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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 Peanut Butter Cookies, chocolate-coated Buckeyes, or 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
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just four pantry staples.
- Fast & Easy: Takes only minutes to prepare.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite mix-ins.
- Smooth & Creamy: Rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Small Batch: Perfect for when you want just enough to enjoy.
I’ve always loved peanut butter fudge, but I don’t always want a huge batch sitting around. That’s why this small batch recipe is a favorite—it delivers the same rich, creamy texture and deep peanut butter flavor without making more than I need. It’s the perfect little treat when I want something sweet, and it’s so easy to make that I can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.
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 great. 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:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Fudge: Mix in mini chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Fudge with Nuts: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
- Marbled Peanut Butter Fudge: Swirl melted chocolate into the fudge before it sets to create a stunning marbled design.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge
These 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!
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge in the Microwave
Need a quicker way to make this fudge? Try the microwave method:
- Combine peanut butter and sliced butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, then gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar.
- Pour into a prepared dish and refrigerate until set.
This method takes just minutes and still delivers rich, creamy fudge!
Expert Tips
- Peanut Butter: Use smooth, commercial brands like Jif, Peter Pan, or Skippy for the best texture. Natural peanut butter works too, but stir well before using. Prefer some crunch? Use crunchy peanut butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift before adding to remove clumps and ensure a smooth, lump-free fudge.
- Prepare the Pan: Line the pan ahead of time so you can transfer the fudge immediately for the best consistency.
- Cutting the Fudge: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Use a sharp knife for even pieces.
Ways To Enjoy Peanut Butter Fudge
Enjoy your peanut butter fudge in these fun and delicious ways:
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Gift Idea: Wrap in decorative boxes or tins for a homemade gift.
- Dessert Platter: Pair with cookies, chocolate truffles, or rum balls for an impressive spread.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, doubling this recipe is easy. Yes, double the ingredients and use a 3-quart saucepan. For setting, use an 8×1½-inch round pan, a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or similar-sized dishes.
Yes. 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Use smooth, commercial brands like Jif, Peter Pan, or Skippy for the best texture. Natural peanut butter works too, but stir well before using. Prefer some crunch? Use crunchy peanut butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift before adding to remove clumps and ensure a smooth, lump-free fudge.
- Prepare the Pan: Line the pan ahead of time so you can transfer the fudge immediately for the best consistency.
- Cutting the Fudge: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Use a sharp knife for even 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.
Delightful!
Quick easy and fills the need when looking for something sweet! Thank you
It was good, but I’m wondering if I could reduce the butter by two tablespoons & add in two extra tablespoons of peanut butter.
I haven’t tested this recipe with that change, but reducing the butter and adding more peanut butter could alter the texture.