Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Fudge (5 Ingredients!)

Peanut butter fudge is one of those treats that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. It’s creamy, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth soft—like it should be harder to make, but it isn’t.

This version comes together in minutes, uses just five simple ingredients, and doesn’t even ask you to turn on the stove for long.

If you’re new to making fudge, you’re in the right place. If you need a last-minute holiday gift, this will save the day.

And if you just want something sweet without jumping through hoops, well… pull up a chair. Let’s make the easiest peanut butter fudge ever.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge

No candy thermometer needed

You don’t need special tools to make this fudge. No candy thermometer, no kitchen gadgets hiding in the back of a drawer. It’s a hands-on recipe that trusts your eyes and a quick stir.

That means fewer steps and less fuss. Perfect for people who want tasty results without a science lesson.

Just a few pantry staples

Most of the ingredients live in your pantry already. Peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt—boom. No hunting for obscure syrups or extracts.

If you can spread peanut butter on toast, you can make this fudge.

Sets perfectly every time

This recipe is forgiving. Follow the basic ratios, press the mixture into a lined pan, and chill. The texture becomes firm but creamy, not crumbly or greasy.

If your peanut butter is extra oily, stir it first — that’s the only tweak you might need. Little care up front = reliably perfect squares every time.

Great for holidays, parties, and edible gifts

Want a last-minute hostess gift or something to steal the show at a bake sale? This fudge fits the bill. It looks fancy when cut into neat squares and wrapped with ribbon.

People smile when they see it. And because it’s shelf-stable short-term, you can bake today and share tomorrow.

Easy to customize

Feel like jazzing things up? Swirl melted chocolate, fold in chopped peanuts, or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Want a nut-free twist? Use sunflower seed butter, and you’re golden.

The base is a blank canvas because it’s simple, flexible, and forgiving. Mix, match, and make it yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Peanut Butter
  This is the heart of the fudge. Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth, silky texture, while natural peanut butter adds a slightly deeper, nuttier flavor. Just make sure to stir natural peanut butter well so the oils don’t separate.
• Butter
  Butter adds richness and helps the fudge set with that classic melt-in-your-mouth feel. It also keeps the mixture smooth as it combines with the peanut butter.
• Vanilla Extract
  A small splash makes a big difference. Vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma that balances the peanut butter.
• Powdered Sugar
  This is what thickens the mixture and creates that firm, sliceable fudge texture. It dissolves quickly and keeps the fudge creamy rather than grainy.
• Optional Mix-Ins
  • Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top cuts through the sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor pop.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Adds a rich contrast and creates a peanut butter cup vibe.
  • Crushed Nuts: Great for texture lovers who want a little crunch in every bite.

Tools & Equipment

• Saucepan
  You’ll use this to gently melt the butter and peanut butter together. A small or medium saucepan works perfectly; nothing fancy is required.
• Mixing Bowl
  This is where everything comes together. You’ll pour the warm mixture into the bowl and stir in the powdered sugar until the fudge forms.
• Rubber Spatula
  A spatula makes it easy to scrape every bit of fudge out of the bowl. It also helps you smooth the top once the mixture is in the pan.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Baking Pan
  Either size works well. An 8×8 pan gives slightly thicker fudge, while a 9×9 pan makes thinner squares. Use what you have on hand.
• Parchment Paper
  This is your secret to clean removal. Line the pan so you can lift the fudge out in one piece and cut it without sticking or crumbling.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Prepare your pan

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment, leaving a little overhang on two sides. This makes lifting the whole fudge out a snap.

Grease the paper lightly if your peanut butter is very sticky. A lined pan saves you from wrestling with stuck squares later.

Step 2 — Melt butter & peanut butter

Place butter and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Keep the heat low—think gentle coaxing, not a boil.

If you see it separating or getting oily, pull it off the heat and stir; patience wins here.

Step 3 — Add vanilla

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. One teaspoon is usually enough. The vanilla rounds out the flavor. This step is subtle but important.

Step 4 — Add powdered sugar

Pour the warm mixture into a mixing bowl and sift in the powdered sugar a little at a time. Stir with a spatula until the sugar is fully incorporated and the dough-like fudge forms.

If it feels too stiff, add a splash of milk; if too soft, add a touch more powdered sugar. Adjusting is normal.

Step 5 — Press into the pan

Transfer the mixture to your lined pan and press it down evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a piece of parchment to smooth the top.

Work quickly because once it cools, it firms up. Take a moment to level the edges for neat squares.

Step 6 — Chill to set

Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch. Don’t rush this part; chilling is when the magic happens.

If you’re pressed for time, a short stint in the freezer (20–30 minutes) will speed things up, but watch it so it doesn’t freeze solid.

Step 7 — Slice & serve

Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water, then wipe it dry for clean cuts.

Slice into squares, serve, and bask in the applause. Store extras in an airtight container.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fudge

Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest results

Creamy peanut butter gives you a silky, uniform texture without surprises. Crunchy bits can break up the smooth mouthfeel and make cutting messier.

If you love a little chew, add chopped peanuts at the end instead of using crunchy peanut butter in the base.

Sift powdered sugar for extra creaminess

Powdered sugar can clump, and those lumps show up in the final bite. Sifting removes pockets of starch and makes the mixture blend faster. Fewer lumps = creamier fudge and less elbow grease.

If using natural peanut butter, stir well and adjust sugar

Natural peanut butter separates; the oil rises to the top. Stir it until it’s one smooth mass before measuring.

Because natural varieties are often more oily and less sweet, you may need a touch more powdered sugar to reach the right firmness.

Don’t overheat the mixture—it can become greasy

High heat can make the oils separate and leave your fudge slick instead of creamy. Keep the heat low and stir gently until everything just comes together.

For clean slices, use a warm knife

A hot knife cuts through fudge like a hot knife through butter, literally. Warm the blade under hot water, dry it, then slice. Wipe and reheat between cuts for neat, Instagram-worthy squares.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Swirl

Melt a handful of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the warm fudge before it sets. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the chocolate into the peanut butter mixture.

It creates a marbled look that feels fancy with almost zero effort. Think peanut butter cup vibes but with an artistic twist.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge

If you like texture, this one’s for you. Use crunchy peanut butter or fold in a small handful of chopped peanuts before pressing the mixture into the pan.

Every bite gets a satisfying crunch, like a surprise waiting under the creamy surface.

Salted Peanut Butter Fudge

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt transforms the sweetness. It sharpens the peanut butter flavor and adds a little sparkle on top. It’s the simplest upgrade with the biggest payoff.

Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

Chop up a few peanut butter cups and fold them into the warm mixture. They melt ever so slightly, creating pockets of chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

It’s rich, indulgent, and downright dangerous in the best way.

How to Store Peanut Butter Fudge

Room temperature

Keep your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for about a week. This is perfect if you plan to snack on it daily… which tends to happen.

Just keep it away from direct sunlight or warm spots so it doesn’t soften too much.

Refrigerator

If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 2–3 weeks. The cooler temperature firms it up a bit, so let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer bite.

Freezer

For long-term storage, freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Place the pieces in a container layered with parchment so they don’t stick together.

When you’re ready for a treat, thaw a square or two in the fridge or on the counter. It tastes just as good as the day you made it and sometimes even better.

Serving Ideas

Package in gift tins for holidays

Peanut butter fudge makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that feels personal without taking all day to create.

Place the squares in a festive tin, add a little parchment between layers, and you’ve got a holiday treat that looks like it came straight from a bakery. Friends and family will swear you spent hours on it.

Serve on dessert platters

Add fudge to a dessert spread for an instant crowd-pleaser. It pairs well with cookies, brownies, and fruit because it brings that rich, creamy contrast every platter needs.

Plus, the neat little squares make the whole table look more put together, like you planned everything down to the last crumb.

Pair with hot chocolate or coffee

Enjoying fudge with something warm is pure comfort. The heat softens the edges just a bit while the sweetness balances the bitterness of coffee or cocoa.

It’s the kind of pairing that makes you stop mid-sip and think, “Yep… this is the good life.”

Final Thoughts

This peanut butter fudge is simple, quick, and dangerously delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you try once and immediately wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

Give it a go because you might just find your new go-to sweet fix.

If you’re craving more no-bake treats, try chocolate fudge, cookie dough bites, or homemade peanut butter cups next. Your dessert drawer will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it very well before measuring. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can affect the texture. You may also need a little extra powdered sugar to help it firm up.

How long does fudge take to set?

Usually 1–2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re in a rush, you can pop it in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes, but don’t let it freeze solid.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and choose a peanut butter that doesn’t contain added dairy. The texture stays smooth, and the flavor barely changes.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes. Double it for a 9×13 pan or halve it for a smaller batch. Just keep the ratios the same, and it will turn out perfectly.

How do I prevent fudge from becoming grainy?

Sift your powdered sugar before mixing, and make sure it’s fully incorporated. Clumps of sugar or uneven mixing are usually the culprits. Stir well, and your fudge will stay creamy.