Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Updated Oct. 24, 2023

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
Total Time
15 minutes, plus at least 2 hours' chilling
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
4(343)
Comments
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This simple method for making homemade fudge takes only 15 minutes to throw together, and it calls for just five basic ingredients. This fudge is smooth, creamy and sweet, and it’s packed with peanut butter flavor. Because of its high butter content, fudge is best stored in the refrigerator, and it’s easiest to cut into squares after it’s been thoroughly chilled. The fudge can be served directly from the fridge, but for optimal creaminess, let it sit at room temperature for a half hour. While this recipe calls for an 8-inch-square pan, a 9-inch-square pan or rectangular pan with a similar volume works, too.

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Ingredients

Yield:50 pieces
  • 1cup/226 grams unsalted butter (2 sticks), plus more for greasing the pan
  • 1cup/260 grams smooth peanut butter (not natural)
  • 1teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Kosher)
  • 3cups/330 grams confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (50 servings)

89 calories; 6 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 11 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Grease an 8-inch-square pan with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper, then grease the paper.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and peanut butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until melted and smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Do not let the mixture come to a simmer. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla and salt.

  3. Step 3

    Scrape the peanut butter mixture into a large bowl. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar a few spoonfuls at a time, whisking until the sugar is fully incorporated after each addition. After all the sugar has been added, mix well with a rubber spatula until smooth.

  4. Step 4

    Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic to the surface of the fudge. Chill for at least 2 hours, until set. Use a knife to cut the fudge away from the pan, then lift the parchment paper to remove it. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store fudge, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months (see Tip).

Tip
  • To freeze, wrap individual pieces with parchment or wax paper. Wrap again with aluminum foil, then store in a resealable freezer bag. (You can also wrap the whole sheet of fudge before slicing, wrapping as you would with individual pieces.) Defrost fudge overnight in the refrigerator.

Ratings

4 out of 5
343 user ratings
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Comments

Perfect peanut butter fudge recipe! Yes, it calls for “not natural” pb but let’s keep it in perspective. You’re making fudge…with a cup of butter and 3 cups of confectioners sugar. The PB is the least of your concerns.

50 servings in 8x8 pan. Lol.

When recipes like this call for smooth peanut butter, not natural, they mean Jif or Skippy or even Justin's. Something that is smooth and does not separate (no stir). And, NYT does have a peanut butter/marshmallow recipe: https://approvedpromo.info/recipes/2815-fudge%3C/a%3E. If that doesn't suit, the Jif recipe for same is pretty great: https://www.jif.com/peanut-butter/recipes/peanut-butter-fudge.

This recipe is AMAZING I am definitely making by this again and it’s so quick and easy I used natural peanut butter and it worked perfectly and was delicious

Is there any reason not to use crunchy peanut butter?

Looks like the perfect late afternoon fix. My guy with the beard has needed Not Natural PB for years, as when you smear the other stuff on homemade focaccia, it might drip through the holes and into the depths of the beard. On first sight of the recipe, I thought, terrific, i'll make this soon, maybe tomorrow. then, hmm, wonder if I could smear a bit of chocolate atop in my quest for fudge perfection? Asking for a friend.

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