Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is the ultimate sweet treat that combines the nuttiness of peanut butter with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This simple yet indulgent dessert is perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet cravings. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up this delightful fudge in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe guarantees sweet success!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with a handful of ingredients.
Customizable: Add toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate drizzle, or sea salt to make it your own.
Perfect for Gifting: Homemade fudge wrapped in decorative paper makes for a thoughtful gift.

Ingredients

For the Fudge:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
5 oz half & half
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Place powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar and half & half. Bring to a boil and let it cook for exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds without stirring.

Step 3: Combine with Powdered Sugar

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Set the Fudge

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Let the fudge cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set fully.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan.
Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.

Pro Tips for Success

Choose High-Quality Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Avoid natural varieties as they may separate.
Don’t Overcook: Boiling for exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds ensures the fudge has the perfect consistency.
Cool Completely: Allow the fudge to cool fully before slicing to achieve clean, even pieces.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Swirl melted chocolate into the mixture before setting.
Crunchy Fudge: Use chunky peanut butter or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Salted Fudge: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The creamy combination of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth fudge with just the right amount of sweetness. The quick preparation and fail-proof method make this recipe a favorite for any occasion. Serve it at parties, wrap it up as a gift, or keep it all to yourself—you won’t regret it!