Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

This easy, creamy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is extremely popular during the holiday season and it’s no wonder why – it’s ridiculously good.

With just six staple ingredients and 10 minutes hands on time, this easy fudge recipe makes the perfect holiday treat!

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (1)

My mom and grandma always worked feverishly in their kitchens around the holidays. They’d whip up batches of their famous peanut brittle that required precise temperatures and even spatulas or it would flop.

Fortunately, Peanut Butter Fudge is foolproof! It has the creamiest texture and can’t-keep-my-hands-off-it quality that keeps you coming back for more!

I love all fudge at the holidays, including this classic chocolate fudge and vanilla fudge, but none can stack up to the sweet and salty creaminess ofthis fudge!

Two ingredients make this fudge recipe stand above the rest – milk and powdered sugar. It gives it the creamiest, dreamiest crowd-pleasing texture!

This Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. It takes just 10 minutes, six staple ingredients and a little patience to solidify before you enjoy. That’s the most difficult part for me, waiting!

It’s so good that I recommend you have a share plan in mind. It’s seriously addictive.

Even better, this fudge doesn’t require any special tools or candy thermometers. It is made in a baking dish like the same square pan you use to make brownies. Honestly, it’s so SIMPLE! It’s a great no bake dessert!

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (2)

Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Fudge

  • So easy to make
  • Stovetop OR microwave directions
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Gluten Free
  • No special tools required
  • Keeps very well

★★★★★

5 STAR REVIEW

“This! This PB fudge was ah-mazing! I made four batches of it for a work function…actually National PB Fudge Day – it’s a real thing! They love it! I finally printed the recipe and set it next to the trays of fudge. Thank you for posting some good sweet, love!”

— SHAYNA—

Ingredients and Substitutions

It’s made with staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

  • Butter – salted or unsalted, your preference.
  • Brown Sugar – this ingredient offers beautiful color and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Whole Milk – or half and half, one reader even mentioned using skim, though I haven’t tested it.
  • Peanut Butter – use creamy, but avoid using natural. It has an entirely different consistency that doesn’t play well with fudge and allow it to solidify.
  • Vanilla – I like to use Homemade Vanilla Extract, but any vanilla will do!
  • Powdered Sugar – also known as confectioner’s sugar, this maintains that smooth, creamy consistency that’s synonymous with peanut butter fudge.

Variations

  • Add nuts
  • Swirl it into chocolate fudge
  • Add marshmallows
  • Add chocolate chips
  • Cover in melted chocolate to make Buckeye Fudge – seriously, it tastes exactly like Buckeyes!
  • Substitute coconut milk for the Whole Milk for a different flavor profile and less dairy.

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (3)

How to Make this Peanut Butter Fudge

See the step-by-step photos or video in this post to see just how easy it is! You’ll find the printable Peanut Butter Fudge recipe in the card below.

Stovetop

  1. Over medium heat, melt the butter, add brown sugar and milk, stir and watch as it comes to a boil. Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (4) Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (5)
  2. Bring it torolling boil – that’s what it should look like when you remove it from heat. Resist the temptation to stir.Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (6)
  3. Blend in peanut butter and vanilla. It will become creamy in texture. Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (7) Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (8)
  4. Add powdered sugar to a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (9)
  5. Pour the combined ingredients from the pan over the powdered sugar in the mixer, and blend. Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (10)
  6. Pour into an 8″ prepared pan. Note that the fudge will be solid, not liquid. Cover the fudge with parchment paper just after pouring it and use your hand to smooth it. Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (11) Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (12)
  7. Refrigerate until solid to set, which takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Slice into squares or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes!

SERIOUSLY! It’s justthat easy! It turns out perfectly every time!

Dare I say it’s THE BEST fudge ever? Yes. Nothing else compares. It is so creamy it melts in your mouth! It’s candy store quality, made at home in minutes.

Microwave Directions

If you really want to, you can even make Peanut Butter Fudge in the microwave! It’s a great way for kids to help in the kitchen.

  1. Simply combine butter and peanut butter in a microwavable bowl covered with a paper towel to prevent spatter.
  2. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir and continue to microwave for 2 more minutes.
  4. Add the milk, vanilla and powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
  5. Pour into greased pan and smooth with parchment paper.
Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (13)

Tips

  • Resist the temptation to stir the ingredients in your pan.
  • A reviewer notes that she was able to substitute the butter with coconut oil, but has had best results with butter.
  • Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes!
  • You can use any pan you have – 9″, multiple loaf pans, etc. Just keep in mind it will change the thickness of the fudge.
  • Did you know that you can also make fudge in a slow cooker? Get the easy vanilla fudge recipe here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my peanut butter fudge harden?

Often this means that your ingredients need to be cooked down a little longer, or to a higher temperature. If this happens, try reheating your peanut butter fudge by adding a little more milk and bringing it back to a slow boil.

Why is my peanut butter fudge oily on top?

If your fudge shows oil on the top, it could actually be that you are overcooking or simply over-stirring. Use a gentle hand with very minimal stirring and allow the ingredients to come to a slow boil.

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (14)

How to Store

  • Room Temperature – As always, fudge is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container to keep this fudge fresh for up to two weeks.
  • Refrigerater – It can also be refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature to enjoy.
  • Freezer – You can freeze Peanut Butter Fudge wrapped in wax paper and sealed in a ziplock bag inside an airtight container for up to 6 months. This will eliminate any risk of absorbing odor from your freezer.

To thaw, simply remove the fudge from your freezer and bring it to room temperature before opening.

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarian

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Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (19)

4.84 from 155 votes

Peanut Butter Fudge

By Julie Blanner

10 minute easy fudge is perfect for indulging and gifting! It's made just 6 staple ingredients! It's SO creamy and always a crowd pleaser!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

chill time: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 48

PinRatePrint

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter salted
  • 2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
  • ½ cup whole milk (you can sub with 2% but whole is best)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil. Allow mixture to boil for 2 minutes untouched. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peanut butter.

  • Add powdered sugar to a mixing bowl/mixer. Pour hot mixture over powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

  • Pour into greased 8×8 pan. Smooth with a piece of parchment paper and refrigerate until solid (about 1 hour).

  • Cut into 1" squares and share!

Julie’s Tips

Make Fudge in the Microwave

  1. Combine butter and peanut butter in a microwavable bowl covered with a paper towel to prevent spatter.Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  2. Stir and continue to microwave for 2 more minutes.
  3. Add remaining ingredients into the peanut butter mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
  4. Pour into greased pan and smooth with parchment paper.

Tips

  • Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes!
  • Use any pan you have – 9″, multiple loaf pans, etc. It will change the thickness of the fudge.

Variations

  • Swirl it into chocolate fudge
  • Add nuts
  • Add marshmallows
  • Add chocolate chips
  • Cover in melted chocolate to make Buckeye Fudge – seriously, it tastes exactly like Buckeyes!

How to Store Fudge

  • Room temperature in an airtight container up to a month.
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature to enjoy.
  • Freeze wrapped in wax paper and sealed in a ziplock bag inside an airtight container to prevent freezer odor from seeping in. Freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, simply remove the fudge from your freezer and bring it to room temperature before opening.

Video

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

FAQs

Why did my peanut butter fudge turn out crumbly? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

Why won't my condensed milk fudge set? ›

It sounds like your fudge simply wasn't heated enough. Fudge is basically a superconcentrated syrup, and it sets when sugar dissolved in the water (from the butter and milk) comes out of solution as the mixture cools and forms crystals.

Why is my peanut butter fudge oily? ›

Oily Fudge

If the butter gets too hot, it can separate, causing the fudge to become oily on top. This is easy to prevent by monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer, but separated fudge can also be fixed. To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Can you fix peanut butter fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

Which is better for fudge evaporated or condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk is thicker and sweetened. If you want it to be the right consistency and flavor do not substitute. How can I make a fudge recipe without using evaporated milk? Evaporated milk is used to richen the texture of the fudge.

Why won't my 2 ingredient fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

Can I fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

Why does my peanut butter fudge taste grainy? ›

– There are a number of reasons why the fudge was grainy. It might be that you haven't dissolved all the sugar before boiling the fudge mixture. It could be that there just wasn't enough fluid or fat to enable the sugar to dissolve or it might even be that the fudge wasn't beaten long enough or hard enough.

How do you fix runny peanut butter fudge? ›

Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

What is the white fuzz on fudge? ›

It's actually just a scientific process called “chocolate bloom”. There are two types of this bloom: sugar bloom and fat bloom. Sugar bloom happens when moisture comes in contact with the chocolate - it dissolves the sugar crystals on the chocolate's surface, leaving a white, powdery look.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

Can you stir fudge too much? ›

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

How do you fix crumbly fudge? ›

If you let your fudge get too hot, the sugars will start to concentrate and the fudge will be crumbly, dull, and hard. To fix it, put it back into the saucepan and add about 3–4 US tbsp (44–59 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the mixture as you heat it until the sugar in the fudge is melted.

How do you fix crumbling fudge? ›

OMG My fudge is grainy, what do I do? -

Pop the grainy fudge back into the pan along with some water and a little cream and melt the fudge back down to a liquid and re-boil it to temperature. Heat slowly to begin with and make sure the mixture goes completely smooth before bringing it to the boil.

How do you make fudge not crumble? ›

To avoid this, once the sugar syrup comes to a boil, use a pastry brush & wash down the sides of the pan to make sure there are no crystals stuck to the side. You also need to make sure that your spatula/spoon has no crystals stuck to it.

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