This easiest peanut butter fudge recipe is your ticket to a rich, creamy treat with just four pantry ingredients and under ten minutes of prep.
No candy thermometer, no stovetop stress—just smooth peanut butter, real butter, vanilla, and sugar, all melted into sweet, fudgy perfection.
What You’ll Need for the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Smooth peanut butter – The heart of the fudge, it delivers a deep, nutty richness and creamy texture. Avoid natural peanut butter for best results.
- Salted butter – Brings indulgent creaminess while balancing sweetness with a touch of salt.
- Confectioner’s sugar – Adds smooth sweetness and sets the fudge’s firm, sliceable structure.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile with warm, aromatic depth.
How to Make This No-Fuss Peanut Butter Fudge
Line your baking pan with parchment so the fudge lifts out cleanly—no sticking, no mess.
Melt the butter and peanut butter together in the microwave until just melted and silky. Stir in vanilla, then sift in the sugar. Keep mixing until smooth, reheating briefly if any lumps remain.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Chill for about 2½ hours until set. Slice and serve when firm.
Sweet Success Tips for Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
For the smoothest texture, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it in. If you’re skipping the sifting, don’t worry—just microwave in quick bursts and stir vigorously to eliminate any stubborn lumps.
Regular peanut butter works best here. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and won’t give the same creamy consistency. If using unsalted butter, add a touch of salt to balance the flavors.
Want a decorative swirl top? After spreading the fudge in the pan, chill it briefly until it starts to firm up, then use a spatula to create gentle swoops before finishing the chill time.
To slice perfectly clean squares, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice with smooth, steady pressure.
Storing the Good Stuff: Fudge That Lasts
This peanut butter fudge holds up beautifully at room temperature for about a week—perfect for gifting or snacking. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve it at room temperature for a softer bite, or straight from the fridge for a firmer, dense texture. Either way, every bite delivers nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.
Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar sifted if possible
Instructions
- Line or lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to enable effortless removal of the fudge once set.
- Place the butter and peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl and heat just until the butter has melted. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar and mix thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved. If lumps remain, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring vigorously between each, until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Refrigerate for approximately 2½ hours, or until fully set.
- Once chilled and firm, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
If substituting unsalted butter, incorporate ½ teaspoon of salt into the mixture.
Unsifted sugar may be used; simply follow the heating method to eliminate any lumps.
To create decorative swirls, chill the fudge briefly after spreading, then swirl with a spatula before returning it to the fridge.
Warm a knife under hot water for clean and effortless slicing.
Store fudge at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerated for 2–3 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
For a softer texture, serve at room temperature; for a firmer bite, serve chilled.
