy- be sure to report back!
Julie
My favorite! Peanut Butter Fudge is the best and your recipe is so easy.
In the picture illustration, when did you add the peanut butter for the peanut butter fudge ?
What a delicious recipe! This is exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!
So easy and delicious! One of my favorite treats!
Melt in your mouth delicious! We love it with a few chopped peanuts tossed in. So good!
Best fudge ever! I love all thing PB
The BEST peanut butter fudge ever!
SO delicious!
PB fudge is one of my favorite treats! I love how foolproof this recipe is!
This was perfect for this peanut butter lover!
I love how simple this peanut butter fudge recipe is. Hubby loves peanut butter and I know this would make him smile.
I love this fudge! Your recipe is incredible. Thanks!
YUMMY!! This fudge sounds amazing!! And I LOVE how quick and easy it is to make!!
My kids all love peanut butter desserts and they went wild for this fudge! It’s now made my must make for Christmas list!
A delicious way to get my peanut butter fix! Thanks for the great recipe!
My grandma made peanut butter fudge that was so good- this is the first recipe that reminded me of it. I have made others that turned out grainy but this one was perfect.
I need this fudge in my life! Holy yum!
These were really amazing! A new favorite treat in my house right now!
This is one of my FAVORITE fudge recipes!
Nothing better then melt in your mouth peanut butter fudge.
My favorite fudge of all time!!
I never knew fudge could be so easy to make! This was no-fail and awesome!
This is just what I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth! My kids can’t get enough of these either!
This peanut butter fudge is fantastic — and so easy to make!
Love how creamy and delicious this fudge turned out! Thanks for the recipe!
I was a little short on powdered sugar, but it still turned out amazing. I used crunchy peanut butter, and we loved the crunch!
So glad you loved it! Thanks for sharing, Kara!
First time ever making fudge period and it turned out absolutely amazing!!!! Thanks
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that. Have a piece for me?
My kids can’t stop eating them! So delish!
This is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers like me! So Good!
Just so delicious! I bet these will melt in your mouth.
My kids went crazy for this fudge and it was so easy to make!!!!
Such a good fudge recipe!
Wish I could have this fudge all the time because WOW! So good.
Love how easy this is to make! It’s a perfect treat for Easter!
Peanut butter fudge is one of those foods I CANNOT resist! And you are tempting me to make a batch!
Enjoy!
Keeping this in mind for this years holiday edible gifts!
This is the perfect way to satisfy a craving. So quick and easy!
This fudge was amazing! My husband loves peanut butter and can’t stop talking about it!
Yummy and easy! The best combination!
So easy and soooo delicious! Will be my go to recipe for PB fudge!
So glad you enjoyed it, too!
I’ve been making different variations of peanut butter fudge for a month now and this is my favorite! You can even substitute the butter for coconut oil, however for best results I would recommend sticking to butter.
So simple, so creamy, so divine! Great for gift giving and taking to holiday parties!
Just made a batch, can hardly wait for it to cool! Thanks!
This is my favorite fudge to make during Christmas! So creamy!
Yes! Nothing like fudge at the holidays!
Peanut butter fudge is the best for the holidays! I love that your recipe cooks the fudge on the stove top – my favorite!
I have to admit something, I’ve never tried peanut butter fudge. You make it look so irresistible that I cannot wait to whip up your recipe.
Swirled this peanut butter fudge recipe with some of my chocolate fudge and it was DIVINE! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
This is so easy to make! I didn’t have whole milk so I used 2%, still tastes amazing and melts in your mouth!
These were soooooo good! I couldn’t stop eating them and they were really easy to make.
This! This PB fudge was ah-mazing! I made four batches of it for a work function…actually National PB Fudge Day – it’s a real thing! Nov 20, 2017. They love it! I finally printed the recipe and set it next to the trays of fudge. Thank you for posting some good sweet, love!
Oh my gosh, this brings me so much joy! How did I miss the best day of the year? I’ll be whipping up several batches over the holidays. I may even share a little, too! Hope you enjoy the holiday season!
The first time I made it, it was perfect. 2nd and 3rd time it has a layer of melted butter on it when I spread it out. What am I doing wrong?
Oh no! Are you rushing it? Try beating it longer next time. Also, don’t forget that you can’t touch it the first couple minutes, it’s important in fudge making.
Okay. This recipe did not turn out well for me at all. I went to mix the powdered sugar in with the rest of the mixture and it all turned very dry and crumbly. Not smooth at all. Some feedback would be appreciated.
I’ll note that in my recipe – you just didn’t take it quite far enough. As the peanut butter warms, it becomes creamy. I hope you had a beautiful weekend!
Can this fudge be frozen?
Likely, but fresh is always best 😉
I so understand when you talk about peanut brittle. It is an art!! My MIL (mother-in-law) who I loved dearly would make about 100+ pounds a year. They would raw peanuts and her hands would almost be raw after all the work of pulling and thinning it out on the counter. Nobody has made it after she was gone. MY FIL (father-in-law) bless his heart would promise to everybody and anybody and she’d end up having to make it. She had the heart and patience of a saint. Your recipe for fudge sound delicious. Thank you for sharing.
That is pure passion, Marisa! I don’t have quite the same dedication your mother-in-law had. It sounds like he could hardly help himself he was so proud! Thank you for sharing! I hope you had a great Christmas!
Just when I was trying to figure out what recipe to make to give our neighbors for Christmas, something that might work for everyone…and here it is! Thank you so much, Julie. Cheers, Ardith
Enjoy, Ardith! Happy Holidays!
Julie, this looks absolutely divine! I bet my husband and stepson are going to love it, thanks for sharing!
Happy Holidays, Keila!
Its won my heart before I’ve even tried it.
Thanks, some little peanut butter fudge gift labels would be perfect to turn this into a great little gift. I’ll get creative.
Thanks, Inger! I hope you love it as much as we do. Thank you for pointing that out, I updated it 😉 Enjoy!
Looks like a simple enough recipe even for me!
Oops! Thanks, George! I updated it. It is so easy, enjoy!