If you’re craving a classic candy that’s a breeze to make, the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is your new go-to treat. With just five everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you get a batch of rich, creamy fudge that tastes like childhood nostalgia and pure peanut butter bliss in every bite. This recipe comes together fast on the stovetop—no candy thermometer or complicated techniques—and rewards you with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. Once you make the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is how a few pantry staples transform into something so decadent. Every ingredient here plays its part—bringing sweetness, creaminess, and that signature peanut butter punch. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some helpful tips for each one.

2 cups granulated sugar: The foundation of your fudge’s sweetness and structure—white sugar delivers that classic, smooth texture you love.
1/2 cup whole milk: Whole milk gives the fudge a creamy base and helps the sugar dissolve smoothly, creating that signature rich mouthfeel.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter is, of course, the star; for the creamiest fudge, use standard creamy peanut butter, but crunchy works too if you love added texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and brings out the best in the peanut butter.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip the salt—it balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor in your fudge.

How to Make Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over each side so it’s easy to lift your fudge out later. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with a little butter or oil. This ensures your fudge won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—even more reason to love the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge!

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Milk

Set a medium saucepan on your stovetop and pour in the granulated sugar and whole milk. Stir them together gently; the mixture will look loose and grainy to start, but that’s exactly what you want. The milk helps dissolve the sugar, forming the sweet, creamy foundation of your fudge recipe.

Step 3: Boil and Stir

Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. This stage is where the magic happens: sugar dissolves into the milk, thickening as it bubbles. Keep stirring to prevent burning, and once it’s boiling, cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Don’t step away—continuous stirring is the trick to perfect, never grainy, Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Salt

Remove the saucepan from the heat right away. Quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Work fast here—the hot mixture sets quickly! Stir vigorously until everything is completely combined and smooth. If you’d like a little crunch, use chunky peanut butter for this step instead.

Step 5: Pour, Smooth, and Set

Immediately pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a heatproof spatula to smooth the top—a little swirl never hurts! Now, all that’s left is to let it cool at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. As it sets, your kitchen will fill with the most tempting aroma. Once firm, lift out the fudge and cut into small, irresistible squares. Now you’ll see why this really is the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge around!

How to Serve Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge

Garnishes

Add a little flourish to your fudge by sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts on top before it sets, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a pretty—and delectable—finish. Sea salt flakes also add a gourmet touch, perfectly balancing the fudge’s sweetness. When serving the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge at a party or as a gift, a thoughtful garnish makes these squares really stand out.

Side Dishes

This fudge is unbeatable as a bite-sized dessert at the end of a meal, but it’s also lovely alongside fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even as a sweet surprise with afternoon coffee or tea. Pairing Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge with something cool or creamy creates a sophisticated contrast that’ll impress every guest.

Creative Ways to Present

Package squares of Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge in parchment or candy boxes for the perfect homemade gift during holidays, birthdays, or as a thank-you treat. To dress it up at home, stack squares on a tiered dessert platter or nestle them in mini cupcake liners for a bakery-worthy effect. It’s a wonderful way to make this simple fudge feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge keeps beautifully at room temperature. Simply store your pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Your fudge will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making it ideal for grab-and-go snacking or effortless entertaining at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

If you want to make fudge far in advance, freezing is your answer. Wrap the fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying, and your Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge tastes just as luscious as the day you made it.

Reheating

Usually, you won’t need to reheat fudge—but if you love it slightly warm (or if it’s chilled or a little firmer from the fridge), just pop a piece in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This softens the texture for that extra melty, decadent experience. Be careful not to overheat—fudge melts fast!

FAQs

Can I use a milk alternative for dairy-free fudge?

Absolutely! Full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk works well in the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge. The flavor will be a little different (coconut milk adds a lovely subtle richness) but the texture holds up beautifully.

Should I use natural peanut butter or regular?

Stick to regular, creamy peanut butter for the most consistent, smooth results. Natural peanut butters can sometimes separate or make the fudge oily, so save those for spreading on toast or for other recipes.

How can I tell when the fudge is set?

The Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is ready when it feels firm to the touch and can be sliced cleanly into squares. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours at room temperature—just be patient, and try to resist cutting in before it’s set!

Can I make this fudge without using a stove?

This recipe really works best on the stovetop, as it ensures the sugar fully dissolves and gives the fudge that signature texture. If you try to use a microwave, watch carefully and cook in short bursts to avoid burning the sugar.

What can I do if my fudge turns out grainy?

Graininess means the sugar didn’t dissolve completely. Make sure to stir constantly while boiling and don’t rush the process. Even if it’s a bit grainy, it will still taste amazing—the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is truly forgiving!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a candy recipe that’s quick, nearly foolproof, and delivers big on creamy peanut butter flavor, you cannot go wrong with the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge. It comes together in minutes, satisfies every sweet tooth, and never fails to bring a smile. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve it!

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes cooling time)
Yield: 36 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this incredibly easy Peanut Butter Fudge. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible sweet treat in no time.

Ingredients

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For the Peanut Butter Fudge:

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cook the Fudge Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and milk. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
Add Peanut Butter and Flavorings: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and let it cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours until set.
Serve: Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.