Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: Silky Sweet Bliss

Creamy, decadent peanut butter fudge brings sweet memories flooding back to childhood kitchens.

Chocolate lovers understand the magic of rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats that comfort and delight.

Smooth textures and intense flavors make this dessert irresistible for anyone seeking a quick indulgence.

Simple ingredients combine into a luxurious confection that requires minimal effort.

Soft, velvety squares promise pure satisfaction with each delectable bite.

Such a classic dessert deserves a special place in your recipe collection.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible, foolproof confection that will become your new favorite sweet treat.

Why Peanut Butter Fudge Is Always A Favorite

Why Peanut Butter Fudge Is Always A Favorite
  • Conquer Quick Treats: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for novice bakers and sweet lovers.
  • Customize Your Craving: Easily adapt the fudge by adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or alternative toppings to match personal taste preferences and create a unique treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, creamy peanut butter flavor that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Skip complicated baking steps with this straightforward recipe that uses a microwave and refrigeration, saving time and reducing kitchen mess while guaranteeing delicious results.

Ingredients Needed For Peanut Butter Fudge

For the Fudge Base:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides the primary flavor and rich texture of the fudge.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the fudge and helps bind the ingredients together for a firm texture.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavors of the fudge.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Chocolate Chips, Chopped Peanuts: Provide additional crunch, texture, and visual appeal to the finished fudge.

How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt Buttery Base

Combine peanut butter and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the mixture becomes completely smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Create Smooth Fudge Mixture

Gradually whisk powdered sugar into the melted butter mixture. Stir vigorously to eliminate any lumps and create a uniform, silky consistency.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the fudge base, ensuring a rich and balanced taste.

Step 5: Spread and Decorate

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface. Optional: Sprinkle toppings

  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped peanuts

Gently press the toppings into the fudge to ensure they stick.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours or until it becomes completely firm and set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into small, bite-sized squares.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week, maintaining its rich and creamy texture.

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Fudge

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Select High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, creamy peanut butter and real unsalted butter for the most luxurious fudge texture and authentic flavor.
  • Prevent Sugar Clumping: Sift powdered sugar before adding to the mixture to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Control Microwave Melting: Heat butter and peanut butter gently in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid scorching and maintain a perfect blend.
  • Add Creative Toppings: Experiment with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or sea salt to elevate the fudge's visual appeal and add delightful crunch.
  • Chill for Perfect Texture: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to help fudge set completely, creating that classic firm yet creamy mouthfeel.

Peanut Butter Fudge Twists You Can Try

  • Almond Butter Classic: Swap peanut butter with smooth almond butter for a nutty alternative with lower saturated fat and subtle flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use powdered coconut sugar instead of traditional powdered sugar, creating a plant-based friendly option.
  • Keto-Friendly Edition: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, maintaining low-carb requirements while preserving creamy texture.
  • No-Nut Chocolate Fudge: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and add extra dark chocolate chips for individuals with nut allergies, delivering similar rich taste and smooth consistency.

Pairing Ideas For Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Elevate Flavor Companions: Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pairings
  • Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Dark roast Colombian coffee complements the rich, sweet fudge with robust chocolate undertones, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing nutty peanut butter notes.
  • Dessert Wine Harmony: Select a sweet port or moscato wine, which balances the fudge's intense sweetness and provides a luxurious drinking experience that highlights the chocolate's depth.
  • Contrast with Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside tart raspberries or fresh strawberry slices to create a palate-cleansing contrast, adding brightness that refreshes between rich fudge bites and preventing flavor fatigue.

How To Store Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Preserve freshness by storing fudge in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers, keeping it cool for up to 7 days.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Keep fudge in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, maintaining quality for 3-4 days if your kitchen stays cool.
  • Transfer frozen fudge to refrigerator overnight, allowing gradual defrosting and preserving its creamy consistency.

Peanut Butter Fudge FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

  • Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

No, this fudge recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer. The microwave method makes it simple and foolproof for home cooks.

  • Is it possible to make this fudge without powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is crucial for the right texture and sweetness. Substituting it might change the consistency and result of the fudge.

  • How do I prevent my fudge from being too soft or too hard?

Follow the recipe precisely, use room temperature ingredients, and ensure you refrigerate it for the recommended 2-3 hours to achieve the perfect fudge consistency.

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Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy, rich Peanut Butter Fudge delivers a nostalgic dessert experience that melts smoothly on your palate. Sweet memories of homemade treats come alive with each luxurious, chocolate-swirled bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 2 cups peanut butter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

optional ingredients:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

garnish:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and unsalted butter, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, stirring vigorously to eliminate any lumps and create a uniform mixture.
  4. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the fudge base.
  5. Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
  6. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over the top, gently pressing them into the fudge.
  7. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until the fudge becomes firm and set.
  8. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
  9. Slice into small squares, creating bite-sized pieces perfect for serving.
  10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, enjoying the rich, creamy texture.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality creamy peanut butter for the most indulgent and smooth fudge texture.
  • Sift powdered sugar before mixing to prevent unexpected lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for different nutty variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 291
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 36 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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