If you’re dreaming of a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s ready in a flash, the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is about to become your new go-to recipe. This no-bake classic delivers big on nostalgia, with rich peanut butter flavor and a perfectly tender texture in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday tray, an after-school snack, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this irresistible fudge using a handful of pantry staples. Trust me, this is the one peanut butter fudge recipe you’ll want to share with everyone (or maybe keep all for yourself!).

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is how it transforms just a few everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each element plays a starring role in the flavor, texture, and overall magic of this fudge—skip or swap anything and you’ll definitely notice the difference!

Unsalted butter: Gives the fudge its rich, silky base and keeps the sweetness in balance.
Creamy peanut butter: The heart of this recipe—choose a smooth, good-quality peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness, making the peanut butter flavor pop.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the fudge and creates that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture; sift it for the smoothest result.

How to Make Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides for easy removal later. If you don’t have parchment, a light coating of butter or nonstick spray works in a pinch—just be sure the fudge won’t stick when it’s time to slice.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and peanut butter. Stir frequently as they melt together, until the mixture is completely smooth and unified. This step sets the foundation for the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge, so take a moment to appreciate that glossy, golden mixture!

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This little splash of vanilla is a secret weapon—it deepens the flavor and brings a subtle, comforting aroma to the fudge.

Step 4: Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the warm peanut butter mixture, stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken quickly; don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! For the smoothest fudge, sift your powdered sugar before adding, and keep stirring until everything is silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Working swiftly, pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners—don’t stress about perfection, it will set beautifully. Pop the dish into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is set, lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a cutting board. Slice into small squares—this recipe makes about 36 little bites of bliss. Now comes the hardest part: trying not to eat them all at once!

How to Serve Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge

Garnishes

Dress up your Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of extra powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra fancy, press a few crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips onto the top before chilling for added crunch and flair.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of strong coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert tray, try serving it alongside fresh berries or other bite-sized treats to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the fudge squares in colorful paper cups for a party, arrange them in a pretty tin for gifting, or skewer them with cocktail sticks for a playful dessert platter. You can even cut the fudge into fun shapes using small cookie cutters—perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge tasting fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to a week, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for parties or busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your fudge over a longer period, freeze it! Place the cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The fudge keeps well for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this fudge, since it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer texture, simply let the squares sit out for a few minutes before serving, and they’ll melt in your mouth just like fresh-made.

FAQs

Can I use natural or chunky peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but the texture may be slightly softer and a bit oilier. For a fun twist, chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor—just stir well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

How do I prevent lumps in my fudge?

The key is to sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture, and stir thoroughly as you combine. Adding the sugar gradually also helps keep everything smooth and creamy.

Why is my fudge too soft or too hard?

If your fudge is too soft, it might need more time to chill or a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too hard, it could be over-chilled or have too much sugar. Adjust the sugar and chilling time next batch for your perfect texture!

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and allow a little extra time for the fudge to set. It’s perfect for big gatherings or gifting during the holidays.

Is Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and scrumptious option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just check your labels to be certain, especially with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress, you can’t do better than the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge. With its creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, it’s a no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or sneaking straight from the fridge). Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this recipe is a staple in so many kitchens!

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
Yield: 36 small squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a quick and simple no-bake dessert that combines creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to create a rich, smooth, and irresistibly sweet treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort and ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the fudge doesn’t stick.
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together, stirring continuously until smooth and fully combined.
Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to blend fully with the melted mixture.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and well combined without lumps.
Set the Fudge: Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm enough to cut.
Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 36 small squares to serve.

Notes

Use a sifter for the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the mixture.
For added texture, use chunky peanut butter or mix in crushed peanuts before setting the fudge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American