Easy 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge (No Bake & Foolproof!)

Peanut butter fudge is rich, creamy, and packed with bold peanut butter flavor.

It’s incredibly easy to make with just four simple ingredients.

No baking, no candy thermometer, and no complicated steps.

This foolproof recipe delivers smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge every time.

It’s perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you’re craving a quick, homemade treat.

Plus, it makes a great edible gift that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 4 Simple Ingredients

This peanut butter fudge keeps it simple.

You only need butter, peanut butter, salt, and powdered sugar.

No hard-to-find ingredients or complicated steps.

Just melt, mix, and set.

Quick and Easy to Make

It takes 10 minutes to prepare.

No waiting around for hours.

Once mixed, the fudge just needs 1 hour to chill before it’s ready to slice and enjoy.

No Special Equipment Required

You won’t need a candy thermometer or any other specialized tools.

A microwave or stovetop is all it takes to melt the ingredients.

If you can stir, you can make this fudge.

Customizable with Add-Ins

This recipe is a great base for experimenting.

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed cookies for extra texture.

You can even layer it with chocolate fudge for a Buckeye-style treat.

Ingredients Needed

Basic Ingredients

This peanut butter fudge requires just four simple ingredients:

• 1¼ cups (283.75 g) unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups (338 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4½ cups (510 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins for Customization

You can customize this fudge with extra flavors and textures.

Try mixing in or topping with:

• Chocolate chips – Stir in before setting for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Chopped nuts – Add crunch with peanuts, almonds, or pecans.
• Crushed cookies – Oreos or graham crackers add texture and sweetness.
• Mini marshmallows – Fold in for a fluffier, chewy bite.
• Sea salt flakes – Sprinkle on top for a sweet-salty balance.

These additions can be mixed into the fudge or sprinkled on top before chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This peanut butter fudge comes together quickly with two easy methods: microwave or stovetop.

Follow the steps below for a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

• Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter.
• For thinner fudge, use a 9-inch square pan instead.

Microwave Method

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and peanut butter.
2. Cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splatters.
3. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave for another 2 minutes.
4. Remove from the microwave and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, stirring until completely smooth.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

Stovetop Method

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
4. Add sifted powdered sugar in batches, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.

Once set, cut into small squares and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Peanut Butter

Not all peanut butter works for fudge. Stick with creamy, store-bought peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.

These brands have a consistent texture that blends smoothly.

Avoid natural peanut butter or any variety that separates.

The extra oil can make the fudge greasy and prevent it from setting properly.

If natural peanut butter is your only option, stir it thoroughly before measuring.

Sift the Powdered Sugar

Sifting prevents lumps and ensures the fudge has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Powdered sugar can clump together, especially when stored for long periods.

To sift, use a fine-mesh strainer or a sifter.

Shake or press the sugar through before adding it to the mixture.

This small step makes a big difference in the final texture.

Cool the Fudge Properly

Once the fudge is mixed and poured into the pan, it needs time to set.

Chilling is crucial for firm, sliceable fudge.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
• If you have more time, 4 hours will give an even better texture.
• Avoid freezing right away, as it can cause uneven setting.

How to Cut Clean, Even Squares

Cutting fudge can be tricky if it sticks to the knife.

To get neat, even squares:

1. Use a sharp knife—a long chef’s knife works best.
2. Warm the blade under hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting.
3. Make slow, firm cuts instead of pressing down too hard.
4. Wipe the knife clean between slices to prevent sticking.

Variations and Add-Ins

This peanut butter fudge is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it with different flavors and textures.

Try one of these simple variations to make it your own.

Swirl in Melted Chocolate for a Marbled Effect

For a peanut butter and chocolate twist, swirl melted chocolate into the fudge before it sets.

1. Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between.
2. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter fudge mixture.
3. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it in gentle circular motions.
4. Chill as usual to set.

This creates a beautiful marbled design and adds a rich chocolate flavor to every bite.

Mix in Crushed Pretzels or Candy Pieces

If you like a bit of crunch, add mix-ins for extra texture.

• Crushed pretzels – A salty contrast to the sweet peanut butter.
• Mini M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces – Adds a pop of color and a chocolatey crunch.
• Chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans – Enhances the nutty flavor.
• Crushed Oreos or graham crackers – A fun twist with added crunch.

To add mix-ins, stir them in right after mixing in the powdered sugar and before transferring the fudge to the pan.

Layer with Chocolate Fudge for a “Buckeye” Version

Buckeye fudge is a layered treat that combines peanut butter fudge with a thick chocolate layer on top.

1. Prepare and pour the peanut butter fudge into the pan as usual.
2. Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
4. Smooth the top with a spatula and chill for at least 2 hours to set.

This variation is perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

It’s like a Reese’s cup in fudge form!

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage keeps peanut butter fudge fresh and prevents it from drying out.

At room temperature, store the fudge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its creamy texture.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 month in a sealed container.

This helps keep the fudge firm and prevents it from becoming too soft.

If you need to store it for an extended period, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to eat, thaw the fudge in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause condensation and affect the texture.

Conclusion

This peanut butter fudge is easy to make, rich, and packed with flavor.

With just four ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip up a batch in no time.

Try it for yourself and let us know how it turns out!

Share your experience in the comments or experiment with add-ins to make it your own.

Looking for more sweet treats? Check out our other fudge and dessert recipes for more delicious ideas!

FAQ’s

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture will be different.

Crunchy peanut butter adds small peanut pieces, which can create a slightly firmer fudge.

If you prefer a smoother consistency, stick with creamy peanut butter.

If using crunchy, ensure it’s a store-bought, non-oily variety to prevent separation.

What should I do if my fudge doesn’t set properly?

If your fudge is too soft, it may need more time to chill.

Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before checking again.

If it still doesn’t firm up, it could be due to too much butter or using natural peanut butter, which can be too oily.

To fix it, try re-melting the fudge, adding more powdered sugar, and stirring well before chilling again.

How can I make dairy-free or vegan versions?

To make a dairy-free or vegan peanut butter fudge, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

Use a smooth, non-oily peanut butter to maintain the right texture.

The rest of the ingredients—powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract—are naturally dairy-free.

Chill as usual, and enjoy a creamy, plant-based treat!