Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge arrives as a refined confection: smooth, satiny, and unabashedly peanut-forward. This pared-back recipe transforms pantry staples into a glossy slab of fudge with a delicate snap and melt-in-the-mouth interior. For a complementary treat with chocolate depth, consider a pairing suggestion from our piece on chocolate peanut butter protein bars, which echoes the same nutty elegance.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant — Minimal hands-on time creates a sophisticated candy with museum-worthy simplicity.
- Minimal Ingredients — Pantry staples assemble into complex flavor without fuss.
- Impressive Flavor — Creamy peanut butter balanced by powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla yields depth beyond ordinary no-bake sweets.
This recipe elevates common elements through attention to texture and temperature: gently warmed butter and peanut butter create a glossy emulsion, while careful folding of powdered sugar preserves a fine, silky mouthfeel rather than a grainy finish.
Ingredients:
Base
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (soft but not melted)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 g) creamy peanut butter, smooth and at room temperature
Sweetener
- 3 1/2–4 cups (420–480 g) sifted powdered sugar — sifted to avoid lumps
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt (if using unsalted butter)
Topping (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts, toasted and cooled
Precision notes: butter and peanut butter at room temperature blend more evenly; sift the powdered sugar for a silkier texture; toast peanuts briefly until aromatic.
How to Make Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Prepare the pan: line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang to lift the fudge easily. Lightly grease the parchment for a mirror finish.
- Mini-tip: chilling the pan briefly will speed final set-up.
- Warm and marry fats: in a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in the peanut butter until the mixture is homogeneous and warm to the touch — it should be smooth and spreadable, not bubbling.
- Sensory cue: the aroma will turn rich and nutty; the surface becomes satiny.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: transfer the warm peanut-butter mixture to a large bowl. Add 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar and stir slowly until nearly combined; add more sugar in small increments until the mixture holds its shape but remains pliable. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Mini-tip: use a paddle attachment or sturdy spatula. Overmixing can warm the mixture and alter texture.
- Press and finish: scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top until glossy; scatter flaky sea salt or chopped peanuts while the surface is still tacky.
- Sensory cue: a firm press leaves a clean, glossy top that will set to a delicate snap.
- Chill and slice: refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until fully set. Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into neat squares with a warm, sharp knife for clean edges.
- Mini-tip: warm the knife under hot water, dry it, and slice in a single steady motion to avoid crumbling.
How to Serve Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge:
Serve squares on a slate board for contrast, spacing them to showcase the glossy finish and sprinkled salt. Pair with thin shards of dark chocolate or a small dish of roasted nuts for texture contrast. For a themed dessert tray, offset the fudge with miniature cookies or fruit compote — see a playful seasonal idea in our feature on Halloween peanut butter cups for presentation inspiration.
How to Store Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Room temperature: keep in an airtight container layered with parchment for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: store airtight for up to 2 weeks; allow pieces to sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
- Freezing: freeze individual squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
To maintain a glossy surface, avoid excess moisture; always use parchment or wax paper between layers.
Tips to Make Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Use high-quality creamy peanut butter with a pronounced roasted aroma for depth.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent graininess and to preserve a silky texture.
- Press evenly and chill thoroughly; partial chilling can cause soft, crumbly pieces.
- Warm your knife between cuts for precise edges and fewer crumbs.
Variation (if any):
- Chocolate-swirl: melt 3 oz dark chocolate and ripple into the pressed mixture, then swirl with a skewer for a marbled finish.
- Salted-caramel ribbon: drizzle a thin line of soft caramel across the top before chilling.
- Nut-free: substitute sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly, equally creamy result.
FAQs:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds pleasant texture but will slightly alter the smooth, satin mouthfeel; chop additional peanuts coarsely if you prefer uniform crunch.
Why does my fudge taste gritty?
Grittiness often comes from unsifted powdered sugar or insufficient mixing. Sift the sugar and fold gently until just combined to maintain a smooth texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Replace butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a vegan-friendly powdered sugar; the technique remains the same.
Conclusion
Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge proves that restraint yields refinement: a handful of thoughtful steps transforms humble ingredients into a polished, sophisticated confection. Its glossy surface, buttery aroma, and balanced sweetness make it ideal for gifting, entertaining, or a composed dessert platter. Share your thoughts and photos in the comments and spread the recipe if it inspires your table. For the original inspiration and a classic reference, see the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. How would you make this dish your own?
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Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refined peanut butter fudge that is smooth, satiny, and packed with peanut flavor, using minimal ingredients for an effortless yet elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (360 g) creamy peanut butter, smooth and at room temperature
- 3 1/2–4 cups (420–480 g) sifted powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts, toasted and cooled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang to lift the fudge easily, and lightly grease the parchment.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until glossy, then whisk in the peanut butter until smooth and warm to the touch.
- Transfer the warm mixture to a large bowl, add 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar, and stir slowly; add more sugar in small increments until the mixture holds its shape but remains pliable. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top, scattering flaky sea salt or chopped peanuts while the surface is still tacky.
- Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until fully set, then lift the fudge from the pan and slice into neat squares with a warm knife.
Notes
To maintain a glossy surface, avoid excess moisture and use parchment paper between layers when storing. For a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg