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    Home » Recipes » Candy

    Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (VIDEO)

    December 8, 2021 by Kelly 72 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    This smooth and creamy, Easy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is quick and simple to make in less than 5 minutes with only 4 ingredients. A fool-proof, never fail recipe perfect for the holidays!

    stack of peanut butter fudge this recipe!

    Jump to Section

    • Why you’ll LOVE this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe:
    • Easy, Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
    • The BEST Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe!
    • Peanut Butter Fudge ingredients:
    • How to make Peanut Butter Fudge
    • Variations and add ins
    • Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

    Why you’ll LOVE this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe:

    • Addictive peanut butter flavor
    • Super creamy and smooth
    • A pinch of salt balances the flavor so it’s not cloyingly sweet
    • Only 4 ingredients
    • Fool-proof, never fail recipe
    • Super easy
    • Less than 5 minutes to make
    • Never flakey or gritty
    • Always sets
    • No boiling sugar
    • No thermometer
    peanut butter fudge stacked on a plate

    Easy, Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

    This 5 minute Peanut Butter Fudge is made in the microwave. It’s not only the easiest peanut butter fudge, it’s the creamiest and smoothest with rich, peanut buttery flavor.

    No cook Peanut Butter Fudge makes a melt in your mouth fudge without the fuss of boiling sugar, taking the temperature, testing for a soft ball. It also spares you the frustration of a fudge that doesn’t set or has a gritty, flaky texture.

    Simply melt butter and peanut butter in the microwave, then stir in powdered sugar.

    I bet you’re thinking it’s so easy that it can’t make the best fudge. That’s what I thought before I turned my kitchen into a peanut butter fudge taste testing factory.

    peanut butter fudge stacked on a plate

    The BEST Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe!

    I did a side by side taste test of the highest rated peanut butter fudge recipes to find the world’s best peanut butter fudge. Here are some of the ones I tried:

    Old fashioned peanut butter fudge – made by boiling milk and sugar until it reaches the soft ball stage then stirring in peanut butter. This method requires either a thermometer or testing by dropping some into a glass of ice water to determine its texture. This can be tricky for those not experienced in making candy. Some recipes call for boiling for 2 ½ minutes, which in the comment sections, many people had problems with because of the differing heat of stoves and the conductivity of different pans.

    Even with a thermometer, I found this method made a drier, grainier fudge that flaked when cutting.

    Peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream or marshmallowfluff – butter, milk, and sugar are cooked until the soft-ball stage then marshmallow cream and peanut butter are stirred in. I wasn’t crazy about the texture and in the comments some people had trouble getting theirs to set properly.

    Peanut butter fudge with marshmallows – marshmallows are melted in milk then sugar is added and cooked. Finally, peanut butter is stirred in. I thought this method had promise because the gelatin in the marshmallows would help set the fudge. However the texture wasn’t my favorite and again, some people had trouble with the fudge setting.

    Peanut butter fudge with powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) – Although it’s the easiest and most fool proof, I didn’t anticipate that this method would be my favorite. Without fancy ingredients like marshmallow cream or a fussy cooking method, I thought it would be an inferior fudge, albeit an easier one.

    Much to my happy surprise, peanut butter fudge with confectioners’ sugar was the absolute creamiest with a perfectly smooth texture and a rich, peanut buttery taste. Added to it being absolutely simple to make in less than 5 minutes, I’m pretty sure I just found the best peanut butter fudge in the world!

    Peanut Butter Fudge ingredients:

    • Peanut Butter – Use a smooth, commercial brand of peanut butter like JIF or Skippy. Natural peanut butter may separate and become oily in the fudge.
    • Butter – unsalted if you’re using salt or salted if you’re not.
    • Powdered Sugar – (Confectioners’ sugar) Sift your sugar so the fudge is perfectly smooth. I like to mix the fudge and get it into the pan as quick as I can
    • Vanilla – the ingredient that makes this a 4 ingredient fudge instead of a 3 ingredient fudge. Vanilla adds a wonderful rounded flavor to the fudge.
    • Salt – optional, but it really balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor. If you use salted butter, it’s not needed.
    peanut butter fudge ingredients

    How to make Peanut Butter Fudge

    • Butter an 8 by 8-inch square baking pan then line with a piece of parchment paper with the 2 sides over hanging for easy removal.
    • Put butter and peanut butter in a large bowl and microwave until both are melted and liquid, about 3 minutes. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
    • Stir in the vanilla and salt, if using.
    • Add the powdered sugar and stir until no white streaks remain.
    • Pour into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula. If you’d like a swirly pattern on top, press the edge of a spoon around the surface.
    • Refrigerate for 4 hours until set and firm.
    • Slice into squares.
    how to make peanut butter fudge step by step

    Variations and add ins

    Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge is irresistible as is, but to take it over the top, try some of these variations and add ins:

    • Chocolate peanut butter fudge – stir ¾ cup chocolate chips in the warm mixture before spreading in the pan.
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge - stir ¾ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the warm mixture before spreading in the pan.
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips Fudge - stir ¾ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips in the warm mixture before spreading in the pan.
    • Butterfinger Peanut Butter Fudge - stir ¾ cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars in the warm mixture before spreading in the pan.
    • Double Peanut Butter Fudge - stir ¾ cup chopped peanuts in the warm mixture before spreading in the pan.
    • Keto Peanut Butter Fudge – for a sugar free peanut butter fudge, substitute the same amount of Swerve Confectioners’ Sugar for the powdered sugar.

    Peanut Butter Fudge FAQs

    How to store Peanut Butter Fudge

    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a week, or 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

    Can Peanut Butter Fudge be frozen?

    • Yes. Wrap the chilled fudge in plastic wrap then place in a plastic freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

    Recipe adapted from Alton Brown

    stack of peanut butter fudge
    Print
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    peanut butter fudge stacked on a plate

    Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


    ★★★★★

    5 from 15 reviews

    • Author: Kelly
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This smooth and creamy, Easy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is quick and simple to make in less than 5 minutes with only 4 ingredients. A fool-proof, never fail recipe perfect for the holidays!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g) unsalted butter
    • 1 cup (260g) creamy peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 4 cups (460g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
    • optional: ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    1. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan then line with a piece of parchment paper with the 2 sides overhanging for easy removal.
    2. Put butter and peanut butter in a large bowl and microwave until both are melted and liquid, about 3 minutes. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
    3. Stir in the vanilla and salt, if using.
    4. Add the powdered sugar and stir until no white streaks remain.
    5. Press the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula. If you’d like a swirly pattern on top, press the edge of a spoon around the surface.
    6. Let cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerate for 4 hours until set and firm.
    7. Cut into squares.
    8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a week, or 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

    Equipment

    Image of parchment paper

    parchment paper

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    Image of 8 by 8-inch baking pan

    8 by 8-inch baking pan

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    Notes

    Use a commercial brand of peanut butter such as JIF or Skippy.

    Don’t substitute margarine for the butter. It may not set properly or have the right texture.

    Let come to room temperature before eating, it’s creamier.

    I find I get a neater slice if the fudge is at a cool room temperature (after chilling and setting in the refrigerator). Clean the knife and dip the knife into hot water between each slice.

    Have the pan buttered and lined before starting so you can get the fudge into the pan without delay. As it cools it gets harder to smooth.

    • Prep Time: 2
    • Cook Time: 3
    • Category: Dessert
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: fudge, candy, holidays, peanut butter, easy

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Comments

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    1. angiesrecipes

      December 09, 2021 at 2:29 am

      I love peanut butter! This is truly the easiest fudge recipe. Definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 09, 2021 at 9:29 pm

        Thanks so much, Angie!

        Reply
        • Kimberly Buck

          November 23, 2022 at 10:35 pm

          Can I use extra peanut butter instead of the crushed peanuts

          Reply
          • Kelly

            November 24, 2022 at 1:42 am

            Hi Kimberly, Adding extra peanut butter will change the ratio of wet to dry ingredients, changing the texture of the fudge. In that case, it might not set properly. You can leave the crushed peanuts out if you like. They just add crunch and extra flavor.

            Reply
      • Raven Newton

        December 16, 2021 at 9:02 pm

        There was no recipe for this 4 ingredient peanut butter fudge. Can you please send it to me.

        Reply
        • Kelly

          December 19, 2021 at 3:21 pm

          Hi Raven, the recipe is down in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. I will also email the recipe directly to you.

          Reply
    2. Cookie Monster

      December 09, 2021 at 9:10 am

      A fantasia of taste, looking good again

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 09, 2021 at 9:29 pm

        Thanks, Cookie Monster!

        Reply
    3. Susan

      December 09, 2021 at 9:40 am

      They look delicious! I can even imagine a little flaky sea salt sprinkled on top. Yum!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 09, 2021 at 9:28 pm

        Oh yes! Thanks so much, Susan!

        Reply
    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      December 09, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      Mmm peanut butter fudge!! This is drool-worthy my friend. I love fudge! And PB. So this is a clear winner

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 09, 2021 at 9:27 pm

        It's irresistible! Thanks so much, Katherine!

        Reply
    5. sherry

      December 09, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      i love peanut butter in everything!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 09, 2021 at 9:26 pm

        It's so good!

        Reply
      • Abi

        December 30, 2022 at 10:08 pm

        It was quick and easy and it melted in your .outh

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Kelly

          January 02, 2023 at 5:09 pm

          So happy you liked it, Abi! Thanks so much!

          Reply
    6. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      December 10, 2021 at 8:22 am

      While I prefer an old-fashioned fudge most of the times, a will never refuse a simplified version, either (Especially when peanut butter is involved). This looks soooo good - wonderful texture!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 11, 2021 at 12:17 am

        Thanks so much, Ben!

        Reply
    7. Neil

      December 11, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      We always have some home made fudge at Christmas, Kelly. Usually it's just my standard peppermint fudge but I love this and it's easier so might give it a go this year instead. Thanks for posting!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 12, 2021 at 8:11 pm

        Thanks so much, Neil!

        Reply
    8. Liz

      December 14, 2021 at 10:24 am

      I don't like peanut butter plain or in sandwiches, but I love it in desserts! Your fudge looks dreamy!! And SO easy---a win-win!!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 31, 2022 at 12:35 pm

        Thanks, Liz!

        Reply
    9. Balvinder

      December 14, 2021 at 11:38 am

      Absolutely delicious peanut butter fudge. Super simple and truly divine.

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 31, 2022 at 12:35 pm

        Thanks, Balvinder!

        Reply
    10. mjskitchen

      December 18, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      You're right - This is SO easy! My mother always made fudge , but I never followed in her footsteps in that respect. I love fudge, especially pB fudge. I am so going to make this. Thanks for sharing. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 31, 2022 at 12:35 pm

        Thanks MJ! You too!

        Reply
    11. David Scott Allen

      December 19, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      I was just thinking of my grandmothers peanut butter fudge the other day, and I’m inspired to make some! I will need to use your recipe, as hers is long lost…

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 31, 2022 at 12:34 pm

        Hope you enjoy it, David! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    12. Maria Khan

      February 23, 2022 at 2:20 am

      This looks so good! I like peanut butter!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 31, 2022 at 12:43 am

        Thanks Maria!

        Reply
    13. Trebor Yocum

      May 03, 2022 at 9:34 pm

      All I can say is WOW. This is not only the easiest peanut butter fudge recipe but it is hands down the best!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 06, 2022 at 10:06 am

        Thanks so much, Trebor! So happy you liked it!

        Reply
    14. Jetta

      July 05, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      Hi, can’t wait to try this. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        July 09, 2022 at 3:27 pm

        Thanks Jetta! Hope you like it!

        Reply
    15. Jessica

      August 14, 2022 at 11:26 pm

      Amazingly easy and incredibly delicious....it's so good I almost wish I hadn't seen it. I will really have to use self control . It's just perfect

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        August 15, 2022 at 9:47 am

        So happy you liked it, Jessica! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    16. Pat Rebel

      September 14, 2022 at 7:49 pm

      Peanut butter perfection! Thank you so much

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        September 14, 2022 at 8:31 pm

        Thanks so much, Pat! So happy you liked it!

        Reply
    17. Pat

      October 04, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      Why on Earth would you not use chunky pnut butter for this yummy recipe?

      Reply
      • Kelly

        October 04, 2022 at 10:45 pm

        Hi Pat, The recipe was tested using smooth peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter has less liquid when melted because the chunks of peanuts take up space so the consistency might change.

        Reply
    18. Gayla

      October 10, 2022 at 6:44 pm

      I had to add extra peanut butter and butter to get it wet enough to mix. Not sure why I had this problem and nobody else seems to be having the same problem.

      Reply
      • Kelly

        October 23, 2022 at 3:52 pm

        Hi Gayla, I'm not sure what could be happening. Are you using a commercial brand of smooth peanut butter? Crunchy peanut butter has less liquid when melted because the chunks of peanuts take up space. The only other thing I can think of is measuring the confectioners' sugar by weight.

        Reply
    19. Luna

      October 27, 2022 at 2:27 am

      For some reason when I added the powdered sugar to the peanut butter/butter mix it stayed very wet and liquidy and was not thick like how it was in the photo. Will it still become fudge??

      Reply
      • Kelly

        October 28, 2022 at 7:09 pm

        Hi Luna, it does firm up upon cooling. Measuring the powdered sugar by weight will give the most accurate measure. If there is too little powdered sugar it can be too loose. Too much, and it will be too thick.

        Reply
    20. Natalie Asher

      November 22, 2022 at 9:57 pm

      Can you use salted butter and omit the salt in the recipe?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Kelly

        November 23, 2022 at 11:20 am

        Hi Natalie, that should be fine. It may be slightly saltier since 2 sticks of butter have about .6 teaspoon of salt and the recipe calls for an optional .25 teaspoon.

        Reply
    21. Jan

      November 29, 2022 at 12:07 pm

      Easiest fudge I've ever made! So creamy and delicious. I know what I'm giving for Christmas gifts this year!

      Reply
      • Kelly

        December 11, 2022 at 1:03 pm

        So happy you liked it, Jan! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    22. Toni

      December 17, 2022 at 2:02 pm

      This is the best peanut butter fudge recipe. It will be my go to recipe from now on.

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 1:46 pm

        So happy you liked it! Thanks Toni!

        Reply
    23. David

      December 18, 2022 at 9:00 am

      Recipe was very easy to follow and it turned out great. This recipe wasn't as sugery as some are, cant't wait to try this with different add ins. This will definitely make my annual cookie list.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 1:46 pm

        So happy you liked it, David! Thank you!

        Reply
    24. Stella

      December 22, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      My daughter cant have dairy so I tried this with vegan butter. It was so thick I couldn't stir it. It came out almost like cookie dough. I was finally able to mix it all and get rid of the white streaks but I'm not sure how it'll taste. Once it cools I'll try a piece.
      Does the butter really make the difference or is it supposed to be that thick?

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 3:20 pm

        Hi Stella, yes the melted butter provides the liquid (along with the melted peanut butter) for the sugar to dissolve in. The fudge is on the thicker side before pressing into the pan (see the above photo). Even using margarine and natural peanut butter can negatively affect the consistency and setting of the fudge, so I'm not sure how vegan butter would turn out.

        Reply
    25. Stephanie

      December 22, 2022 at 4:22 pm

      Can we use stove top instead of microwave?

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 1:48 pm

        Hi Stephanie, you can. Just be careful that it doesn't scorch on the bottom of the pan.

        Reply
    26. Kendall

      December 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm

      I added crushed Butterfingers to the mix and it’s absolutely delicious!!! Thanks for this easy recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 11:10 am

        That sounds insanely good! Thanks Kendall!

        Reply
    27. Jane

      December 24, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      I only tried making fudge once before and it was a mess. Tried this last night, with doubts that it would turn out or taste decent. It was a smash! Easy and so good.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 04, 2023 at 11:10 am

        So happy you liked it, Jane! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    28. Lacey

      January 09, 2023 at 4:09 am

      Flavor is delicious!.. consistency was too soft and sticky. Didn’t set up good. I used skippy natural pb … is that the problem?

      Reply
      • Kelly

        January 19, 2023 at 5:39 pm

        Hi Lacey, yes, using natural peanut butter affects the ability of the fudge to set.

        Reply
    29. Heather

      January 21, 2023 at 8:41 pm

      This was exactly the recipe I needed! Turned out perfect! Just the right amount of sweet.. which lead to NOT ENOUGH MADE! Thank you for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        February 04, 2023 at 10:51 pm

        So happy you liked it, Heather! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    30. Dilene Brooks

      March 21, 2023 at 12:35 pm

      I have a crazy question, what is the difference between powdered sugar and confectioner's sugar? Which do you recommend for a little firmer texture instead of a gooey texture?

      Reply
      • Kelly

        March 21, 2023 at 3:35 pm

        Hi Dilene! Confectioner's sugar and powdered sugar are the same thing. It's also called icing sugar. I haven't had my fudge turn out gooey. You could be sure to measure everything correctly. Also when it's chilled it's firmer than when it's at room temperature. Adding slightly more sugar may make a firmer fudge, but it may be more crumbly.

        Reply
    31. Lee Parker

      May 19, 2023 at 6:10 pm

      Peanut butter fudge is delicious and recipe is as easy to follow as instructions for microwave popcorn.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        June 01, 2023 at 4:39 pm

        So happy you liked it, Lee!

        Reply
    32. Cassie

      July 18, 2023 at 1:02 am

      This is a fantastic recipe, I made a batch and it was very quickly eaten by the family!
      Im wondering what might happen if I swapped out the peanut butter for nutella using the same other ingredients and process? What do you think?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        August 04, 2023 at 5:31 am

        Considering that nutella and commercial peanut butter have a similar texture, it might work. Although I know that even using natural peanut butter changes the texture and setting of the fudge. Let me know if you try it! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    33. Virgie Garzon

      September 17, 2023 at 6:37 pm

      This was so easy to make! Stayed soft and smooth for the 3 days it lasted and I think I literally spent 5 minutes making it! I love how few ingredients it needed and it just hit the spot when you want something sweet and fast - thanks!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kelly

        September 26, 2023 at 3:33 am

        So happy you liked it, Virgie! Thanks so much!

        Reply

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    Kelly Shaban

    Hi there! So nice to meet you! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I’m so glad you're here! I’m Kelly, a homeschooling mother of five (and a CPA in a previous life). When I’m not teaching differential equations or Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, you’ll find me in the kitchen, whipping up something good to eat for my hungry crew. Read More About Me

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