This Peanut Butter Fudge is made with just a few simple ingredients and doesn’t even require a candy thermometer. Perfect for an easy dessert!

Pieces of peanut butter fudge stacked on a gray surface lined with parchment paper.

Do you love peanut butter desserts? I absolutely adore them! A few months ago I shared an easy chocolate fudge recipe that so many of you loved. So today, I’m sharing a peanut butter version that’s just as rich and delicious.

This simple peanut butter fudge is made with just five ingredients – including the vanilla extract and a little salt. It’s also completely no-bake and doesn’t even require a candy thermometer. I prefer to make this on the stove, but you could easily just use a microwave to make it too.

Another thing that I love about this recipe is that I usually have everything on hand to make it. You can even cut this recipe in half to make less or double it to make more.

The ingredients needed to make peanut butter fudge laid out on a rustic gray surface.

Recipe Ingredients

To make this easy peanut butter fudge, you’ll need five ingredients – peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Let’s break down each one: 

  • Peanut Butter: It’s best to use a thick creamy peanut butter. I don’t suggest using natural peanut butter where the oil separates in the container because the fudge may not set up properly.
  • Unsalted Butter: I recommend sticking with unsalted butter since the amount of salt in salted butter can vary quite a bit between different brands. 
  • Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners sugar or icing sugar, this helps to sweeten and thicken the fudge.
  • Vanilla Extract & Salt: The vanilla extract adds a little extra flavor and a tiny pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.

Peanut butter fudge mixed up in a sauce pan.

How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Once you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the fudge. To make it, you’ll melt the butter and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat. I suggest slicing the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces so that it melts faster.

Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then stir in the powdered sugar. It’s best to whisk in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. After the third cup, this mixture will be pretty thick so I recommend stirring in the last 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. You can also sift your powdered sugar if you prefer, but I don’t find it necessary.

Then, scoop the mixture into an 8-inch square pan and press it down into one even layer. To make it easier to remove it from the pan, I suggest lining the pan with parchment paper or foil. Once the fudge is ready, place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours.

Peanut butter fudge cut into pieces on parchment paper.

Once the peanut butter fudge is chilled, you can remove it from the pan and slice it into pieces. I usually slice mine into 36 square pieces, but feel free to slice them smaller or larger.

FAQ’s

Does this need to be refrigerated?

You only need to refrigerate it after you press it into the pan so that it will firm up quickly. Once it’s chilled, you can either store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. 

What’s the best kind of peanut butter to use?

I recommend a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, but crunchy should work fine too. 

Can you freeze it?

Yes, this will freeze well! You can freeze it in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Pieces of Peanut Butter Fudge stacked with the top piece having a bite taken out.

Baking Tips

  • I suggest slicing the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces so that it melts faster.
  • If you want to make this recipe a little easier, you can melt the butter and peanut butter together in the microwave. If you use the microwave, I suggest microwaving the two together in 20-30 second increments, stirring well after each increment, until completely melted and smooth.
  • Make sure to firmly press the mixture into the pan and smooth out the top before placing it in the refrigerator.
  • If the fudge is cold let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so that it’s easier to slice into it.

Video Tutorial

Pieces of Peanut Butter Fudge stacked on a gray surface and parchment paper.

Peanut Butter Fudge

5 from 2 ratings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
This Peanut Butter Fudge is made with just a few simple ingredients and doesn't even require a candy thermometer. Perfect for an easy dessert!

Ingredients

Servings: 36 pieces
  • 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoon-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (250 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • teaspoon salt
  • 3 and ½ cups (420 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
  • Combine the sliced butter and peanut butter in a large saucepan and place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter and peanut butter are melted and the mixture is completely smooth.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Whisk in 1 cup (120 grams) of powdered sugar at a time until well combined, then stir in the last ½ cup (60 grams) of powdered sugar until fully combined and smooth.
  • Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking pan and firmly press it down into one even layer. Smooth out the top, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
  • Once the fudge is firm, slice it into pieces, and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing Instructions: Store in a freezer bag/container in the freezer for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Peanut Butter: I suggest sticking with a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for this recipe.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Danielle Rye
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.