If you love the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is pure heaven. Rich, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this easy homemade fudge is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, gifting during the holidays, or serving as a simple no-bake dessert year-round.
It’s made with just a few pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes — no candy thermometer required! Each bite is silky, sweet, and full of that classic peanut butter flavor everyone loves. 🍬
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge
✅ Ultra-creamy & smooth – melts perfectly in your mouth.
✅ No-bake & foolproof – no thermometer, no stress.
✅ Only 5 simple ingredients!
✅ Perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
✅ Stores beautifully – make it ahead and enjoy for weeks.
🥜 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural — use a smooth, stabilized one like Jif or Skippy)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Optional Add-ins or Toppings
- ½ cup chopped peanuts for crunch
- A drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate chips pressed on top
- Sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet finish
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and peanut butter.
Stir constantly until melted and smooth — about 2–3 minutes.
Do not let it boil; just heat until well combined.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Step 4: Mix in Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully incorporated.
The mixture will become thick, creamy, and slightly stiff — that’s perfect!
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Pour or press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts or a pinch of sea salt on top.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or until firm).
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 1-inch squares.
Enjoy immediately or store for later — it’s irresistible either way! 😋
🍯 Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
💡 Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for best texture — natural peanut butter tends to separate.
💡 Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
💡 Press fudge firmly and evenly into the pan for neat slices.
💡 Chill completely before cutting for clean edges.
💡 Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.
🧊 Storage
- Room Temperature: Keeps for up to 1 week in an airtight container (if your kitchen isn’t too warm).
- Refrigerator: Store up to 2 weeks — best texture when slightly chilled.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
🍫 Flavor Variations
🍫 Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Fudge: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and swirl into the top layer before chilling.
🍪 Peanut Butter Cookie Crunch: Add crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a little crunch.
🍯 Maple Peanut Butter Fudge: Replace vanilla with 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup for a sweet, earthy note.
🥥 Coconut Peanut Fudge: Stir in ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
🍌 Banana Peanut Butter Fudge: Add a tablespoon of mashed ripe banana for flavor (store chilled).
🎁 Perfect for Gifting
Peanut Butter Fudge makes a fantastic homemade gift!
Here’s how to package it beautifully:
- Wrap squares in wax paper or foil.
- Place in a festive tin or mason jar.
- Tie with a ribbon and add a small gift tag.
Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or “just because.”
💭 Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Fudge is everything a classic sweet treat should be — smooth, rich, and irresistibly creamy with that perfect peanut butter flavor. It’s a no-fail recipe that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, sharing it as a homemade gift, or enjoying a piece with your afternoon coffee, this fudge guarantees smiles all around. ❤️
Print
🥜 Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped peanuts for crunch
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and warm (3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt until fully melted and glossy. Fold in chopped peanuts if using.
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours, until firm.
- Lift out using the parchment and cut into small squares.
✨ Perfect for:
• Holiday treat trays
• DIY gifts in festive boxes
• Peanut butter lovers’ delight
💡 Make ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 5 mins , Total Time : 3 hrs 15 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 16 squares , Calories : 160 per square , Net Carbs: 16g , Fats: 10g , Protein: 4g