← BlogJune 29, 2026

How to Make the Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

American · Easy · 70 min · 24 servings

vegetariangluten-free
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This creamy and sweet peanut butter fudge is a kid friendly candy that requires no candy thermometer and uses pantry staples. Kids absolutely love the rich peanut butter flavor and can help stir and pour the mixture into the pan.

Why this recipe works

This Peanut Butter Fudge recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 175 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

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What you will need

This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. Having the pan ready before you start is important since the fudge mixture sets quickly.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix vigorously until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.

Step 4: Pour and Set

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm, then cut into squares and enjoy.

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Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

  • creamy peanut butter → sunflower seed butter for a nut-free school-safe version
  • unsalted butter → vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

  • Using natural peanut butter which has too much oil separation and results in greasy fudge
  • Adding powdered sugar while the mixture is still on the heat which causes clumping

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 175 calories, 3g protein, 22g carbs, 9g fat, 1g fiber.

Ready to cook?

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