Easy No-Fail Peanut Butter Fudge You Can Make in Minutes
If you have ever wanted to make homemade fudge but felt intimidated by complicated candy-making techniques, this peanut butter fudge recipe is going to change everything for you. With just four simple ingredients and a stovetop, you can whip up a batch of smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that looks like it came straight from a candy shop. The golden, velvety slabs you see in the image are proof that simple ingredients can produce absolutely stunning results.
This recipe is perfect for gifting, holiday trays, bake sales, or just satisfying that sweet craving at home. Best of all, it sets beautifully and cuts into clean, satisfying squares every single time. Whether you make a single batch in an 8×8 pan or double it up for a crowd using a larger 11×13 pan, the process is exactly the same and the results are consistently delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For a Double Batch
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
What You Will Need
- Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or stovetop cooker
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 8×8 inch baking pan (or 11×13 inch pan for a double batch)
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray for greasing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Method
- Prepare your pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside in a convenient spot so you can pour quickly when the time comes.
- Combine the granulated sugar and milk in your saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Stir gently as it heats up.
- Bring the sugar and milk mixture to a rapid, rolling boil. Once it reaches a full boil, allow it to boil for exactly 2 and a half minutes without stirring. Keep a close eye on it during this stage.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after the 2 and a half minutes are up.
- Add the vanilla extract and peanut butter to the hot sugar mixture right away. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and everything is smooth and well combined. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.
- Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared greased pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly to the edges.
- Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature until it is fully set and firm. This usually takes about one to two hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
Timing is everything with this recipe. Make sure you boil the sugar and milk for the full 2 and a half minutes to ensure the fudge sets properly. Boiling for too short a time can result in fudge that stays soft and does not hold its shape when cut.
Use creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter for the best results. Natural peanut butter can cause the fudge to separate or become oily, while commercial creamy peanut butter blends smoothly and evenly every time.
When making a double batch, use an 11×13 inch pan so the fudge spreads to the right thickness. Pouring a double batch into a smaller pan will give you a very thick fudge that may not set evenly all the way through.
Work quickly once you remove the pan from the heat and add the peanut butter. The mixture thickens rapidly as it cools, so you want to pour it into the pan as soon as it is fully combined for a perfectly smooth and even top.
