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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
This easy, creamy peanut butter fudge recipe is the BEST! Only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time; perfect for the busy holiday season.
Are you a fudge person? Like, a legit fudge person?
Our family doesn’t have a solid fudge tradition; it will show up on cookie trays occasionally, but I don’t have memories of my mom or grandma standing over pots of fudge and stirring, stirring, stirring until it was just right. So I’ve forged my own fudge path, and about 10 years ago, I – a massive peanut butter fanatic – realized that my repertoire was missing peanut butter fudge. I quickly set about righting that wrong.
I love peanut butter fudge because it is infinitely easier than chocolate fudge and, well, it’s peanut butter fudge. What’s not to love? No candy thermometers or intensive stirring required. All you need is butter, peanut butter, a pinch of salt, vanilla, powdered sugar and about 10 minutes. It is so easy, super forgiving, and makes the BEST fudge!
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe is seriously SIMPLE, and don’t we all need a little something simple on our baking to-do list this season? In a word, YES. Let’s get to it!
First, you’re going to combine butter and peanut butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. As soon as it hits that point, remove from the heat and stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
Spread it into an 8-inch square pan, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it has set up, which only takes about an hour.
That’s it! Can you believe it? Seriously the easiest, most failsafe, DELICIOUS fudge on the planet.
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe Notes
- You can make this in the microwave! Place the butter and peanut butter in a large microwavable bowl; cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, microwave for 2 more minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
- If you don’t have an 8-inch square pan, you can use a 9-inch square pan, but the fudge will not be as high.
- The fudge can be stored in an airtight container or in a freezer ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
I think the best part about this fudge might be that it tastes just like the inside of buckeyes (another holiday staple!), except the fudge involves less steps and also less time. But no chocolate, so I guess it evens out!
If you need a peanut butter fudge recipe that does not require milk, that can be made in just 10 minutes and with ingredients you likely already have at home, look no further. This fudge takes little effort and will be a huge hit on all of those gorgeous cookie trays you’re going to build in a few weeks!
If You Like This Peanut Butter Fudge, Try These Recipes:
Five years ago: Old-Fashioned Eggnog
Six years ago: Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
Did you make this recipe?
This easy, creamy peanut butter fudge recipe is the BEST! Only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time; perfect for the busy holiday season.
- 1¼
cups
unsalted butter
- 1¼
cups
- Pinch
salt
- 1½
teaspoons
vanilla extract
- 4½
cups
powdered sugar
(sifted)
Butter an 8-inch non-stick baking dish (or line with buttered parchment paper) and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter and peanut butter until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat.
Add the salt and vanilla extract, then stir in the powdered sugar until smooth and no lumps remain.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the fudge and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve. Fudge can be stored at cool room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- You can make this in the microwave! Place the butter and peanut butter in a large microwavable bowl; cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, microwave for 2 more minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
- If you don't have an 8-inch square pan, you can use a 9-inch square pan, but the fudge will not be as high.
- The fudge can be stored in an airtight container or in a freezer ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
Calories: 94kcal
Fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 9mg
Sodium: 23mg
Potassium: 33mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 110%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 0.1%
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
(Recipe adapted from Joy of Cooking)
Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in December 2010. Updated in December 2018 with new photos and updated recipe tips.
[photos by Whitney Wright]
Easy recipe and Tastes Delicious!! I made this for my family this Christmas and they LOVED it! Will make again!
Turned out Amazing! Use 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar! Best Fudge Ever!
I doubled the recipe, but tweaked the amounts a bit to make it easier. I used one pound of butter, two cups of peanut butter and the whole bag of powdered sugar. Instead of sifting the sugar, I put it in a mixing bowl and broke up the clumps with a wire whisk. I omitted the vanilla.
It is much easier to smooth the top if you put wax paper on top and do it with your hands.
Thanks for this recipe. I may never bake Christmas cookies to give away again. :)
thanks for the wax paper on top tip!
I made this a month ago and just finished making 3 batches today. Im not a fan of peanut butter but this is really good. After I was done i added a layer of butterscotch chocolate and milk chocolate on another. Turns out really well. Thank you for this recipe!!!
I made this today, following the recipe exactly. Wonderful fudge! I couldn’t believe something this good could be so easy and quick. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe.
Definitely use 2 cups of powdered sugar instead of 4 . That’s way too much
So I shouldn’t use 4 cups of powdered sugar?
I definitely recommend following the recipe; I’ve never had an issue with it, ever.
I had never tried Peanut butter fudge until yesterday. My son’s beautiful girlfriend made it and I wanted to eat the whole pan! So glad to see it isn’t too hard and is quick to impress little kids who LOVE peanut butter! Making it tonight.
My nanny’s & great grandma’s
I think you had a typo. 4 cups confectioners sugar is WAY too thick. I think it should be 2.
I had to throw away. It was just a glob. It had way too much confection sugar. Maybe should have used 2 cups instead of 4.
Mine definitely needed 4 cups. Did you let yours cool? Mine was still hot when I added it.
This is just like the recipe I remember from my childhood and have been looking for. Lots of peanut butter so it really tastes like peanut butter. Most have a tablespoon or so of the stuff and just aren’t right. Thanks for putting this online just for me :D
The best. I used the stovetop method. Wouldn’t bother using another recipe from here on out- my go to! One thing I do think is extremely important in any baking but especially something like this that’s so rich and flavor- forward— USE GOOD BUTTER. It’s worth it for the best result. I used Keri gold for mine. Thanks!
Is powered sugar the same as confectioners sugar
I used to make Fantasy Fudge (on back of Marshmellow Creme jar) as a teenager w/ great success. As an adult, it never turns out. The only change I make is to used Guittards dark chocolate chips in place of Nestle’s semi sweet. It does not set and turns out like thicker frosting, so difficult for people to eat w/out getting messy. This year it was very soft, so I Googled and found out soft fudge is because of not getting it to 235-245 degrees w/ a candy thermometer. Growing up I never used a candy thermometer and had success, go figure…… Anyway I added some water per Googles recommendations and reheated for quite awhile to get it to pass the ice water ball test. What happened? It turned into a chocolate caramel which was so sticky I had to throw it out as I couldn’t even work with it to put it into small wax paper wraps. Ugh! What am I doing wrong? Do I have to go back to Nestle’s semi sweet morsels? Thanks.
I made this last night;, it is unbelievably good! I folded in some crushed up peanut butter cookies for a fun crunch.. I’ll be gifting this to everyone this month!
Wow this seems super easy to prepare!! A definite must try!
I wonder if you could drizzle a light coating of chocolate on top and have buckeye bars? May be worth a try… thank you this simple fudge recipe. I will be making this soon!
I’m sure it would be delicious!
What peanut butter do you use? Skippy or Jiff or an all natural kind? Also do I use salted or unsalted peanut butter?
Hi Liz, I always use a brand like Skippy or Jif for baking; natural peanut butters are just too oily in my experience. Regular salted peanut butter is best!
looks delicious Michelle! How is that little girl!! I am looking for a maple fudge recipe, do you have one in your arsenal?
Thank you Maria! Isabelle is wonderful, so close to crawling! :) I do have a maple-walnut fudge recipe!
https://www.browneyedbaker.com/maple-walnut-fudge/
I love peanut butter! Looks so delicious and perfect for Christmas!
I. Love. Peanut. Butter. Fudge.
What do you think about letting this set in a 9×13 pan, and then making your easy chocolate fudge recipe and topping it with that? Do you think that would work?
Hi Lisa, I’ve never tried that… If you do, let me know how it turns out!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
http://slam-news.com/2016/04/27/old-fashioned-peanut-butter-fudge-recipe/
I can’t figure out from this confusing website how to print the recipe for peanut butter fudge. Bummer.
Mona, Simply click the “print” button at the top right of the recipe box.
WOW! This was so easy and yummy, I had everything in my cupboards, so simple that a child couldn’t even fail at making it! (and I should know!) It was quite crumbly and dry (well mine was!) but it is fab on ice cream, yoghurt etc. Thanks for the recipe!!! :D
Tried this recipe today!! Found me in dissapointment..it was dry not liquidy, so added milk to get the consistency..Don’t want to try this again
Could you replace the peanutbutter with chocolate chips ? Your receipe is great and I would like my chocolate to be as easy. Would it be as good??
Hi Bobbie, I’ve never tried that and I’m not sure you would get the same results. It certainly couldn’t hurt to try, though!
I found and made a reciepe off Facebook, but this ne calls for powderd sugar and I still have some of that. Going to try this one next. My first year making candy. Yaaaa
This looks so yummy, I’ve never made peanut butter fudge but this is the year. I’ve printed your recipe and pinned it, too. Thanks so much for sharing.
Mary
After a couple years of repeatedly coming back to this recipe, I need to comment! I live in India where sometimes the little comforts of home (the US) are hard to come by. This recipe was one of the first things I made in our new house, over a little camping type stove! I made it for a group of expat ladies who all immediately asked for the recipe. I sent them here. I now know of at least 5 people who make this regularly! I came back today because I am going to make it as Diwali gifts for our employees. :)
Thank you so so much for your awesome blog! I use it so often here. Makes me feel like home isn’t too far away!
I made these last night for my family. This was my first attempt ever at making fudge. Honestly, I never even looked it up because I thought it was extremely hard to make. It was so easy, everything turned out perfect, the consistency, the texture, the flavor :p The only negative of the recipe…I had to wait an hour to eat it. This recipe was wonderful and I will be adding it my Christmas candy gift list.
Hi, I made this today for my husband (he’s had a rough week at work) and it’s been setting in the fridge for four hours now, yet still isn’t set completely. I just now tried to cut a small square out and it’s DELICIOUS, but almost needs to be eaten with a fork as it’s quite soft and doesn’t hold its square shape. I had to dig it out of the pan with a spoon. Is this normal, will it eventually reach the right solidity or did I do something wrong?
Hi Christine, I can’t remember how long mine took to set, but if it’s been 4 hours it should be close by now. Did you bring the mixture to a FULL boil before taking it off the heat? That’s the most likely reason as to why this didn’t set up for you.
We whisked the powdered sugar instead of stirring it and the oil separated from the solid mix. Any suggestions? Apart from from not doing that again of course. It is a good way to extract peanut oil from peanut butter though haha.
Would this work for candy molds? I have Christmas shaped molds I want to use. This will be my first time making peanut butter fudge. I’m excited to try it. Yummy Christmas presents are the best!
Hi Kathryn, I’ve never done anything with candy molds, so I’m afraid I couldn’t say for sure. If you go ahead and try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
I made this recipe today for our Thanksgiving dinner and it was by far the best peanut butter fudge I have ever made and this is a very simple recipe. Thank you!
I made the fudge this morning, but had to keep soaking the butter off the top. Is 1 1/4 cup the right amount?
Hi Sandy, Yes, 1.25 cups is the correct amount.
I was searching for a recipe because my boyfriend loves pb fudge and is begging me to make it lol. So i am making it for Thanksgiving (: This one looks like a good recipe so I am going to give it a try. The others i saw online I looked at the reviews said too sweet, greasy, etc.
Does it matter if I use regular salted butter instead of unsalted butter ?
You can use regular salt, just omit the pinch of salt called for in the recipe.
I found this blog for the first time today, and have already made the blueberry muffins, (with a substitution of chocolate chips and cranberries,) and this peanut butter fudge.
I love to cook and bake; good genes from my exceptionally brilliant cooks of parents. Currently my husband is getting the lucky role of taste-tester, and I am pretty sure he thinks he has died and gone to heaven!
I am totally into your ideas, and love the layout and the concise instructions.
Thanks!
I grew up on peanut fudge. Mom passed and could never find a good recipe
just made this one and loved it, I only had crunchy peanutbutter and it is excellent. I know my Grand kids are going to love it. I will have to hide it until dinner is over…Thank you
When you set this, do you leave it at room temperature or in the refrigerator? Also, what’s the point of the plastic wrap on top?
Hi Jessica, Per the recipe, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. The plastic wrap on top prevents a skin from forming, as well as keeping out any refrigerator smells (I always cover anything that’s going in the refrigerator).
I made this but it was dry tasting… too crumbly. I expected a creamy taste, but this didn’t taste creamy, it was some what airy…
Just made pb fudge using this recipe. I LOVE IT! And it was super easy. Thank you so much!
Saw lots of comments and hoped to find a bunch with actual reviews of the outcome of this fudge. Oh well… I made it anyway. Not overly impressed. Yes, it’s a simple recipe, and bam it turns into fudge. The consistency is okay, flavor is okay but not a tongue popping recipe. If you’re going to bake for loved ones, I highly suggest finding a recipe that calls for evaporated milk, or milk, or cream of some sort and to use a candy thermometer. Trust me, there’s a big difference in consistency and flavor – positive difference. Otherwise, it’s a cute recipe for when you’re in a super hurry and flavor/consistency is not a big deal for you.
My grandmother, who’s been gone for so many years now ~ passed away from breast cancer ~ use to make Peanut Butter Fudge during the Christmas holidays! Never found her recipe, but this sounds like it might just be a wonderful substitute! Can’t wait to try it and make it a part of my holiday baking with my girls!!
Thanks for sharing :)
I remember my brothers and mom making this when I was young. It never lasted long–the disappearing act is faster than making it. I remember them having to stir constantly, but it didn’t take too long to make.
I made this a few days ago for a Holiday party -it was a huge hit! A few comments I heard were “I don’t even like peanut butter, but this is amazing.” and
“It tastes just like the inside of a Reese’s peanut butter cup!” I didn’t sift my powdered sugar but it turned out just fine.
How in the world does one SAVE a recipe on this site???
Hi Carol, Right now you just have to bookmark it the old-fashioned way, but I am actually in the process of creating a “recipe box” function so you can save your favorites and access them right here. It will be rolled out with some other enhancements on January 2nd!
I have tried so many peanut butter fudge recipies and they never turn out right. Wow! This recipe turned out great! Thank you so much!
I’m upset this didn’t work out for me, had a big pan of goo after
My family loves this fudge! I have made it twice in the past couple of months and now my daughter has requested it as her birthday treat! In my last batch, my pinch of salt turned into a whoops with the salt container. My daughter now wants extra salt in this batch too. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Made this last night. Turned out excellent. My old recipe called for heating to a certain temperature all while stirring. Then cooling to another temperature while continuing to stir. This one is so much easier. It has become my new go to peanut butter fudge recipe. Thanks so much!
these look extra yummy and easy to make. i am going to give these a go since i recently bought a huge container of peanut butter! yummmmm!! thanks a bunch for recipe!
I made your peanut butter fudge recipe and gave it to my coworkers this year in their holiday goodie bags that I give them each year. It was definitely a big hit! I’ve made several other recipes of yours in the past, and everything has turned out wonderfully. Thank you for being a delicious source of tasty treats!! :)
Sure you wouldn’t mind if I just reached in and stole one of those ;) right? haha
These look great. I will have to try them out!
I am not usually one to make fudge, but I think with this recipe I will make an exception! These sound amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! Love your page!
Love how this recipe has such few ingredients, yet looks like it produces yummy results! I wonder if you could use fun flavors of PB, such as Cinnamon Raisin Swirl from Pb&Co.?!
This looks so fantastic, I can’t wait to try it! And by the way, I am loving your photos with your awesome new camera!
Thanks for sharing! I love PB fudge (even more than chocolate…) and always thought it was a big production to make. I made a batch last night and it was really easy. For a little extra, I pushed a few milk chocolate chips into the fudge after I spread it into the pan. Happy holidays!
I’m a newbie to your site (which i LOVE btw) and i just finished prepping this fudge recipe and it’s sitting in the fridge right now. I have a concern though – the mixture started to stick and burn on the bottom of the saucepan if i left it even for a minute… it’s given the fudge mixture a bit of a burnt taste, and i’m wondering if there’s something i did wrong, or if that’s typical and i just need to constantly stir… thanks!
Hi Lena, You might want to turn the heat down just a tad next time, it shouldn’t taste burnt. Enjoy round 2! :)
I made this with a friend yesterday and it was wonderful! We liked it WAY better than the chocolate fudge recipe we found. Do you have a good chocolate fudge recipe? I’m still waiting for the perfect one…
I love old-fashioned peanut butter fudge…..thanks for the recipe!!!
I am so bookmarking this recipe. I love fudge! Thanks for sharing.
Great blog : )
Okay, if these taste like the peanut butter insides of a buckeye… I’m down! The fudge looks great and I love that is comes together in no time!
Sure you wouldn’t mind if I just reached in and stole one of those ;) right? haha
I love this recipe! I always try to search around for some fun and interesting fudge recipes, but I have a hard time finding good yet easy ones. I’d love to see some more!
Yummy! I made this already to include in our annual Christmas cookie plates for our neighbors. A former workmate used to make the BEST peanut butter fudge EVER, and while this does not hold a candle to that, it is quite good and could not be easier to make. I kick myself each holiday season that I never got that recipe from the former workmate. Aargh!
Wow, so easy! I love it! :)
they look amazing! may I have some??? :P :D
One of my coworkers makes peanut butter fudge every Christmas, but always refuses to give out the recipe. I’m so happy you posted this, now I don’t need to wait for her any more!
I’ll never understand why people refuse to share recipes. Good food was meant to be enjoyed by all!
My sister loves anything with peanut butter. Before going to work every morning she makes sure she eats one spoonfool of peanut butter, just scooping it out of the jar. She’ll be thrilled to receive this before Christmas. Thank you.
Hi! I’m a newbie on your blog but love every recipes that you posted. In fact I already printed some these recipes to bake for a xmas present for family and friends.
I wonder if you have some recipes for cookies or cakes etc that uses blueberries as Imy family loves it.
Thanks and happy holidays!
Hi, welcome to the site, I’m glad you’re enjoying it! You can check out all of my recipes that include blueberries here:
https://www.browneyedbaker.com/tag/blueberries/
This looks great! I love how simple it is. I’ll have to give it a try
My mom used to make peanut butter fudge and regular fudge every Christmas. When she got tired of making it my sister picked up the tradition. Oh how I love it! I didn’t even realize it was so easy to make!
Peanut butter fudge is one of my favorites! Yum!
From one peanut butter fanatic to another, THANKS!
My oldest daughter is the only one who eats peanut butter in our house and this I shall bookmark for her!
Fudge done! Just have to fiddle cause, well you know. Adding a layer of chocolate ganache; guess it’s become my personal version of a peanut butter cup!
Mmm love that!
Oh yum. I love pb fudge and Buckeyes!
I need/want that. Now. God it lokos so divine!
Here’s an even easier recipe I used to make as a kid:
1 cup milk
2 cups sugar
Boil to soft-ball stage.
Stir in one cup peanut butter and pour into pan immediately to let it set.
I’ve never made…or eaten….peanut butter fudge, but I’m thinking I NEEd to! ;)
That’s it? Really? I’ve never made PB fudge but do love it and I’m a little scared it’s really that easy. Scared I’ll make a batch every day type scared.
Oh, Michelle, this looks heavenly! Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you’re having a lovely day and a nice start to the holiday season!
Thank you so much Georgia, all the best holiday wishes to you as well!
I love fudge – it is such a festive thing to give, receive and eat during the holiday season.
Your fudge is gorgeous and looks delicious. Thank you for the recipe and photos!
YUM YUM YUM!!!Looks so good! I will make this and keep it at my house, my sister makes PB Fudge and brings it for Christmas to my Dads , so I don’t want to hurt her feelings and bring this! Because if it’s a B,E,Baker recipe you know it’s gonna be good!
Peanut butter fudge is my brother’s favorite… Your version looks fabulous! I will have to give it a try this year.
glad the natural pb worked out!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without peanut butter fudge! It takes all my will power not to eat the entire batch myself!
Ohmygosh, you just made my day.
i love peanut butter fudge! yours looks too good – i just want to eat it off the screen!
I’ve never made peanut butter fudge! I really want to though. Thanks for the recipe :)
Having not tasted these I wonder if you could take the finished fudge, and dip it into melted chocolate and make a peanut butter truffle type of thing. Or would the texture be off?
No, I think that would be fabulous! Very reminiscent of buckeyes!
I did exactly that this evening! I need to work on my dipping technique, but the results were tasty. Fed them to my husband and his buddy; they concurred enthusiastically.
Peanut butter fudge is my most favorite fudge ever. I love how smooth and creamy it is. Plus there are very few ingredients that I already have in my pantry! Win/win.
This fudge sounds amazing. I have a fantastic chocolate recipe and I can only imagine mixing this recipe with my chocolate one – peanut butter cup fudge anyone?!
Love how you are keeping with the no candy thermometer theme!! I may have to do after I do the buckeyes, BTW my fav cupcake of all time was a chocolate cupcake with a buckeye in it!! Need I say more!!!
Love PB fudge! I bet you could swirl it with chocolate fudge!
Peanut Butter fudge is the best! So delicious.
Yum- looks divine!
your fudge looks so delicious…i clicked onto your buckeyes link…family recipes are always the best…so i am going to re-create these today!
good luck with your new camera (the lighting on the fudge is great)!
You sold me on this recipe when you said this: “it tastes just like the inside of buckeyes “. Doesn’t hurt that it seems really quick and easy to make as well. I’m adding this to my to-make list of holiday goodies.
i like fudge but am not a fanatic, however that peanut butter fudge might be calling my name!
I don’t know if I’ve ever even heard of peanut butter fudge! Now that I have, it’s on my list of goodies to make for sure!
I have about 10 more cookie recipes that I’d like to make before Christmas- I will just make the fudge at the same time. I already converted 10 or 12 cookie recipes to gluten free a couple of weeks ago, but they are all given away now and the house feels empty with no plates of cookies sitting around!
I’m not a big fan of fudge but the idea of peanut butter fudge sounds fabulous!!
I make peanut butter fudge every Christmas. After a few pieces, I commit myself to save the rest for my goodie tins…but I always end up making a meal out of peanut butter fudge.
It might well be the best meal I have the entire year.
I had told myself I wasn’t going to do anymore holiday baking of any sort after I got done with the cookie tins I put together.. But I think i’ll be making an exception for this. Looks great, and I have all the ingredients on hand.