If you have a craving for something sweet and nutty that feels utterly homemade but comes together so quickly, this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With just a handful of ingredients, this fudge combines creamy peanut butter with silky butter and a touch of vanilla, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for sharing or savoring one piece at a time. Whether you’re new to fudge-making or looking for a reliable, no-fuss treat, this recipe will quickly become a treasured staple in your dessert arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with smooth, creamy light brown peanut butter placed near the center left. Below it, there is a white bowl heaped with fine white powdered sugar. To the right, two sticks of wrapped unsalted butter with red text lay side by side. Near the bottom left are two small silver metal bowls, one holding dark brown vanilla extract and the other containing a small amount of white salt. The items rest on a white marbled surface, and a beige and white textured cloth is partially visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is delightfully simple because each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and perfect consistency. Every element is easy to find and helps bring out the rich, creamy essence that defines true peanut butter fudge.

1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter: Use good-quality creamy peanut butter for that smooth, rich flavor that melts into every bite.
1 cup unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess and helps balance the sweetness without overpowering the peanut flavor.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Just a pinch lifts the flavors and enhances the natural nuttiness beautifully.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla deepens the taste and adds a lovely aromatic layer to the fudge.
3 cups powdered sugar: This is the key to the perfect fudge texture — sweet, smooth, and easy to work with.

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with foil or parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang. This little step is essential because it makes lifting the fudge out effortless once it sets. Set the pan aside until the fudge mixture is ready.

Step 2: Combine Peanut Butter, Butter, and Salt

In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and fine sea salt. Microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval. Depending on your microwave, this should take between 90 seconds and 2 and a half minutes. You want to reach a smooth, completely melted mixture with no lumps.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Once the peanut butter mixture is perfectly smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating with an electric mixer on low speed after each addition. After all the powdered sugar has joined the party, increase the mixer speed to high and beat the fudge until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This step creates that classic creamy fudge texture we all crave.

Step 4: Transfer and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly and flatten the top. Pop it in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2 hours or until it’s firm to the touch. The wait is worth it for that perfect sliceable consistency!

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the fudge slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into small squares. Now you’re ready to indulge or share this delicious treat with friends and family.

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

The image shows a stack of three square pieces of light brown fudge placed on a white plate, with one piece leaning slightly on the stack and another piece resting flat on the plate beside them. The fudge has a smooth, dense texture with tiny speckles visible on the surface. In the background, more pieces of the same fudge can be seen on another white plate, slightly blurred to keep focus on the foreground stack. A glass cup filled with a light brown drink sits to the left side, also out of focus, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To dress up your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before chilling for a sophisticated finish. You can also add chopped peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate over the fudge for extra texture and flavor. These simple touches add personality without complicating the recipe.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfectly balancing the rich sweetness. For gatherings, serve it alongside fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream to offer contrasting flavors and a refreshing twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider wrapping individual fudge squares in festive parchment or placing them in mini cupcake liners for gift-giving or party platters. You can even layer fudge pieces with crushed cookies or granola in clear jars for a charming dessert gift that everyone will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is made, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to two weeks, making it an excellent treat to prepare in advance and enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to keep your fudge longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the fudge squares individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, the fudge can last up to three months without losing its lovely texture or flavor.

Reheating

Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a softer texture, simply let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the consistency and make the fudge too soft or oily.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add some textured peanut bits into your fudge, which can be a delightful surprise if you enjoy some crunch in every bite.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter might make the fudge a bit too salty, but you can adjust by reducing or omitting the additional sea salt.

Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar is key to achieving the fudge’s smooth texture, as granulated sugar won’t dissolve properly and may result in a grainy fudge. It’s best to stick with powdered sugar for this recipe.

What’s the best way to cut the fudge without it sticking?

Use a sharp knife and warm the blade slightly under hot water, then wipe dry before slicing. This prevents sticking and helps you get clean, neat squares.

Can I add chocolate to this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe?

Yes! Swirling melted chocolate into the fudge before chilling creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds a rich chocolate flavor to complement the peanut butter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting treat that delivers on flavor and nostalgia, this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is your new best friend. It’s rich, simple to make, and truly satisfying whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a dessert you reach for again and again.