Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for a quick and easy dessert? This Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is made with just four simple ingredients—sugar, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract—creating a rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. With no fancy tools required, it’s a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion. Customize with your favorite peanut butter or add chocolate for extra flavor. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a delicious homemade fudge everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or extra crunchy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Boil Sugar & Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk. Heat over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth, non-gritty texture.
- Add Peanut Butter & Vanilla: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the fudge mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it sets completely—usually 1-2 hours.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the fudge has firmed up, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Chocolate: For a chocolate-peanut butter twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the fudge or swirl it in before setting.
- Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the mixture for extra texture.
- Sweeteners: Swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dessert, Sweet Treat
- Method: No-bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With just a few ingredients, this fudge comes together in no time.
- No Fancy Tools: You don’t need a candy thermometer or special equipment, just a pan and a spoon.
- Customizable: Use your favorite peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) for different textures.
- Delicious: Rich, creamy, and peanut buttery—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter (extra crunchy works great!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Boil Sugar & Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk. Heat over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is important for a smooth, non-gritty texture.
- Add Peanut Butter & Vanilla: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it sets completely—usually 1-2 hours.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once the fudge is firm, cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 16 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Chocolate: For a chocolate-peanut butter combination, swirl in some melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Add Nuts: If you like extra crunch, chop up some peanuts or add other nuts to the fudge before setting it.
- Sweeteners: You can experiment with using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a more natural sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: This fudge freezes well for up to 3 months. Just cut into squares and store in a freezer-safe container.
FAQs
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can! Smooth peanut butter will give the fudge a creamier texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds more texture and bite.
How can I make this fudge less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the consistency of the fudge.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes, feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative, though the flavor may vary slightly.
How long will this fudge last?
This fudge can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate to this fudge?
Yes, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or mix it in with the peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter swirl.
Can I make this fudge without a stove?
This recipe requires cooking the sugar and milk to dissolve the sugar, so a stove is needed for this step.
What type of peanut butter works best?
You can use creamy or extra crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference, but extra crunchy peanut butter adds more texture.
How can I make the fudge firmer?
Allow the fudge to set longer in the fridge. If you want a firmer texture, you can add a bit more sugar.
How do I prevent the fudge from becoming too soft?
Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved during the boiling step, and be sure to let it cool and set properly in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger baking dish to make more fudge.
Conclusion
This Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making it for a quick treat or a holiday gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. The creamy peanut butter and smooth texture make it irresistible, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes.