Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe with 3 Ingredients

This easy peanut butter fudge is smooth, creamy, salty-sweet and melts in your mouth. Made in the microwave with a handful of simple ingredients, it’s one of the most delicious and foolproof peanut butter fudges you’ll try.

If you love peanut butter, you have to try this fudge. It balances salty and sweet perfectly and delivers rich, creamy peanut butter flavor—like the center of a peanut butter cup but a bit firmer and even more addictive.

Even better: this recipe is far easier than traditional fudge. There’s no candy thermometer and no stovetop sugar boiling. With just five ingredients—butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt—you make the whole batch in the microwave.

Over the years I’ve made this fudge for holiday parties and for everyday snacking. It’s simple, quick, and dependable—so you can enjoy festive treats without stress in the kitchen.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

This peanut butter fudge is quick, minimal-fuss, and virtually fail-proof:

• Ready in minutes
• Uses only a few ingredients
• Consistently reliable results

If candy-making sounds intimidating, this recipe proves you don’t need fancy equipment—no candy thermometer or complicated techniques. In under 10 minutes you can prepare the mixture and then chill it until set.

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy recommended)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

The vanilla and salt enhance the flavor, but you can omit them if desired.

Method:

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Place the butter and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, stirring until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
6. Pour or spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula.
7. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Once set, cut into small squares.

You can add toppings before chilling: sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or small candy pieces, or press mini chocolate cups into the top. For a festive touch, use cookie cutters to make holiday shapes after the fudge firms up.

Common questions:

Can I use natural peanut butter? I do not recommend natural peanut butter because it can separate and cause the fudge to be oily and less stable.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes—crunchy will add texture. The fudge won’t be as smooth; you may want to add an extra 1/4 cup peanut butter to help bind the mixture.

Can I freeze fudge? Yes. Wrap pieces tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

This peanut butter fudge is creamy, rich, and full of peanut butter flavor. The salt helps keep it from being overly sweet, giving a balanced, indulgent treat that’s great for parties, gifts, or quick desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

• Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• Combine butter and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
• Add salt and vanilla, then stir in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until fully incorporated and mixture is thick.
• Transfer to the lined pan and smooth the top. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Once firm, cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fudge freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge when ready to use.

Recipe adapted from Joy of Baking.