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This small batch peanut butter fudge recipe is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With just four simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, you can whip up a perfectly portioned batch of melt-in-your-mouth fudge in no time.
If you love peanut butter desserts, try our rich and nutty Peanut Butter Cookies, indulgent and chocolate-coated Buckeyes, or sweet and creamy Peanut Butter Balls. Each recipe is perfectly portioned to satisfy your peanut butter cravings without leaving you with too much to store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just 4 simple ingredients, this fudge comes together effortlessly using pantry staples.
- Quick to Prepare: Perfect for a fast treat or a last-minute gift, this recipe takes only minutes to make.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make it your own.
- Creamy Texture: Rich and smooth, this peanut butter fudge melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfectly Portioned: Great for smaller households or when you want just enough to enjoy without extra leftovers.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy peanut butter fudge recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Peanut Butter: Smooth, commercial peanut butter like Jif, Peter Pan, or Skippy works best for this recipe, but I’ve also tested it with Smucker’s natural peanut butter (made with just peanuts and no added sugar), and it turned out wonderfully. Prefer a bit of crunch? You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. If you have a little peanut butter left in the jar, try using it in a small batch of “puppy chow”!
- Butter: I use salted butter, but both salted and unsalted work perfectly here. If using unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt for balance.
- Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the fudge its structure. Be sure to sift it first to avoid lumps in your fudge.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor. If you want a different twist, almond extract is a great alternative.
Recipe Variations
Peanut butter fudge is a classic treat that’s easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to make this small batch recipe your own:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Fudge: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a rich chocolate and peanut butter combo in every bite.
- Peanut Butter Fudge with Nuts: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
- Marbled Peanut Butter Fudge: Swirl melted chocolate into the fudge before it sets to create a stunning marbled design and a hint of chocolate.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a candy-inspired twist.
- Double Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts for extra crunch and an even stronger peanut flavor.
How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of peanut butter fudge. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the dish: Line a small baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out easily.
Pro Tip: While wax or parchment paper can work, I recommend foil because it conforms to the dish’s shape better, making it easier to remove the fudge in one piece. This also makes cutting cleaner and more even. For best results, use a 4×6-inch dish (24 square inches). A 5×5-inch or 6×6-inch dish also works, but a 6×6-inch dish will create thinner fudge.
- Melt the butter: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the peanut butter: Stir in the peanut butter and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the powdered sugar: Add the sifted powdered sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth.
Pro Tip: Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps that can make the fudge gritty. Place the sugar in a fine-mesh strainer or sifter over a bowl, then tap the side gently to break up any clumps. This ensures your fudge has a smooth, even texture.
- Pour and smooth: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the fudge is firm.
- Cut and serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the dish using the foil overhang, then cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Peanut Butter: Smooth, commercial brands like Jif, Peter Pan, or Skippy work best for a creamy, consistent texture. Natural peanut butter without added sugar, like Smucker’s, also works well. If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Always sift powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture. This removes any clumps and ensures the fudge is smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare the Pan: Line your pan before you start. Having it ready allows you to transfer the fudge mixture immediately, helping preserve its texture.
- Cutting the Fudge: Let the fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing. This softens it slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly. Use a sharp knife for even, tidy pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ways to enjoy your peanut butter fudge? Here are some ideas to make this sweet treat even more special:
- With Ice Cream: Pair fudge pieces with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a rich and satisfying dessert.
- Gift Packaging: Wrap pieces in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Dessert Platter: Add fudge to a platter with cookies, chocolate truffles, or rum balls for an impressive dessert spread.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Top each piece with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
How To Store Peanut Butter Fudge
To keep your peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Want to freeze it? Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the fudge in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To make this 5-minute fudge in the microwave:
Combine peanut butter and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Slice the butter for even melting.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Stir in vanilla and gradually add sifted powdered sugar until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into a prepared dish and refrigerate until set.
It’s a quick and easy method that still delivers delicious results!
A 4×6-inch baking dish (24 square inches) works perfectly. Alternatives include a 5×5-inch or 6×6-inch dish, though the fudge will be thinner in a 6×6-inch dish.
Yes, doubling this recipe is easy. Multiply the ingredients by two and use a larger saucepan, like a 3-quart size. For setting, use an 8×1½-inch round pan, a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or similar-sized dishes.
If your fudge didn’t harden, it may need more time in the refrigerator, or you might not have added enough powdered sugar. Be sure to measure carefully and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Grainy fudge happens when the powdered sugar isn’t mixed in well. Always sift the sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures the best texture.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch peanut butter fudge recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Peanut Butter Fudge
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
- 5-inch baking dish or a 4×6-inch dish
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line a small 4×6-inch or 5×5-inch dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out easily.Pro Tip: While wax or parchment paper can work, I recommend foil because it conforms to the dish’s shape better, making it easier to remove the fudge in one piece. This also makes cutting cleaner and more even.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the peanut butter and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth.Pro Tip: Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps that can make the fudge gritty. Place the sugar in a fine-mesh strainer or sifter over a bowl, then tap the side gently to break up any clumps. This ensures your fudge has a smooth, even texture.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the fudge is firm.
- Once firm, lift the fudge out of the dish using the foil overhang, then cut it into pieces and enjoy!
- Store this fudge in an airtight container. The fudge keeps well for up to a week at room temperature or for 2 weeks if refrigerated.To freeze, wrap the fudge in plastic wrap and transfer it to a freezer storage bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Smooth, commercial brands like Jif, Peter Pan, or Skippy work best for a creamy, consistent texture. Natural peanut butter without added sugar, like Smucker’s, also works well. If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Always sift powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture. This removes any clumps and ensures the fudge is smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare the Pan: Line your pan before you start. Having it ready allows you to transfer the fudge mixture immediately, helping preserve its texture.
- Cutting the Fudge: Let the fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing. This softens it slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly. Use a sharp knife for even, tidy pieces.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can u make chocolate fudge the same way u make the peanut butter?
No, I recommend using our Microwave Fudge recipe instead – https://onedishkitchen.com/microwave-fudge-for-one/
The easiest, quickest fudge ever! And so good! A Winner!!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Just what I was looking for. Perfect recipe for a small gift!
A good recipe. A little flaky/crumbly and super super sweet. I’ve never made fudge, and maybe this on a whim today. Fit the need!
I tried it warm, it was really good! I might cut the sugar a bit next time
Has anyone tried making this with Swerve powdered sugar? I’m diabetic…
This is the easiest and most delicious fudge you will ever make. It is so yummy!
Can I use Almond butter instead of peanut butter
This recipe has not been tested with almond butter.
Just made the recipe. Couldn’t wait until it was cold . Tasted and it’s simply delicious. I used natural nuts and seeds.
Great recipe.