Peanut Butter Fudge is easily made with only 4 ingredients, no candy thermometer needed! This easy fudge recipe is made with peanut butter, sugar, milk and vanilla extract- that’s it!
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is one of my favorite fudge recipes because it is one of the easiest fudges to make and I always have the ingredients on hand. And unlike many other fudge recipes, this one does not require a ton of stirring or attention to the exact temperature of the fudge. All you have to do is set a timer and let the mixture boil for 2.5 minutes and then it’s ready to pour in the pan!
How long does fudge take to set up?
This fudge recipe sets up fairly quickly as well. I usually wait at least a couple of hours before slicing, but it seems to be nearly completely set up after only about an hour.
What kind of peanut butter to use in Peanut Butter Fudge?
I always make this recipe with regular creamy peanut butter and it works perfectly for achieving that smooth, fudgy texture. If you like a bit of crunch and texture, I think that crunchy peanut butter would work really well in this recipe too. Use a regular peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for best results – I have found that more natural peanut butters (the ones where the oil is separated out) usually don’t work as well in baking, most likely because they tend to be a little bit runnier.
Ingredients in Peanut Butter Fudge
-sugar
-milk
-vanilla extract
-peanut butter
How to make Peanut Butter Fudge
Prepare an 8X8 (or 9X9) square pan with buttered foil. To do this, cut a piece of foil that is slightly larger than the pan and then spread softened butter on the foil with a spatula or by placing your hand in a plastic bag like a glove and using your fingers to spread the butter on the foil. Press the foil into the pan, butter side up. The foil should come at least most of the way up the sides.
In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 2.5 minutes.
After the 2.5 minutes, remove the mixture from heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Pour into prepared pan and let set for about 1-2 hours before slicing and serving. To slice, just remove the entire foil from the pan and fold the edges down flat. So much easier to slice and serve this way than trying to do it while it’s still in the pan!
Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare an 8X8 (or 9X9) square pan with buttered foil. To do this, cut a piece of foil that is slightly larger than the pan and then spread softened butter on the foil with a spatula or by placing your hand in a plastic bag like a glove and using your fingers to spread the butter on the foil. Press the foil into the pan, butter side up. The foil should come at least most of the way up the sides.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 2.5 minutes.
- After the 2.5 minutes, remove the mixture from heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Pour into prepared pan and let set for about 1-2 hours before slicing and serving. To slice, just remove the entire foil from the pan and fold the edges down flat. So much easier to slice and serve this way than trying to do it while it’s still in the pan!
Nutrition
Can you freeze fudge?
Yes! Freezing fudge is easy. Just double wrap it in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store it in an airtight container. Will stay fresh for 3 months. Thaw and cut into squares to serve.
How long does Fudge last?
If stored in an airtight container on the countertop, fudge will stay good for about a week. It does slowly dry out, so I recommend enjoying it within 4-5 days.
Enjoy Easy Holiday Candy recipes? Here are more we love:
- Easy Oreo Balls
- Buckeye Balls Candy
- Saltine Cracker Toffee recipe
- Tiger Butter Fudge
- Easy Chocolate Peppermint Patties
- Raspberry Jelly Candy
- Easy Mint Chocolates
- Chocolate Raspberry Sticks
- Homemade Almond Joy Bars
- Microwave Pumpkin Spiced Caramels
- Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
- Martha Washington Candy (Coconut Pecan Truffles)
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles
Peanut Butter Fudge is made with only 4 ingredients, no candy thermometer needed! This easy fudge recipe is made with peanut butter, sugar, milk and vanilla extract- that’s it!
Wayne says
All your recipes are great I love your style. Great job and thank you.
Jessica says
Thanks Wanyne! I appreciate your kindness!
Debbie says
This recipe is the best “no-fail” type of peanut butter fudge recipe that I have found. Awesome recipe!
Alison says
Thank you so much Debbie!
Karen says
Was looking for the recipe that was similar to what I remember as a child . This is it! It turned out great.
Bruce says
I’m having trouble getting this to set up. After like 3 hrs it’s still basically liquid, great taste but what am I doing wrong?
Nellie says
Not sure why it didn’t set up for you? Did you use a more natural type of peanut butter? Maybe put in the refrigerator to see if it sets up there?
Lori Thayer says
Is it granulated sugar or confectioner sugar?
Nellie says
Just regular granulated sugar!
Kristine says
This is amazing! How would you add chocolate to it?
Jessica says
You could stir in some chocolate chips!
Robin L Watson says
This fudge is awesome!!! I did a double batch and gave one to my roommates so they wouldn’t come after mine. So simple, which I like. Thanks for sharing
Brittany LaFarr says
My Grandmothers recipe includes a tablespoon or 2 of cocoa in with the sugar to have a hunt of chocolate taste!!
Alison says
I love that Brittany! Grandmothers always know best!
Sandi D. says
Hi just made this recipe and we are waiting to eat it! but we licked the spoon and it was awesome. My questions is can you make choclate fudge using chips and not using the P.B.. Don’t want to make it till I have heard from you. Thank you.
Jessica says
Not sure if the consistency would work out if you didn’t use peanut butter.
Shelia Hunt says
Nice! This is the recipe I grew up with and had been looking for here on Pinterest. It was easy to make. Thanks!
Cassie says
This recipe is super easy and tastes just like my Great Grandma’s, who passed away two years ago. I’m so looking forward to making boxes of fudge for my sisters and parents this year.
I will say that it really needs to be at a rolling boil to set properly. I left it out on the counter last time I made this, but I’m wondering if it would set up faster in the fridge. Too afraid to have it go wrong by putting it in the fridge to set, so please let me know if others turned out fine.
Brenda says
Followed recipe exactly and mine turnd out thick and grainy
Nellie says
So sorry it didn’t turn out for you! Sounds like maybe it boiled too long? What kind of peanut butter did you use? More “natural” peanut butters tend to be problematic in many recipes and that may have an effect as well.
Beth says
This is a super easy recipe that tastes delicious! I’ve made it several times already. Turns out perfect every time. Thanks for sharing!!
Mary Poelker says
I’ve never made peanut butter fudge. This recipe is so easy and delicious! Is looking at other recipes and their comments, and almost gave up until I found this one. My family loved it and I’m making another batch tomorrow to take to a relative. Thanks!!!!
Cheryl says
Awesome recipe, thank you. For sharing!
Delilah Ballard says
I love this recipe so much that I have memorized the picture and the name so that I know I Picked this recipe. It comes out grainy sometimes but tbh that is my fault for not following the directions fully. I love that it is only 4 ingredients and is very easy to acquire those ingredients.
Alison says
Thank you Delilah! I’m so glad you love this recipe!
Sherri Lynn Br says
👍👍
Krissy says
Does it matter what type of milk you use – whole, 1%, 2%?
Jessica says
Nope- I’ve even used almond milk!
Mim says
Great recipe! But you must use regular peanut butter and regular name brand sugar. If not it gets gritty and won’t set up right. I also like to use flavorful chips after it’s boiled. Just a cup and a quick stir and pour into prepared dish.
Jessica says
Sounds so good Mim!
Melinda Crothers says
I just made this fudge recipe and it is delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Renee Leveque says
Easy, delicious, and no fancy ingredients. Thank you for sharing! I had this recipe on e before but forgot where I put it. So glad to have it back again!
Treva says
It came out crumbly and hardened in the pan as I was stirring it ! And I followed all directions to a T , and boiled the 2.5 minutes it said ! Not sure why it did This
Nellie says
Yikes, I’m not sure what happened either! It sounds like it cooked too much, so maybe try a little less time next time? What kind of peanut butter did you use?