Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Need an easy peanut butter fudge recipe? This fudge recipe with butter, sugar, peanut butter, and the right amount of vanilla is not only the easiest homemade peanut butter fudge you will make but is also so rich and decadent just a small slice will satisfy every dessert craving you have!

As far as this peanut butter fudge goes, make sure you watch my video as I talk you through this super easy recipe!

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (1)

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Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

When I think of desserts, especially desserts for a crowd, I always think of fallbacks like cakes, cookies, and trifles. But fudge is SO easy to make, and a little goes so far.

Fudge makes a delicious food gift and takes almost no time at all to make. Is this the easiest peanut butter fudge recipe ever? Could be!

Of course, one dessert recipe is never good enough, so before you go, make sure you check out one of these amazing recipe ideas!

  1. Blueberry Breakfast Cake
  2. Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
  3. Funfetti Dip
  4. Fruit Salad Fluff
  5. Cheesecake Bars

Are you looking for chocolate fudge?

Try my Easy Fudge Recipe that has decadent, rich chocolate!

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Let’s get started on making this oh-so-easy peanut butter fudge!

I made this again recently and gave some to neighbors (cause what are neighbors for!), and the grandmother of one of my neighbors specifically said it was the best peanut butter fudge she has had in 60 years!!

I also dropped some on my husband’s work desk, and he later texted me, “OMG! THAT’S DANGEROUS, NO MORE!”

Suffice it to say, this fudge is rich and delicious with just a few simple ingredients (that you probably have in your pantry already)

  • 1/2 cup, 1 stick, butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butterEasy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Common Peanut Butter Fudge Questions

  1. How long will peanut butter fudge last? Approximately 2 weeks in the fridge sealed up or 1 week on the counter.
  2. Should you refrigerate your fudge? Many people say fudge is best left on the counter so it’s not dry (sealed). HOWEVER, if you have a hot environment, fudge can melt. So, this question’s answer changes depending on how or where you are storing it. In my house, the kitchen is right near the back door, which puts out a lot of heat, so I prefer to put mine in the fridge. However you store it, make sure its airtight as it’s the air that dries it out.

Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge

Line an 8×8 square baking panEasy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (3) with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepanEasy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (4) over medium-low heat.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (5)

Add brown sugar and half and half and heat on medium, stirring constantly.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (6)

The mixture will begin to boil; when that happens, start the time for 2 minutes.

Boil for two minutes as the mixture begins to bubble and rise in the pan.

Continue to stir.

After 2 minutes, remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (7)

Place 2.5 cups of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and add the peanut butter mixture.

Powdered sugar can be really hard to get just right with its fluffy nature. Beat the sugar and peanut butter until combined well.

You can adjust the consistency slightly, adding a few tablespoons of sugar at a time if needed to smooth out.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (8)
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (9)

Pour your fudge mixture into your prepared pan and press gently with the back of a spoon to even out.

I tried a metal spoon, wooden spoon, and spatula and liked the wooden spoon for the most, even top.

Honestly, fingers work really well to smooth also (just clean ones!)

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (10)

Freeze your peanut butter fudge for at least one hour or set in the fridge overnight before cutting.

TIP: When I made the video, I needed the fudge quickly and put it in the freezer for an hour. It set pretty quickly.

To remove the fudge from the pan, lift the foil out of the pan and peel away from the fudge.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (11)

Place onto a cutting board and cut into 36 squares.

There will be a few cracks on the edges, and you can easily discard those.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (12)

Because peanut butter is sensitive to heat, I keep my fudge in a sealed container in the fridge when not serving.

Makes 36 squares (depending on how you cut)

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (13)

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (14)

4.66 from 83 votes

click the stars to rate!

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Author Trisha Haas – Salty Side Dish


Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 day d 10 minutes mins

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe! This fudge recipe with butter, sugar, peanut butter and the right amount of vanilla is not only the easiest homemade peanut butter fudge you will make, but is also so rich and decadent just a small slice will satisfy every dessert craving you have!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick, butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 square baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Once melted, go to next step.

  • Add brown sugar and half and half to your melted butter sauce pan and heat on medium, stirring constantly.

  • Brown sugar/butter Mixture will begin to boil and when that happens, start the time for 2 minutes.

  • Boil for two minutes, as mixture will begin to bubble and rise in the pan. Continue to stir.

  • After 2 minutes. remove from heat.

  • Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

  • Place powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and add hot peanut butter mixture.

  • Mix peanut butter fudge until combined well.

  • Pour fudge into prepared pan and press gently with the back of a spoon to even top.

  • If you need fudge to be served quickly, put in freeze for an hour before cutting or place in fridge for 2 hours or overnight (for best set)

  • To remove peanut butter fudge from pan, lift foil out of pan and peel away from the fudge.

  • Place fudge onto a cutting board and cut into 36 squares.

  • Store fudge in air tight container in the fridge

Video

Notes

  • STORAGE: in the video i stated that I put mine in the fridge, and we do because we live in the south and its very hot here….but having in the fridge too long can dry out if not completely sealed so if you live in an even tempered environment, its best in an air tight container on the counter.

Nutrition

Serving: 36slices | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 59mg | Sugar: 19g

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.

Did You Make This Recipe?

Make sure to follow Salty Side Dish on Pinterest and rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!

4.66 from 83 votes

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (15)
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

Why didn t my peanut butter fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

How do you know when fudge is beaten enough? ›

After letting the fudge cool, it's time to beat it. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould.

How do you keep fudge creamy? ›

So, the key to smooth yet firm fudge, pralines, and fondant is to first bring the mixture to a high enough concentration and then let it cool off somewhat before starting to stir. And once you do start to stir, stir fanatically and without stopping for the finest, creamiest texture.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

Why won t my peanut butter fudge get hard? ›

Fudge Didn't Set

If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough. This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).

Can you redo fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 4) If you think the reason it didn't set was because you didn't heat it to the right temperature, you could try putting it back into the pan and re-cooking.

What can I make with fudge that didn't set? ›

As for what you can do with it if you don't want to start over: My favorite uses are as hot fudge topping or dissolve it in water or milk for luxurious hot chocolate. I had an issue with my fudge coming out (after setting overnight) the same consistency as what you put over an ice cream sundae.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Why is my peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly? ›

If it doesn't boil, your fudge will end up too mushy, and if it cooks for too long, you'll end up with a dry, crumbly mess. This is why many recipes recommend using a candy thermometer, so you know exactly when to remove your mixture from the heat.

How do you keep peanut butter fudge from getting grainy? ›

If the sugar crystals are not properly dissolved before cooling, they can create a gritty texture. To avoid this, ensure that you stir the fudge mixture consistently and remove any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan using a wet pastry brush.

What happens if you over stir fudge? ›

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

What happens if you beat fudge too early? ›

This fudge was beaten immediately after cooking, while it was still very hot. Its crystals are so big that it has practically reverted back to a sugar state! What happened? Beating the syrup caused the formation of crystallization nuclei, anchor points to which sugar molecules attach to form crystals.

When should you not make fudge? ›

Humidity can cause fudge to boil over in the pan or stay soft when set, so try to avoid working on humid days if at all possible. If waiting for a less humid day isn't feasible, you'll need to boil your fudge at a slightly higher temperature than usual — or just order some delicious fudge from Wockenfuss!

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

How do you keep fudge smooth? ›

If the sugar crystals are not properly dissolved before cooling, they can create a gritty texture. To avoid this, ensure that you stir the fudge mixture consistently and remove any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan using a wet pastry brush.

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