Peanut butter fudge is easy to make and is a great holiday gift. This old fashioned fudge recipe is a keeper and requires only 5 ingredients.

pile of peanut butter fudge and front piece has a bite from the corner


 

Peanut butter fudge is an easy recipe to try. It makes a large batch, which is perfect for sharing around the holidays. Each piece of fudge is soft, sweet and full of peanut butter flavor. It melts in your mouth!

Why you should try this recipe: It requires only 5 ingredients and it’s prepared in less than 10 minutes. You can mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor too! Peanut butter fudge is the perfect holiday gift for friends and coworkers! It is easy to make in large batches and lasts for a couple weeks.

pile of peanut butter fudge squares in front of glass bottle of milk
five peanut butter fudge ingredients in bowls with text

How to make peanut butter fudge

  1. Line a square baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Boil mixture for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add peanut butter. Stir until smooth. 
  3. Combine peanut butter mixture with confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
  4. Transfer mixture into prepared pan and press down firmly. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Slice and serve.

Helpful tips

Do not make fudge on a rainy day as it will absorb moisture. Use a heavy bottom pan otherwise the mixture will heat quickly and the sugar will burn. Use a no-stir peanut butter otherwise there will be too much oil in the mixture and the fudge won’t set properly.

photo collage demonstrating how to make peanut butter fudge in a saucepan
photo collage demonstrating how to make peanut butter fudge in a mixing bowl

Troubleshooting fudge

The peanut butter didn’t set: If the peanut butter didn’t combine smoothly with the mixture, reheat the mixture with the peanut butter, add a couple more tablespoons of milk and stir until smooth.

Dry and crumbly fudge: The most common error is the sugar didn’t dissolve enough. When boiling the fudge, make sure the mixture comes to a full boil before setting the timer to 2 minutes.

Fixing dry fudge: Place the fudge in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel or piece of bread. Seal the bag shut and let it sit overnight. The other option is to place the fudge pieces in the microwave and reheat in 10 second increments until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze peanut butter fudge?

Yes, once the fudge has cooled and is set, wrap the whole uncut bar or each individual piece in plastic wrap to avoid it drying out. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, 1/2 cup chocolates may be stirred into the fudge mixture before transferring it to the pan.

How to store peanut butter fudge

Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, fudge recipes may be doubled and tripled. Be sure to use a large enough pan.

peanut butter fudge cut into squares on wax paper
pile of peanut butter fudge squares

Related Recipes

Try these other delicious treats this holiday season!

Peppermint Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Peanut Butter Blossoms (soft and chewy)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars with Shortbread Crust

Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.

peanut butter fudge square with a bite off the corner

Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Yield: 36 pieces
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Peanut butter fudge is easy to make and is a great holiday gift. This old fashioned fudge recipe is a keeper and requires only 5 ingredients.
5 (4 ratings)
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 mL) milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter, see notes
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional
  • 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Instructions 

  • Line an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Once the mixture comes to a full boil, set a timer for 2 minutes. Boil and stir once or twice to scrape the sides of the pan, then remove from heat. Immediately add peanut butter and vanilla (if using). Stir until smooth and let mixture cool slightly (about 5 to 10 minutes)
  • Place confectioners’ sugar in a mixing bowl and pour peanut butter mixture over the sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth.
  • Pour mixture into prepared pan and use rubber spatula to press down firmly and evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or until firm. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use a creamy no-stir peanut butter. If using natural, be sure the peanut butter is not oily.
Optional mix-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts before transferring the mixture to the pan.
Store peanut butter fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Serving: 1piece, Calories: 129kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 37mg, Potassium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 82IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Haley D Williams
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Share This: