My smooth and creamy old fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe is just what the doctor ordered. Okay, maybe not literally, but your mood and spirit will be lifted when you sink your teeth into one of these delicious morsels.
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I don't know about you, but old fashioned peanut butter fudge brings me back to my childhood. It was a super special treat we only enjoyed once or twice a year, so it was to be savored...or devoured within minutes! Okay, the homemade chocolate fudge and Baileys fudge disappear real quick too!
I only wish I had known years ago how incredibly easy it is to make at home. With only 6 common pantry ingredients and about 5 minutes of your time, you can have your own homemade peanut butter fudge (no candy thermometer necessary)! Are you as excited as I am right now?!
And stick around for more at the end...where I'll give you lots of ideas for additional add-ins too!
π§Ύ Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Whole milk
- Salted butter
- Creamy peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
See the recipe card below for full list of ingredients and their measurements.
π¬ How to make fudge
In a pot, over medium to medium-high heat, pour in sugars, then butter, then pour the milk over everything. Don't stir, but rather just gently nudge it to make sure all the sugar is covered by the milk (we certainly don't want any crystallization happening).
Pretty quickly, you'll start to notice it boiling around the edges. Let it get going, then let it boil for about 2 minutes. Do not stir.
Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir pretty vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and thickened a bit. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer.
Pour into a parchment lined 9 x 9 pan and smooth out the top with a rubber spatula.
Let set at room temperature for 2 hours.
π΄ Serving
Slice and serve at room temperature or refrigerated. My old fashioned peanut butter fudge is pretty soft at room temperature, so if you prefer a slightly firmer bite, refrigerate it first.
π Easy add ins
Add any of these fun add-ins to your fudge, just after pouring into the pan, before it sets:
- PB & J - Swirl in a few teaspoons of your favorite jelly or jam.
- Fluffernutter - Add mini marshmallows on top for fluffernutter fudge!
- Chips - Stir in some peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or any other chips your heart desires.
- Crunch - Sprinkle some crumbled pretzels, granola, or other nuts on top for a nice crunch. Or, use crunchy peanut butter in the recipe instead!
- Candy - Add Reese's Pieces or M&M's on top for some color, texture, and flavor boost!
- Fruit - Chop up some apples, slice a few bananas, or just sprinkle a few raisins or berries on top.
π§Ί How to store
When kept in an airtight container, this fudge will stay good on the counter or in the fridge for about a week.
β FAQ
A grainy texture can happen to your peanut butter fudge if crystallization occurred during the cooking process. This happens when sugar crystals form on the side of the pot, then fall into your mixture...which is why it's important not to stir while it's boiling.
Absolutely! Just wrap pre-sliced fudge in wax paper (with more wax paper between each layer) then place in an airtight freezer bag. Fudge will keep for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Tip: Try not to freeze & thaw fudge repeatedly, as this may have an effect on its flavor and texture. Freeze in several freezer bags, so you only have to thaw a small amount at a time.
Love desserts? Check out a few more of our delicious dessert recipes now!
- Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- 4-Ingredient Baileys Fudge
- Soft Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- 3-Ingredient Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
- Brownie Blondies
- Hummingbird Carrot Cake
- Berry Chantilly Cake
- St Joseph Pastries (Zeppole di San Giuseppe)
- Best Banana Nut Bread
- Chocolate Cake in a Mug
- Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Did you make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge? Let us know in the comments below!
π Recipe
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 Β½ cups granulated sugar
- Β½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- Β½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a pot, over medium to medium-high heat, pour in sugars, then butter, then pour the milk over everything. Donβt stir, but rather just gently nudge it to make sure all the sugar is covered by the milk.
- Pretty quickly, youβll start to notice it boiling around the edges. Let it get going, then let it boil for about 2 minutes. Do not stir.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir pretty vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and thickened a bit. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer.
- Pour into a parchment lined 9 x 9 pan and smooth out the top with a rubber spatula.
- Let set at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or refrigerated. My old fashioned peanut butter fudge is pretty soft at room temperature, so if you prefer a slightly firmer bite, refrigerate it first.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Serving: Slice and serve at room temperature or refrigerated. My old fashioned peanut butter fudge is pretty soft at room temperature, so if you prefer a slightly firmer bite, refrigerate it first.
- Why did my fudge get a grainy texture? A grainy texture can happen to your peanut butter fudge ifΒ crystallizationΒ occurred during the cooking process. This happens when sugar crystals form on the side of the pot, then fall into your mixture...which is why it's important not to stir while it's boiling.
- Storage: When kept in an airtight container, this fudge will stay good on the counter or in the fridge for about a week.
- Can you freeze peanut butter fudge? Absolutely! Just wrap pre-sliced fudge in wax paper (with more wax paper between each layer) then place in an airtight freezer bag. Fudge will keep for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Tip:Β Try not to freeze & thaw fudge repeatedly, as this may have an effect on its flavor and texture. Freeze in several freezer bags, so you only have to thaw a small amount at a time.
-
Easy add ins
Add any of these fun add-ins to your fudge, justΒ after pouring into the pan, before it sets:
- PB & J -Β Swirl in a few teaspoons of your favorite jelly or jam.
- Fluffernutter -Β Add mini marshmallows on top for fluffernutter fudge!
- Chips -Β Stir in some peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or any other chips your heart desires.
- Crunch -Β Sprinkle some crumbled pretzels, granola, or other nuts on top for a nice crunch. Or, use crunchy peanut butter in the recipe instead!
- Candy -Β Add Reese's Pieces or M&M's on top for some color, texture, and flavor boost!
- Fruit -Β Chop up some apples, slice a few bananas, or just sprinkle a few raisins or berries on top.
- Suggestion: If you enjoy this, you're gonna love our easy chocolate fudge!
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Joshua
great taste but could use some advice on technique. I keep getting gritty fudge.
maplewoodroad
Hi Joshua! I'm so glad you're enjoying the taste of the fudge! Regarding the gritty texture, are you stirring while it's boiling? Please see my FAQ section on this page: A grainy texture can happen to your peanut butter fudge if crystallization occurred during the cooking process. This happens when sugar crystals form on the side of the pot, then fall into your mixture...which is why it's important not to stir while it's boiling. Hope this helps! π
Kathryn
I made this fudge for my friend's birthday. She went crazy over it and shared it with other friends. It is a huge hit! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely fudge recipe! I am getting ready to make more for Christmas. Sharing is such pleasure! Makes my heart happy!
maplewoodroad
Hi Kathryn! Oh, this makes my heart so happy too! I always make a batch (or two or three) to give to friends and neighbors each Christmas. I'm so happy you all enjoyed it so much! π
Jessie
Just made this and it's yummy. First time I've ever made fudge and amazed at how easy it is. Thanks!
maplewoodroad
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! π
Sammy A.
OK, I followed this recipe today. I like it and will do again for sure. The main batch is still cooling, but I ate some of the remnants stuck to the pot. Really good, and dissolves in your mouth like it should. Peanut butter flavor is on point.
maplewoodroad
So glad to hear it! Thanks! π
Bill
Made yesterday with some chocolate chips and it turned out great! Thank you!!
maplewoodroad
Always an amazing combination! Thanks! π
Peter S.
This is a fond memory from childhood. My mom would often make it for us after school.
maplewoodroad
Now you really made me smile. So glad I could help bring back that memory for you. π
Grant
I almost tried to bite this through my screen! Definitely need to try this!
maplewoodroad
Haha! That's awesome! π
Robert K.
Iβm going to make this for my wife! Thank you for sharing.
maplewoodroad
Love it, thanks! Hope you both enjoy. π
Cecily
Just made it! I ended up putting flake salt on top and dark chocolate on half of it. Waiting for it to cool!
maplewoodroad
Love that idea! π
Alexis
Should I use a nonstick pot or does it not matter?
maplewoodroad
I suppose you could, but it may be a bit tricky unmolding it. If you have parchment paper, line the pan with that instead.