This Old-Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter will allow you to make delicious and perfect Peanut Butter Fudge in 10 minutes tops! We think it’s the easiest Peanut Butter Fudge ever, as well as the best Peanut Butter Fudge recipe. How do you make peanut butter fudge? Just follow along and we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process.
What You’ll Need
Below is a list of equipment and ingredients that you’ll need to make foolproof peanut butter fudge recipe.
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Parchment paper
8×8” baking pan
saucepan
mixing bowl
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Ingredients:
brown sugar
butter
milk
peanut butter
vanilla
powdered sugar
How to Store Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
Here are our make-ahead and storage instructions. Peanut butter fudge made with our recipe below needs to be placed in the refrigerator initially because the cold temperatures will help it set up.
After it is set up, it can be cut and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love this peanut butter fudge, including the fact that it’s okay if you don’t know how to make peanut butter fudge without a thermometer. Here’s our list.
Easy. This recipe is seriously one of the easiest recipes you’ll find for making peanut butter fudge tasty. It requires just a few basic ingredients as well as the fact that it’s so simple to put together. You can literally make it in 5 minutes, from start to finish.
Great gift. Peanut butter fudge makes a great gift for anyone who likes peanut butter. It’s one of the perfect edible gifts, perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Fathers’ Day, Mothers’ Day, and any occasion. You’ll enjoy making it as a homemade gift for friends and family. Some have affectionally given it the name Christmas peanut butter fudge.
Length of storage. Peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for long term storage. If you want to make it ahead, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months if sealed in an airtight container. It’s even delicious when eaten straight from the freezer.
Versatile. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile. It is naturally gluten free, can be made dairy free using coconut oil, and can be customized according to any mix-ins that you might include. See our list of ideas below.
Variations and Add-ins
Following are some customization ideas as mix-ins & variations for your Peanut Butter Fudge. These should be added to your fudge mixture and mixed in right before you pour it into the square baking pan to set up.
Peanuts, whole or crushed
M&Ms, regular or mini
Oreo cookie crumbs
Caramel drizzle
Chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows
Peanut butter cups
Peanut butter chips
Reeses pieces
Butterfinger candy pieces
Peanut Butter Fudge (pudge) Frequently Asked Questions
Following are recipe tips and recipe FAQs. We trust you’ll find our answers for fudge tips and troubleshooting helpful. If you have further questions about Peanut Butter Fudge tips, please drop them to us in the comments box below.
Can Peanut Butter Fudge be frozen?
Can you freeze peanut butter fudge? Yes, Peanut Butter Fudge freezes very well. Just place your already cut fudge in a zipped freezer bag or airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to three months. You might even enjoy taking out a few pieces and eating them while they’re still frozen.
Why is my homemade peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly?
Typically the number one culprit for dried out fudge is that the sugar didn’t get dissolved enough. If left undissolved, the sugar crystals break up the texture of the fudge and leave it dry and crumbly.
Why is my fudge gritty?
The sugar was not likely fully dissolved, leaving the texture gritty or sandy.
How long will Peanut Butter Fudge last for?
Peanut Butter Fudge can last for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the refrigerator. Your fudge should be stored in an airtight container or zipped food storage bag.
What ingredients do I need?
To make our homemade peanut butter fudge recipe, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, milk, peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
How long will Peanut Butter Fudge last?
Peanut butter fudge won’t last long, if you have people around. It’s seriously addictive. It can last up to 5 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Should I put fudge in the fridge?
Should you refrigerate fudge after making it? After your fudge has set, for best results, your fudge should be stored either at room temperature for short term consumption, or in the freezer for longer term storage. Putting it in the refrigerator after it’s already set up tends to dry it out and make it harder.
How long does it take for fudge to set?
The length of time it takes for fudge to set depends on the recipe ingredients as well as the temperature of your refrigerator. We estimate that it can take 1-2 hours for your fudge to set using the recipe below.
How do you know when the old-fashioned fudge recipe is ready?
If the fudge is firm to the touch, then it has set up and is ready to be cut and enjoyed.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Sure, we use smooth, but you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer crunchy peanut butter fudge.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, you can add mini chocolate chips, regular chocolate chips, or even chocolate chunks. Just mix them in to your fudge before pouring it into the pan. Check out our recipe variations sections for other add-ins you might like to try.
Why do we use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to help control the salt content of your recipe. Salted butter has between 1-2 teaspoons of salt per stick. If you’re not concerned about the salt content of your recipe, feel free to use salted butter and reduce or eliminate any salt that is called for in the recipe.
Why won’t my Peanut Butter Fudge harden?
If your Peanut Butter Fudge won’t harden, it’s likely that it didn’t cook long enough or get hot enough. You can try adding it back to the pan, adding just enough milk to stir it and bringing it to a boil again.
Why is my Peanut Butter Fudge oily on top?
If the butter gets too hot, it can separate and leave an oily layer on top. Fudge is basically an emulsion of butter, milk, and sugar.
Why did my fudge turn into caramel?
This is usually caused by the syrup mixture not reaching the proper temperature before the other ingredients were added. If you want to know how to fix peanut butter fudge that didn’t set, this can be resolved by placing your fudge in the freezer to setup and by storing it in the freezer.
Can you melt fudge?
Fudge can be melted by placing it back in the saucepan, adding a bit of milk and heating it over medium low heat.
What does a pound of fudge look like?
It will be roughly about 1/3 of the pan of fudge made with the recipe below.
Can I make peanut butter fudge without powdered sugar?
Peanut butter fudge without powdered sugar is a possibility, but in our recipe the powdered sugar is a necessity.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you’ll want to make it a least a few hours ahead so that it has time to set up before it’s served. You might also choose to make it farther ahead and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
What should I serve with old fashioned peanut butter fudge?
There are a variety of items that can be served with old fashioned peanut butter fudge. You can serve it with a delicious drink such as Vanilla Iced Coffee, Creamy Hot Chocolate, Sweet Tea, or even Eggnog Frappuccino.
Can I make it without a candy thermometer?
Yes, the recipe doesn’t require the use of a candy thermometer. Rather, according to the recipe instructions overview, it simply requires the mixture to be brought to a boil as indicated in the instructions.
How can you make this Peanut Butter Fudge your own?
The best way to make this recipe your own is to take a look at the list of possible recipe variations and add-ins. You might find some that you’d like to try, or the list might prompt you to think of your own ideas for customization.
How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge – Step By Step Instructions
Following are our step-by-step instructions to make easy homemade peanut butter fudge recipe as well as the ingredients needed for homemade Peanut Butter Fudge. You will heat the mixture and bring it to a boil for two minutes, add some more ingredients, and transfer it to a parchment lined 8×8” square pan to chill and set up to make your small batch peanut butter fudge.
Recommended Equipment
Parchment paper
8×8” baking pan
saucepan
mixing bowl
Ingredients
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup butter
½ cup milk
¾ cup peanut butter
½ tsp vanilla
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar and milk and bring to a boil, stirring consistently. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
4. Add powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Add peanut butter mixture and stir well.
5. Transfer to an 8×8” baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill until set.
Ingredient Notes: To make this recipe dairy free, use coconut milk instead of cow’s milk as a 1:1 substitute.
Nutrition Facts
We estimate that this recipe contains 16 servings. Therefore, the nutrition facts are based on 1/16th of the recipe. Please note that nutrition facts will vary based on the ingredients you use as well as the brand of ingredients that are used. Here are our estimated nutrition facts for our Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe.
Calories 297
Total Fat 12g
Saturated fat 5g
Cholesterol 16mg
Sodium 105mg
Total Carbohydrate 46.7g
Dietary Fiber 0.7g
Total Sugars 44.8g
Protein 3.4g
Recipe Variations:
Following are recipe variations for our easy peanut butter fudge recipe. Want to make it in the microwave, using marshmallow cream, using marshmallows? We’ve got you covered.
All of these recipe variations are for easy peanut butter fudge without condensed milk. If you’re looking for peanut butter fudge with sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar, then let us know.
Easy, microwave peanut butter fudge
To make easy microwave peanut butter fudge, you’ll need 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
This peanut butter fudge no bake is made by melting the butter and peanut butter in the microwave, until both are fully melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes depending on the power of your microwave. Stir in vanilla, salt and powdered sugar until fully mixed. Transfer to parchment paper lined 8×8” baking pan. Press and let cool in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, or until set. Cut, serve, and enjoy.
This is about as close as you’ll get to no cook peanut butter fudge.
Peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream
Making peanut butter fudge with marshmallows or marshmallow cream can be a little more complicated as it requires ingredients to be boiled and monitored by a thermometer until they reach the softball stage, just like you’re making peanut butter candy.
Peanut butter fudge with powdered sugar
Just use our recipe above for delicious homemade, creamy peanut butter fudge made with powdered sugar, or as some refer to it confectioner’s sugar peanut butter fudge.
No butter peanut butter fudge
To make vegan or no butter peanut butter fudge, the challenge will be to successfully emulsify the sugar, milk and butter substitute. Use your favorite 1:1 butter replacement.
Peanut butter fudge without vanilla extract
If you want to make your peanut butter fudge without vanilla extract, you can simply eliminate it or use vanilla paste, almond extract, maple syrup, or honey in its place.
Sugar free peanut butter fudge
To make sugar free peanut butter fudge, use your favorite 1:1 non-sugar sweetener.
Peanut butter fudge no milk
You can make your peanut butter fudge with almond milk, coconut milk or your favorite cow’s milk substitute using a 1:1 replacement ratio.
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Peanut Butter Fudge
Equipment
- parchment paper
- 8×8” baking pan
- saucepan
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and milk and bring to a boil, stirring consistently. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
- Add powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Add peanut butter mixture and stir well.
- Transfer to an 8×8” baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill until set.
Notes
More Candy Recipes:
Amish Peanut Brittle
Salted Caramel Popcorn
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Easy Cake Pops
More Peanut Butter Desserts:
Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Peanut Butter Cookies
Carrots and Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bake
More old-fashioned dessert recipes that will remind you of grandma’s old fashioned peanut butter fudge:
Lemon Bars
Lazy Man’s Peach Cobbler
Banana Split Lasagna
Lemon Supreme Pie
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Rice Pudding
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