Creamy, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a classic sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is hard to resist.
With just a few pantry staples and minimal cook time, this decadent fudge delivers bold peanut butter flavor and an irresistibly smooth texture in every bite.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Fudge
- Creamy peanut butter – The heart of the recipe, bringing nutty richness and creamy body that defines every bite.
- Unsalted butter – Adds depth and smoothness, balancing the sweetness while making the fudge luscious and velvety.
- Vanilla extract – A subtle flavor enhancer that rounds out the peanut butter with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the fudge and creates that dense, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without graininess when sifted properly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge: Quick and Irresistible!
Start by preparing your pan with parchment paper for easy lift-out once the fudge is set.
Melt the peanut butter and butter together in a saucepan over medium heat until just bubbling, then remove from heat immediately.
Quickly stir in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and lump-free. This is where the magic happens—watch it transform!
Spread the warm mixture into your lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then simply let it cool at room temp or refrigerate until firm.
Once set, lift out the slab and cut into perfect little fudge squares—ready to share (or not)!
Recipe Tips & Creative Variations to Sweeten the Deal
For ultra-smooth texture, always sift your powdered sugar and use exact measurements—this keeps the fudge from turning grainy or overly dense.
Want a sharper finish on your squares? Use a warm knife and wipe between cuts for those bakery-style clean lines.
For a salty-sweet twist, stir in a pinch of sea salt with the vanilla or sprinkle flaky salt on top just before the fudge sets. It enhances the peanut butter beautifully.
Feeling playful? Fold in mini chocolate chips at the last moment for a classic peanut butter and chocolate combo. Press a few chips into the top while it’s still warm for visual appeal and extra indulgence.
Storing Peanut Butter Fudge: Keep It Fresh!
Once cut, your peanut butter fudge will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—perfect for gifting or nibbling.
To extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a month. For best flavor and texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Fudge also freezes well—just wrap individual pieces in parchment and store in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer bite.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifted (360g)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter 250g
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226g
Instructions
- Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with either parchment paper or foil.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter. Set over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring from time to time.
- Once it reaches a boil, promptly take the pot off the heat. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and all sugar is fully dissolved. (Optionally, incorporate ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt for a subtle contrast.)
- Transfer the fudge mixture to the lined pan, smoothing it evenly with a spatula. Leave to cool at room temperature for several hours or place in the refrigerator to firm for approximately one hour.
- When the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment or foil. Slice into 1-inch squares. Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to a month.
Notes
For refined presentation, trim uneven edges before cutting and use a warmed, clean knife for each slice to produce neat, sharp lines.
Accelerate the setting time by placing the fudge in the refrigerator.
Enhance flavor with a dash of salt or embellish with chocolate chips either folded into the mixture or scattered atop before cooling.