The Easiest 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge: Creamy, Quick & Absolutely Irresistible!

Are you searching for a dessert that’s incredibly rich, wonderfully creamy, and surprisingly simple to prepare? Look no further than this fantastic **Peanut Butter Fudge** recipe! It delivers the most decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience imaginable, and the best part is, it only requires three basic ingredients. This makes it an incredibly quick and easy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests without any fuss.

You’ll be absolutely amazed at how effortlessly this quick fudge recipe comes together. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by making fudge, perhaps due to complicated steps or the need for a candy thermometer, this recipe is your perfect introduction. It’s designed for simplicity and guaranteed success.

As someone who doesn’t consider myself a professional baker, I can confidently say that this recipe is genuinely foolproof. It quickly became our go-to for the best homemade peanut butter fudge, offering a deliciously intense peanut flavor that everyone adores. It’s truly one of our favorite Peanut Butter Desserts, especially when you need a speedy treat.

Beyond this delightful peanut butter version, I also love preparing other easy fudge recipes for various occasions, particularly during the holiday season. Our Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe and Maple Fudge are equally amazing and showcase just how versatile and straightforward homemade fudge can be. But for pure peanut butter bliss with minimal effort, this 3-ingredient recipe is truly unmatched!

Why You Will Love This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe:

This 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, creamy sweets. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Unbelievably Simple with Just 3 Ingredients: Forget long grocery lists! This entire recipe requires only white chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk. This simplicity not only saves time but also makes it incredibly budget-friendly, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients for an extraordinary dessert.
• Rich, Creamy, and Bursting with Peanut Butter Flavor: Every single bite of this fudge is a luxurious experience. It boasts an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly balanced with a deep, authentic peanut butter taste. It’s truly a dream for peanut butter lovers, offering a decadent treat that feels gourmet despite its easy preparation.
• No Special Equipment Needed (No Candy Thermometer!): One of the biggest hurdles for many aspiring fudge makers is the candy thermometer. With this recipe, you can toss that worry aside! You won’t need any specialized tools, making it accessible for absolute beginners. A microwave, a mixing bowl, and a baking pan are all you need to create this amazing treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick dessert for an unexpected guest, a delicious homemade gift for the holidays, or simply a treat to satisfy a craving, this fudge fits the bill. Its beautiful appearance and delicious flavor make it suitable for any gathering, big or small.
• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time (around 10 minutes!), you can have this fudge mixture ready to chill in no time. The quick preparation means you can whip up a batch on a whim without having to plan hours in advance.

Simple Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge

The magic of this peanut butter fudge lies in its minimal and easily accessible ingredients. Just three items from your pantry are all it takes to create this delightful confection.

• White Chocolate Chips: These provide the primary sweetness and form the structural base of the fudge. When melted with the peanut butter, they create that smooth, firm-but-creamy texture we all love. Quality white chocolate chips will give you the best flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: This is where the star flavor comes from! It’s crucial to use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe. Do not use natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate its oils, which can cause the fudge to become oily, grainy, or fail to set properly, resulting in a crumbly texture. Stick to the classic creamy varieties for perfect results every time.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is the secret to the fudge’s incredible creaminess and delightful sweetness. It acts as a binder, helps create that smooth texture, and adds a rich, milky flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully. Make sure you grab *sweetened* condensed milk, not evaporated milk!

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Delicious Recipe Additions & Variations:

While this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge is perfect on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creative additions. Feel free to customize your batch with these delightful ideas:

• Marshmallow Creme: For an even softer, fluffier, and ultra-creamy fudge texture, you can fold in about 1 cup of marshmallow cream (like Fluff) right after mixing in the sweetened condensed milk. It adds a subtle sweetness and an irresistible chewiness.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the set fudge adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness. It also prevents the fudge from sticking if you stack it for storage or gifting.
• Chocolate Fudge Twist: Craving a classic chocolate and peanut butter combo? Simply swap the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to create a rich chocolate fudge. You can even swirl both white and chocolate mixtures together for a marble effect!
• Candy & Topping Overload: Elevate your fudge with various candies and toppings.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: Stir these in for an extra boost of peanut butter flavor and a lovely texture contrast.
  • Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces and folded into the mixture or sprinkled on top before chilling, are a match made in heaven.
  • Reese’s Pieces: These colorful candies add a fun crunch and more peanut butter goodness.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: A classic addition that never disappoints.
  • Chopped Nuts: Roasted peanuts, pecans, or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before chilling beautifully enhances the flavors and provides a wonderful salty-sweet contrast.

  Stir these additions into the fudge mixture just before pouring it into the pan, or press them gently onto the top for a decorative finish.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge: Step-by-Step:

Making this creamy peanut butter fudge is incredibly straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

• Prepare Your Pan: First, you’ll need an 8×8-inch baking pan. Lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. Then, line the pan with waxed paper or parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This overhang acts as “handles” to easily lift the set fudge out of the pan. Set the prepared pan aside.

Expert Tips for Cutting Perfect Fudge Squares:

Achieving clean, professional-looking fudge squares is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. When your delicious peanut butter fudge is ready to be served, follow these steps for pristine cuts:

• Effortless Removal from Pan: If you’ve lined your pan with parchment paper or waxed paper and left an overhang (which we highly recommend!), removing the entire block of fudge from the pan will be a breeze. Simply grab the “handles” of the paper and lift. This allows you to cut the fudge on a flat surface, like a cutting board, which is much easier and safer.
• The Warm Knife Technique: For the cleanest, smoothest cuts that don’t drag or crumble the fudge, run your sharp knife under very hot water for about 30 seconds. Quickly wipe it completely dry with a towel (to avoid adding moisture to your fudge) before making each cut. The warm blade will glide through the fudge like butter, creating perfectly defined edges. Re-warm and wipe your knife after every few cuts.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp, thin blade is your best friend when cutting fudge. It minimizes pressure, which helps prevent the fudge from cracking or distorting. A chef’s knife or even a long, thin-bladed slicing knife works wonderfully.
• Always Cut Cold Fudge: Resist the urge to cut your fudge when it’s at room temperature or even slightly softened. Fudge is much firmer and easier to cut cleanly when it’s thoroughly chilled. Ensure it has had sufficient time in the refrigerator (at least 2 hours) or even a quick stint in the freezer before you begin slicing. Cold fudge means crisp, neat squares every time.
• Even Pressure and Straight Cuts: Apply even, firm pressure when cutting, and try to make each cut in one smooth motion. For perfectly uniform squares or rectangles, you can use a ruler to guide your knife, especially if you’re making a batch for gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Fudge

Essential Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Fudge:

Follow these expert tips to ensure your 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every time:

• Always Use Creamy Peanut Butter: We cannot stress this enough! For the best texture and to ensure your fudge sets properly, always opt for creamy, processed peanut butter. Natural peanut butter, with its separated oils, will lead to a greasy, crumbly, or unset fudge that simply won’t hold together. Stick to brands like Jif or Skippy for consistent results.
• Don’t Skip the Pan Lining (with Overhang!): After lightly spraying your 8×8-inch baking pan, lining it with parchment paper or waxed paper is absolutely essential. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges of the pan. This ingenious little trick makes removing the entire slab of fudge from the pan incredibly easy once it’s set, simplifying the cutting process and making cleanup a breeze.
• Ensure Thorough Melting and Mixing: When melting the white chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave, use short 30-second intervals and stir vigorously after each one. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, lump-free base. Once the sweetened condensed milk is added, continue to stir until the mixture is completely homogeneous and streak-free. Any unmixed portions can affect the final texture.
• Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your fudge fresh, soft, and prevent it from drying out, always store it in an airtight container. This will lock in the moisture and protect its delicious flavor for days. You can keep it at room temperature, but if you prefer a firmer fudge or live in a warm climate, the refrigerator is a great option.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While simple is delicious, don’t hesitate to personalize your fudge! Sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dash of flaky sea salt on top before chilling for added texture and flavor. This also makes your fudge look more appealing if you’re serving it to guests or giving it as a gift.
• Avoid Overheating: When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, less is more. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or the mixture to become grainy. Gentle, gradual heating with frequent stirring is the key to a silky-smooth base.
• For even more comprehensive fudge-making advice, try these 5 tips to making amazing fudge from our sister site!

More Irresistible Fudge Recipes to Try

If you loved how easy and delicious this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge was, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other simple fudge recipes that are equally delightful and perfect for any occasion. Expand your fudge-making repertoire with these tempting options:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge: A wonderful variation that combines the richness of peanut butter with the classic goodness of chocolate chips for an irresistible combo.
• Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe: While not a solid fudge, this luscious sauce is perfect for topping ice cream and other desserts, delivering that deep chocolatey flavor you crave.
• 3 Minute Microwave Fudge: For those times when you need an instant sweet fix, this recipe is a true lifesaver – quick, easy, and satisfying!
• Oreo Fudge Recipe: A crunchy, creamy delight packed with everyone’s favorite cookie. This one is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe: The classic, velvety smooth chocolate fudge that never goes out of style. Simple, rich, and utterly delicious.
• Butterscotch Fudge: A delightful, caramel-like sweet treat that offers a unique flavor profile and a wonderfully smooth texture.

We encourage you to try this incredibly easy recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone new to making candy or a reliable favorite for seasoned dessert enthusiasts. Once you’ve made it and experienced its creamy deliciousness, please come back and leave a star rating and a comment! Your feedback helps us and other readers.