Peanut Butter Fudge

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

This super rich, extra peanut buttery peanut butter fudge recipe tastes a little like the peanut butter mixture used in buckeye candies, but it’s even thicker and harder to resist. Like my peppermint fudge recipe, peanut butter fudge makes a wonderful and easy edible holiday gift. But, make sure to save enough for yourself to nibble on while wrapping presents. Here’s why you’ll love this decadent fudge:

• Wonderful texture. Even though you should keep the fudge chilled, it will melt in your mouth!
• Short ingredients list. Yes, you need just four ingredients to make this fudge! You can add a little salt, chocolate chips, or nuts if you like, but it’s also fantastic plain and simple.
• If you love peanut butter … You’ll love this fudge! You’ll mix peanut butter and sweet peanut butter chips so you’ll truly be able to taste tons of peanut butter goodness in every bite.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this peanut butter fudge recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.

• Peanut Butter Chips: I used Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips for testing this recipe, and I recommend picking up a package when you make this fudge. They are also gluten free!
• Condensed Milk: I used sweetened condensed milk.
• Peanut Butter: Conventional creamy peanut butter is best here. See my post on Is Peanut Butter Gluten Free? for suggestions on gluten-free peanut butter brands.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before you add it to the fudge mixture to remove any lumps.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Let the photos below guide you through making this peanut butter fudge recipe, then check the recipe card at the end of this post for detailed instructions.

• Mix peanut chips and milk. Stir the peanut butter chips into the condensed milk.
• Melt. Heat the mixture over low heat to melt the chips.

• Add peanut butter. Off the heat, stir in the peanut butter.
• Mix in powdered sugar. Then stir in the sugar until the mixture is very smooth.

• Add to pan. Pour the fudge into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch square baking pan, then chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
• Cut. Slice the fudge into squares and eat right away!

Tips and Variation Ideas

Careful cooking is your secret to success when making fudge! Here are a few more best practices to follow when you make this easy peanut butter fudge recipe:

• Cook on low heat. Always cook fudge over low heat. High heat risks burning the peanut butter chips and ruining the fudge!
• Stir frequently. And, as you cook over low, make sure to constantly stir the fudge mixture. This will help the peanut butter chips to melt fully (this should only take about 5 minutes).
• Use a candy thermometer. To take away any worry about whether the fudge will set properly, rely on a candy thermometer to check the temperature! The ideal setting temperature for fudge is between 237-239°F, so try not to let it heat any higher than 239°F for the best results.
• Chill thoroughly. It’s best to wait 1 hour to allow the fudge to chill completely. You can check the fudge after about 30-40 minutes to see if it’s solid and ready to cut, but to be safe, wait the full hour.
• Add nuts: I love adding salted, roasted peanuts to this fudge for extra depth of flavor and crunch!
• Chocolate peanut butter fudge: Stir in 1 cup of semisweet or mini chocolate chips to the fudge after you have stirred in the peanut butter and powdered sugar (you may need to cool the mixture for a few minutes first so that the chips don’t melt). Or, drizzle homemade easy chocolate glaze over the top of the pan of fudge before you place it in the fridge.
• Sprinkle with flaky salt. For a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the fudge, sprinkle it with flaky salt after adding it to the pan. Or, add a big pinch of salt to the mixture as it’s cooking.

How to Store

• Counter – Place the fudge in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for 1 day. Make sure to store the fudge away from heat or sunlight which could melt the fudge. Only store the fudge on the counter if you plan to eat it within a day.
• Fridge – Place the fudge in an airtight container with a layer of parchment between any layers and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer – Store fudge in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost the fudge in the fridge before serving.

What’s The Easiest Way to Package Fudge For Gifting?

Homemade peanut butter fudge makes a great holiday gift! As noted above, it’s best kept in the fridge to extend its lifespan so if you plan to gift fudge, keep it chilled until you give it away. To package peanut butter fudge, place it in a decorative tin, box, or other festive container with a layer of parchment paper between layers if applicable. Wrap the container with a layer of plastic wrap to keep it airtight, then place the container in the fridge until you give it away.

More Peanut Butter Desserts

• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Buckeyes
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Popcorn Bark