Craving something rich, creamy, and peanut buttery? This Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is a no-fuss, no-bake dessert that’s ready in just a few steps. It’s melt-in-your-mouth sweet, a little nutty from the peanut butter, and so satisfying. It may look super simple, but it’s packed with flavor. Plus, the ingredients are ones you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar (you can use white sugar or cane sugar)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any milk works)
- 1 cup peanut butter (I used extra crunchy for added texture, but feel free to use smooth if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic flavor)
Instructions:
- Boil the Sugar and Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of milk. Set the heat to medium and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely into the milk. This step is crucial because you want the mixture to be smooth, not gritty.
- Let it boil for about 3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The goal is to make sure the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid thickens slightly.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
- Once your sugar mixture is smooth and boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Stir well until the peanut butter melts completely and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. The vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth that balances out the sweetness.
- Pour into Pan:
- Take an 8×8-inch baking dish (or any dish of similar size) and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later, or just grease it lightly.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. It may be a bit thick, but that’s okay!
- Cool and Set:
- Let the fudge cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled, pop it into the fridge for about 1 hour to allow it to fully set and firm up.
- The fudge will be soft but firm enough to cut into squares.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the fudge has set, cut it into small squares (you can also cut it into rectangles or bars if you prefer). Since it’s rich, smaller pieces work great! Enjoy them as a little indulgence.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Fudge:
- Ensure Sugar is Fully Dissolved:
- The key to smooth fudge is ensuring the sugar has completely dissolved. If the sugar isn’t fully dissolved, the fudge will be gritty and won’t have that smooth texture you’re looking for.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process:
- Letting the fudge cool at room temperature before refrigerating allows it to set properly. If you pop it into the fridge immediately while it’s still too hot, the texture might not turn out as creamy.
- For a Chewier Fudge:
- If you want a slightly chewier, softer fudge, reduce the boiling time of the sugar and milk to just 2 minutes. This will result in a softer set.
- Add-ins:
- Chocolate chips: Add some mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture just before pouring into the pan for a classic peanut butter and chocolate combo.
- Chopped peanuts: If you love a little extra crunch, add chopped salted peanuts into the fudge mixture.
- Sea salt: A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top just before cooling gives it a lovely salty-sweet contrast.
- Storage Tips:
- This fudge can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container. If you prefer it colder or want to store it for longer, keep it in the fridge, and it will last about 2 weeks.
- It’s also perfect for gifting—just cut into small pieces and pack them up in a cute jar or box!
Benefits of This Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: You only need 5 ingredients, but the result is a super creamy, rich treat that feels indulgent.
- Versatile: You can customize the fudge with different peanut butter types, mix-ins, or even flavoring extracts like almond or maple for unique twists.
- No-bake & quick: You don’t need to deal with a candy thermometer or oven! This comes together in under 15 minutes (then just let it cool).
- Perfect for cravings: If you’ve got a peanut butter craving or a need for something sweet, this fudge is the perfect solution. It’s just rich enough to satisfy without being overwhelming.
Q & A:
Q: Can I use any type of milk? A: Absolutely! While whole milk creates the richest, creamiest fudge, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk as a substitute. The consistency might change a little, but it will still work.
Q: Can I make this fudge without vanilla extract? A: Yes! Vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can simply omit it, or use another extract like almond or hazelnut for a different flavor profile.
Q: Why is my fudge too soft? A: If the fudge doesn’t set firmly, it could be that the sugar and milk weren’t boiled long enough. Try letting it cook for an extra minute the next time you make it to ensure a firmer texture. Also, the cooling time is important—make sure it cools completely in the fridge.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes! You can double the recipe, but you’ll need a larger baking pan—something like a 9×13-inch pan works well. Just make sure to keep an eye on the fudge as it sets to ensure it firms up properly.
This Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is so simple, yet incredibly satisfying! With just a few steps, you get a rich, creamy treat that’ll become a favorite go-to recipe. Let me know how it turns out or if you decide to make any tasty additions! 😊