Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe in Just 5 Ingredients

When I close my eyes, I can still picture my grandmother’s weathered hands pressing peanut butter fudge into her old Pyrex dish—the same one she’d used since the 1960s. She’d wink and say, “Too hot for baking? Too busy? That’s when fudge saves the day.” Her no-bake peanut butter fudge recipe was pure magic: just sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla transformed into something creamy and rich in minutes. No thermometers, no candy-making stress—just foolproof deliciousness. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years (okay, fine, I added chocolate swirls because why not?), but the soul of it remains unchanged. It’s the kind of treat you can whip up during holiday chaos, stash in the fridge for meal planning, or sneak secretly at midnight when no one’s watching. And trust me, once you taste that velvety texture and salty-sweet balance, you’ll understand why this peanut butter fudge recipe never gets old.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Listen, I know a good dessert when I taste one, and this peanut butter fudge is the kind of treat that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen when really? You barely broke a sweat. Here’s why it’s my go-to recipe:

• No oven required – Seriously, just mix and chill. Perfect for when it’s too hot to bake or you’re just feeling lazy (no judgment).
• Ready in 10 active minutes – You could have this mixed before your oven even preheats for other recipes.
• Only 5 ingredients – Probably all sitting in your pantry right now. No weird extracts or specialty store runs.
• Creamier than cloud nine – That sweetened condensed milk makes it luxuriously smooth, not crumbly like old-school sugar fudge.
• Holiday hero – Whip up a double batch for gift boxes or party platters. They’ll never guess how simple it was!
• Meal planning MVP – Stays fresh in the fridge, so you can satisfy sweet cravings all week without the temptation of delivery cookies.

Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Let’s talk ingredients—but don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple. This is the kind of recipe where you might already have everything on hand. (If not, it’s one quick grocery trip, I promise!) Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect peanut butter fudge:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The regular kind, straight from the jar. Natural peanut butter works too, but it’ll make your fudge less sweet and a tad grainier.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – The magic glue that holds it all together. Don’t confuse it with evaporated milk—they’re not the same!
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Just enough to make the flavors pop without overpowering the peanut butter.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Trust me, this tiny bit balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) – For those days when you want to go all out with a chocolate swirl. Milk or dark work too—I won’t judge!

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making that creamy, dreamy fudge! Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this recipe is all about technique. I’ll walk you through each step so your fudge turns out perfect, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First things first—grab your 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting the fudge out later a breeze—no stuck corners or crumbly disasters!

Step 2: Mix the Fudge Base

Now, dump that peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt into a big mixing bowl. Stir until it’s smooth and glossy, but don’t go wild—overmixing can make the fudge grainy. (Unless you like elbow workouts, then by all means, stir away!)

Step 3: Add Chocolate Swirl (Optional)

Feeling fancy? Melt those chocolate chips (microwave in 30-second bursts works great), then drizzle over the fudge base. Use a knife to swirl it in artful ribbons. Pro tip: Less is more—you want pockets of chocolatey surprise, not a full-on takeover!

Once mixed, scrape everything into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—I know, the wait is torture! Then slice into squares and try not to eat them all in one sitting. (No promises, though!)

Tips for Perfect Homemade Fudge

Listen, I’ve burned through enough sweetened condensed milk in my lifetime to know what separates good fudge from great fudge. Here are my hard-won secrets—learn from my mistakes so yours turns out perfect every time!

Room temp peanut butter is your friend. Trying to mix cold PB with condensed milk is like stirring cement. Let it sit out for 30 minutes first—your arm muscles will thank you. (Or cheat like I do—microwave it for 10 seconds!)

Press, don’t pour. When transferring to the pan, use a spatula to firmly press the mixture into every corner. This prevents air pockets and gives you those gorgeous, dense squares you see in bakeries.

Patience, grasshopper. I know you want to cut into that fudge immediately, but proper chilling is key. Two hours minimum for clean slices—better yet, overnight if you can wait. (Put it in the back of the fridge where you’ll forget about it!)

For my gluten-free friends: this recipe is naturally GF, making it perfect for sharing at potlucks or including in gluten-free meal delivery packages. (Just double-check your vanilla extract—some brands sneak in additives!)

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This peanut butter fudge is almost too easy to make—which means you’ll want to stash some away before your family devours the whole batch in one sitting! Keep it fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay creamy and dreamy for up to a week. (Pro tip: Layer pieces between parchment paper so they don’t stick together.) For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them—they make the ultimate emergency sweet treat for unexpected guests or late-night cravings. I love pairing these rich squares with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up or stacking them on a dessert platter with other holiday treats. Need more meal planning inspiration? These keep so well that I often tuck a few into lunchboxes or pair them with fresh fruit for a balanced dessert option that satisfies without derailing healthy eating goals.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe Variations

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the classic version of this fudge. But sometimes, a girl’s gotta mix it up! Here’s how I tweak this recipe when I’m feeling adventurous (or when my pantry’s looking a little bare):

Almond butter brigade: Out of peanut butter? Swap in almond butter for a richer, slightly floral twist. (Bonus: my paleo friends go nuts for this version—pun totally intended.)

Crunch time: Stir in a handful of crushed peanuts, toasted pecans, or even pretzel bits right before chilling. That salty crunch takes it next-level!

Keto magic: For friends on weight loss programs like keto, replace the sweetened condensed milk with a mix of powdered erythritol and heavy cream—just decrease the peanut butter slightly so it’s not too thick. It’s not *quite* the same, but it’ll curb those sweet cravings!

Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper? Absolute game-changer. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to plain.

The best part? Even with these changes, you’re still just minutes away from fudge heaven. Now go forth and experiment—just promise to save me a square!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s keep it real—this is dessert, not a salad. But if you’re curious, here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into (because balance, right?). Per square, you’re looking at about 180 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated), and 14g sugar. Protein lovers unite—each piece packs 5g thanks to that peanut butter punch!

Now, full disclosure: These numbers are estimates based on my favorite brands. Your exact stats might dance a bit depending on whether you use natural PB or go wild with that chocolate swirl. (No regrets!) For precise tracking, always check your specific ingredient labels—but honestly? Some treats are worth savoring without overthinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Peanut Butter Fudge Creations

I want to see your masterpiece! Snap a pic of that glorious peanut butter fudge—whether it’s your first try or your fifth. Pin it on Pinterest (find me @KitchenUser—no pressure to tag, but I’d love to see your twist!). Drop a comment below too—did you add extra chocolate? Try crunchy peanut butter? Spill your secrets and tell me how it turned out! Your creativity might just inspire my next batch.

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