My mom made fudge pretty frequently for the holidays, but she had just as many failed batches as overwhelming successes. As I’ve mentioned before, in my chocolate peppermint fudge post, fudge is particularly finnicky when it comes to humidity and other weather conditions.  That’s why this peanut butter fudge is so fabulous. With just five ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a creamy, decadent treat that’ll have everyone begging for your recipe. It’s more forgiving than most, and I’ve never had it fail.
Yes, It’s REALLY 5 Ingredients
One of my favorite things about this fudge recipe is that you only need 5 ingredients to make it. No, really. All you need is:
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Peanut butter
Simple, right? Each ingredient contributes to that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth fudge texture. The sugar provides sweetness and helps create the right crystalline structure, while milk adds creaminess. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, vanilla brings depth of flavor, and peanut butter? Well, it’s the star of the show. You can use whatever brand or type of peanut butter you like – creamy or crunchy. I don’t recommend natural peanut butter for this recipe, though.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll want to:
- Combine sugar and milk in a medium saucepan
- Heat slowly, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, then stop stirring. You want to avoid disrupting the sugar crystals once it starts to boil. Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Set a timer for two and a half minutes.
- When the timer goes off, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the salt, vanilla, and peanut butter with a wooden spoon.
- Continue mixing until everything is combined together and the peanut butter is melted and blended in.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Fudge Take to Set?
Patience is key here! Your fudge will need about 2-3 hours to set completely. While you can technically eat it sooner, waiting allows the fudge to develop that perfect, smooth texture we’re after.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Fudge Last?
Good news for sweet treat lovers: this fudge has some serious staying power! When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it’ll typically last up to two weeks. You can get 3 weeks or so out of it in that same container in the fridge. Just make sure you bring it to room temperature before you eat it – it can be a little hard when it’s cold.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Fudge?
Absolutely! Freezing is a fantastic way to extend its life. Here’s how:
- Cut the fudge into squares
- Layer between pieces of parchment paper
- Store in a freezer-safe container
- It’ll keep for up to 3 months
To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator overnight. I’ve never noticed any change in texture or taste after freezing fudge.
Making It Your Own
One of the great things about fudge is that you can switch things up for something different. For example:
- Swirl in some melted chocolate
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top
Pro Tips For Best Results
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing
- Don’t scrape the sides of the pan when pouring – this can cause sugar crystallization
- Let the fudge come to room temperature before cutting for cleanest squares
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Stick with traditional creamy peanut butter for best results. Natural versions can be too oily, which can keep the fudge from setting.
Q: My fudge is grainy. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if sugar crystalizes during cooking. Use a clean spoon, avoid stirring once boiling, and be careful not to scrape the sides of the pot when you put the fudge into the pan.
Q: My fudge is soft. What could have happened?
A: If the fudge didn’t set up, that usually means it didn’t reach the right temperature during cooking. Was it at a full rolling boil, like the picture, when you started the timer? Try using a candy thermometer and aim for 235 degrees Fahrenheit for proper setting.
This peanut butter fudge is more than just a dessert – it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re treating yourself, hosting a party, or looking for a homemade gift, this recipe is your secret weapon.
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
Instructions
- Combine the granulated sugar and milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir it just until the sugar is incorporated into the milk, then leave it alone.
- When the mixture comes to a boil (as soon as you start seeing consistent bubbles), stop stirring and start a timer for about 2 and a half minutes.
- After 2 and a half minutes, remove the pot from the heat.
- Quickly add the salt, vanilla and peanut butter.
- Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon just until the peanut butter is melted and mixed throughout, a minute or two.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
- Put the pan on a cooling rack to set and cool completely. It usually takes a couple of hours.
- Cut into 16 pieces and store in an airtight container.
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