If you’re craving a delightfully rich and irresistible treat, this Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With a perfectly smooth texture and that classic peanut butter flavor, it’s the kind of fudge that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: Just a handful of classic ingredients come together in minutes for a magic fudge experience.
- No Cooking Required: Skip the stovetop fuss—this recipe is microwaved and chilled, perfect for quick prep and delicious results.
- Customizable Flavor: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or crunchy peanuts to make it truly your own.
- Perfect Texture: Smooth, creamy, and just the right balance of sweet and salty that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe keeps things simple but flavorful. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the rich buttery smoothness or the sweetness from the confectioners’ sugar, creating a fudge that has that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds silky richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving a warm, inviting scent and taste.
- Confectioners’ sugar (sifted): Key for sweetness and that classic fudge firmness.
- Optional salt: Just a pinch to make the sweet and salty notes dance beautifully.
- Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, peanuts, or even chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups take this fudge to the next level.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the joys of this Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, the base recipe lends itself beautifully to all kinds of tweaks.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Gently swirl melted chocolate into the fudge mixture before chilling for a marbled effect and extra decadence.
- Crunchy Nut Lover’s: Fold in chopped roasted peanuts or almonds for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use powdered sugar alternatives to make a vegan-friendly fudge.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and add caramel bits for a sweet and salty delight.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting out the fudge a breeze once it’s set up, so no sticky fingers or struggling to cut clean squares!
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and sliced unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This step is key to achieving that luscious creamy texture that makes this fudge irresistible.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Remove the melted mixture from the microwave and stir in pure vanilla extract and salt if you like a hint of salty sweetness. Then, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Stir vigorously until everything combines into a thick dough-like consistency. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in while it’s still warm for a perfect blend.
Step 4: Press and Chill
Press the fudge mixture evenly into your lined pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing it to set firm and develop that perfect sliceable texture.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Use Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter melts more evenly, ensuring a flawless fudge texture every time.
- Don’t Skip Sifting Sugar: Sifting the confectioners’ sugar prevents lumps and gives your fudge the silkiest finish.
- Microwave in Intervals: Stirring every minute while melting keeps the mixture from overheating or separating.
- Let It Chill Fully: Patience is key—give the fudge enough time to firm up so you get perfect, clean-cut squares.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Top your fudge squares with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped roasted peanuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top adds a stunning finish and a hint of decadence that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate to balance its sweetness. Serve alongside fruit slices like apple or pear for a refreshing sweetness contrast, or offer some crunchy pretzels for a salty-sweet snack combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut fudge into bite-sized cubes and stack them in a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, arrange squares on a decorative platter with small bowls of assorted nuts and candies to make a festive dessert board everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay perfectly delicious for up to one week, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
This fudge freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual pieces in parchment or wax paper, place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you want to soften the fudge a bit, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave or let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This brings back that irresistibly creamy texture without melting it completely.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this fudge?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your fudge, giving delightful little bursts of peanut pieces in each bite. Just be aware it might slightly change the smoothness of the final texture.
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Do I have to use the microwave to melt the ingredients?
While microwave melting is super quick and convenient, you can melt the butter and peanut butter gently on a double boiler if you prefer. Just be careful not to overheat, as the mixture can separate.
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How long does the fudge need to chill before cutting?
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the fudge to firm up properly. For best results, chilling overnight ensures clean cutting and perfect texture.
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What add-ins work best in this peanut butter fudge?
Classic options include chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. You can also get creative with mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secrets to this ultra-smooth, dreamy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, it’s time to get mixing! Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this fudge is sure to become a beloved staple in your treats repertoire. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again to share with friends and family.
PrintCreamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
This classic Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a creamy, rich treat made with just a few simple ingredients. It combines smooth peanut butter, butter, and confectioners’ sugar for a thick, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly sweetened with vanilla and optionally salted or customized with mix-ins like chocolate chips or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this no-cook fudge is easy to prepare and sets in the refrigerator for hours. Ideal for dessert lovers and peanut butter fans alike, it yields 48 delightful squares to share or savor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 48 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups (460g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup add-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanuts, or Reese’s Peanut Butter cups
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out once set.
- Melt the butter and peanut butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and sliced butter. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring well between each session until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Add flavor and sugar: Remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt for a salty-sweet balance. Then, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture is thick and dough-like.
- Incorporate add-ins (optional): Fold in any add-ins such as chocolate chips, peanuts, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups while the fudge mixture is still warm to evenly distribute them.
- Press and chill: Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly and smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or spatula. The surface may appear slightly oily. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve and store: Once firm, lift the fudge out using the foil overhang and cut into 48 squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
- Sifting confectioners’ sugar prevents lumps and ensures a silky fudge.
- Add-ins can be customized or omitted based on preference.
- If you prefer salted fudge, add the optional 1/4 teaspoon salt; otherwise, omit.
- Using aluminum foil overhang makes removing fudge from the pan easier.
- Chilling time is essential for the fudge to set properly; do not rush this step.
- Store fudge in the refrigerator as it contains butter and peanut butter which can soften at room temperature.
