Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Peanut Butter Fudge, a classic sweet treat that melts in your mouth. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for the holidays, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year. With a smooth texture and an intense peanut butter flavor, this fudge is a must-try for all dessert lovers.
I first made this Peanut Butter Fudge when I was looking for a quick, no-bake dessert to bring to a holiday gathering. It turned out to be an instant hit! The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal effort to create this delicious homemade fudge.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge
- Easy and Quick – No baking required, just a few simple steps.
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like peanut butter, butter, and sugar.
- Perfect for Gifting – A great homemade treat for friends and family.
- Rich and Creamy – A melt-in-your-mouth texture with deep peanut butter flavor.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate drizzle, or sea salt for extra flair.
Ingredients Notes
To make the best Peanut Butter Fudge, you’ll need:
- Peanut Butter – Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation may affect consistency.
- Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness and enhances the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Helps achieve the perfect fudge texture.
- Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds moisture and a creamy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Salt (Optional) – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter over low heat.
- Stir continuously until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Milk
- Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix thoroughly until the fudge is thick and smooth.
Step 4: Pour and Set
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into small squares.
- Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Storage Options
Proper storage ensures that your peanut butter fudge stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. If you plan to enjoy it within a few days, store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the texture soft and chewy while preventing it from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerating the fudge is a great option. Simply place it in a sealed container, layering parchment paper between the pieces to prevent sticking. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
For extended storage, freezing is the best option. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the fudge from absorbing unwanted odors. When ready to enjoy, let the frozen fudge sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften before serving. This way, you can always have a batch of peanut butter fudge ready for a sweet craving or unexpected guests!
Variations and Substitutions
Peanut butter fudge is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of flavor combinations and ingredient swaps. If you’re looking to customize your fudge, here are some delicious variations and substitutions to try:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge – Swirl in melted chocolate or mix in chocolate chips to create a rich, decadent twist on classic peanut butter fudge.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge – Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for an added texture that peanut lovers will enjoy.
- Nut-Free Version – Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter to create a nut-free alternative while maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Dairy-Free Fudge – Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter substitutes to make a lactose-free version that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
- Salted Peanut Butter Fudge – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast that enhances the flavors.
- Spiced Fudge – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist perfect for the holidays.
- Protein-Packed Fudge – Mix in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a high-protein treat that’s great for snacking.
- Drizzle or Toppings – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the fudge, or sprinkle chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Honey or Maple Sweetened – Instead of using powdered sugar, try sweetening with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
- Keto-Friendly Version – Use sugar-free sweeteners and low-carb peanut butter to make a keto-friendly fudge that satisfies sweet cravings without the carbs.
Conclusion
Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge is an easy and satisfying treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, as a gift, or just to enjoy a sweet indulgence, this fudge will not disappoint. Try out different variations to make it your own and share the joy with friends and family!