Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and with that classic peanut butter punch, then buckle up because this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. Honestly, this fudge is one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together in a snap. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a quick gift, or just because you need a little comfort in your day, it hits all the right notes without any fuss. Stick with me here – I’m going to walk you through it like we’re chatting over coffee, and by the end, you’ll be slicing perfect squares of peanut buttery heaven yourself.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This easy peanut butter fudge recipe has a simple, yet perfectly tuned ingredient list. Each one brings its own magic to the fudge, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that addictive peanut butter flavor you want. Plus, I’ll share why creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter are the dream team for this treat.

• Water: Just a tablespoon to keep the parchment paper from slipping around in your pan – such a little trick that makes a big difference.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps the fudge set up with just the right texture; unsalted gives you full control over the salt content.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Make sure it’s creamy and NOT natural or no-stir kinds—these can mess with the smooth texture and sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth, balancing the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar: This is your sweetness and structure all in one—sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures that silky finish.
• M&M’s (optional): Love how these bring a pop of color and a little crunch on top if you’re feeling festive.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this easy peanut butter fudge recipe is how easy it is to tweak! I often play with it depending on the occasion or who I’m making it for. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top after smoothing the fudge really elevates the flavors for me, but there’s so much room to make it truly your own.

• Nutty Upgrade: Sometimes I stir in chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts for a crunch element that pairs so wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate on top after it’s set for that extra rich mouthfeel.
• Diet-Friendly: Use powdered erythritol instead of sugar if you’re aiming for a low-sugar version—I’ve tried it and it works surprisingly well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

I always start by prepping my pan thoroughly. Using the bottom of your 8×8 pan as a template, cut a piece of parchment paper the exact size to help smooth the fudge later and prevent sticking. Then, cut an extra piece long enough to hang over the sides – this makes lifting the fudge out a breeze once it’s set.

Now here’s a kitchen hack: instead of just plopping the parchment in place, pour a tablespoon of water into the pan first. This keeps the parchment from moving around as you work your fudge magic. It’s a tiny step I swear by every single time.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Together

Next, combine your unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 60 seconds—don’t worry if it looks like it’s bubbling a bit. Take it out carefully and stir everything together until it’s a smooth, glossy mix. The warmth and melted butter make this fudge incredibly creamy and easy to mix up powdered sugar in the next step.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor with Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor depth before moving on to the powdered sugar. Add the powdered sugar gradually—about a cup at a time—stirring well between additions. The mixture will thicken as you go, and it’s important to make sure there are no white streaks or lumps. This slow incorporation makes the surface silky smooth and prevents grainy bites in your finished fudge.

Step 4: Pour, Smooth, and Chill

Scrape that heavenly peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge. Now, place your cut piece of parchment on top and gently press or smooth it out to get that classic fudge surface. This parchment “lid” also stops any fridge odors from creeping in while it chills.

Pop your pan into the fridge and chill for about 2 hours. Patience here really pays off—the fudge firms up perfectly and becomes easy to cut without crumbling.

Step 5: Cut and Add Your Signature Touch

After chilling, remove the top parchment. I like to pre-score the fudge with a sharp knife while it’s still in the pan, deciding on the size of pieces upfront. Then, using those overhanging parchment edges, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.

For clean cuts, warm a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice along your score marks. The warmth helps you cut through the fudge without it sticking to the knife or crumbling.

If you want to get festive, now’s the time to press 2-3 red and green M&M’s (or your choice of colorful candy) onto each piece so they stick as the fudge settles.

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my peanut butter fudge with festive M&M’s for holidays or sprinkled crushed peanuts if I want a nice crunch and a little extra nuttiness. A dusting of flaky sea salt on top adds a gourmet touch that really makes the flavors pop. You can even get creative with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this fudge at a gathering, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a dessert plate, I like to add fresh berries or sliced apples for some freshness to cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to stack squares in a pretty box lined with parchment and tie it up with a rustic ribbon. You can also serve the fudge on colorful mini cupcake liners to make each piece feel like a little treasure on your dessert table. At holiday parties, arranging the fudge on a festive platter with nuts and candies sprinkled around makes an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I make this fudge ahead of time, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If my kitchen is warm, I prefer to keep it in the fridge where it lasts a full week without losing that creamy texture. Just remember to bring it back to room temp before serving for the best bite.

Freezing

Freezing this fudge works like a charm! I wrap each fudge piece tightly in plastic wrap then pop them in an airtight freezer bag. They keep well for 2-3 months. When the craving hits, I simply thaw them at room temperature in the bag and voila—fudge that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat fudge since it’s best served cool or at room temp. But if you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can warm a piece in your hand or place it in a warm (not hot!) spot for a bit; microwave reheating is tricky because it can melt unevenly and lose its shape.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is one of those beautiful, simple pleasures that feels like a small celebration every time you take a bite. It’s quick to make, forgiving, and incredibly delicious—perfect for squeezing into busy weeks or for impressing guests with very little effort. I hope when you make it, you enjoy it just as much as I do, whether solo as a cozy treat or shared with friends and family. Trust me, once you’ve got this one down, it will be a staple in your recipe box for good!

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