🥜 Peanut Butter Fudge: Creamy, Dreamy, and Utterly Irresistible

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,570 fans)
📸 400+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when rich, salty peanut butter meets sweet, velvety creaminess. It’s the kind of magic that takes you straight back to childhood, to holiday gatherings, or to those cozy moments when only a truly comforting treat will do. This Peanut Butter Fudge isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug in every bite – smooth, decadent, and bursting with that unmistakable nutty flavor we all adore. Whether you’re making it for a bustling holiday party, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply to satisfy a craving on a quiet evening, this recipe promises pure joy and a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply unforgettable.

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 36 small pieces
💥 Vibe: Sweet, Creamy, Nostalgic

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful treat. You likely have most of these pantry staples already on hand, making this a wonderfully accessible recipe for any time a fudge craving strikes!

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk (whole milk or evaporated milk works beautifully)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (processed, not natural, for best results)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, but enhances flavor)

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Creating this irresistible peanut butter fudge is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for a perfectly smooth and delicious batch every time.

1. Prepare your pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. Combine and heat: In a medium-heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue to boil for exactly 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Consistency is key here!
4. Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the heat immediately.
5. Stir in the good stuff: Quickly add the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using) to the hot mixture.
6. Beat until smooth: Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the fudge mixture vigorously. Continue beating for about 2-3 minutes, or until the fudge starts to thicken and loses its glossy sheen, becoming more opaque and slightly stiff. This step is crucial for creamy fudge!
7. Pour and set: Pour the hot fudge into your prepared pan. Gently spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Cool and cut: Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, until firm. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into small squares.
9. Serve and enjoy: Share your delightful homemade peanut butter fudge with friends and family, or savor it all yourself!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While classic peanut butter fudge is pure perfection, a few playful additions can elevate it even further!

• Chocolate Swirl: Before the fudge fully sets, melt about ½ cup of chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top. Swirl gently with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Salty Crunch: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the warm, unset fudge for a delightful sweet and salty contrast. A sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts also adds a lovely texture.
• Mini Cups: Instead of pouring into a pan, spoon the warm fudge into mini paper cupcake liners for individual servings, perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
• Different Nut Butters: Experiment with almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist, though the texture might vary slightly.
• Toasted Marshmallow Topping: Spread a thin layer of marshmallow fluff over the cooled fudge, then briefly torch with a kitchen torch for a s’mores-inspired treat.

Reviews

Here’s what our amazing community has to say about this Peanut Butter Fudge!

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is phenomenal! So easy to follow and the fudge came out perfectly creamy. My husband said it was the best he’d ever had. A new family favorite for sure!”

Mark D. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually intimidated by fudge, but this was a breeze. The texture is spot on – not too soft, not too hard. The peanut butter flavor really shines. Highly recommend!”

Jessica P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Made this for a bake sale and it was the first thing to sell out! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. The instructions are so clear, even a beginner can nail it.”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this delightful fudge!

Q: Why is my fudge crumbly?
A: Crumbly fudge often means it was cooked too long or beaten too long. Make sure to stick to the 2-minute boiling time and beat until just thickened and opaque, not overly stiff.

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: For the best results and a classic fudge texture, we recommend using processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter, with its varying oil content, can sometimes lead to a greasier or more crumbly fudge.

Q: How long does this fudge last?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your peanut butter fudge will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also store it in the refrigerator for an extended period.

Q: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A: No, this recipe is designed to work perfectly without one! Simply adhere to the precise boiling time (2 minutes) after the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil.

Conclusion

There you have it – a recipe for peanut butter fudge that promises to bring smiles, warmth, and pure indulgence to anyone who tastes it. There’s something truly special about a homemade treat, especially one as comforting and beloved as this. Don’t be shy; dive into your kitchen, gather these simple ingredients, and experience the joy of creating this creamy, dreamy confection. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this fudge is a testament to the simple pleasures in life. Happy baking, and happy eating!

Recipe Note

For the cleanest cuts, allow the fudge to firm up completely before slicing. If it’s too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. A warm, sharp knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) will also help create perfect squares.