Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Simplicity is the ultimate indulgence when it comes to homemade treats.
I’ve tested countless fudge recipes, but this one consistently steals the show at family gatherings. With just peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar (plus a splash of vanilla that I don’t count in the three), you’ll create melt-in-your-mouth magic in minutes.
No candy thermometer required, no boiling sugar, no precise timing. Just melt, mix, chill.
Perfect for those last-minute dessert emergencies or when your sweet tooth demands satisfaction. The texture? Creamy, rich, and firm enough to cut into perfect little squares.
What Ingredients are in 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge?
This peanut butter fudge is the definition of decadent simplicity. The beauty of this recipe lies in its short ingredient list—just three main components that transform into something magical when combined.
It’s the kind of treat that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you barely broke a sweat. The rich, creamy texture comes from the perfect balance of fats and sweetness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience that good fudge should always deliver.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (240g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks or 226g)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract (technically the 4th ingredient, but who’s counting?)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters more than you might think. Opt for a commercial creamy peanut butter rather than natural styles that can separate and affect the texture.
Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness, though if you prefer a more sweet-salty contrast, salted butter works in a pinch. And sifting that powdered sugar beforehand? Not strictly necessary, but it can help avoid any lumps in your final product.
The vanilla might be the “bonus” ingredient, but don’t skip it—that subtle flavor depth is what elevates this from good to “can’t stop eating it” territory.
How to Make This 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Making this fudge couldn’t be simpler, and that’s precisely what makes it my go-to when I need something impressive with minimal effort.
Start by combining 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. This duo forms the rich, creamy base that gives the fudge its irresistible texture. Pop it in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes, then give it a good stir. The mixture mightn’t be completely melted yet—that’s totally normal. Just return it to the microwave for another minute or two until everything is gloriously smooth and combined.
Once your peanut butter-butter mixture is melted to perfection, it’s time to add that fourth ingredient we’re pretending doesn’t count: 1 teaspoon of non-alcoholic vanilla extract. This tiny addition makes such a difference in the depth of flavor, trust me.
Now comes the slightly more challenging part—gradually adding 4 cups of powdered sugar while stirring continuously. The mixture will become increasingly stiff as you work, and you might wonder if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not. This thickness is exactly what we want for a fudge that sets properly and holds its shape when cut.
After achieving that thick, uniform consistency, transfer your mixture into an 8×8-inch dish lined with parchment paper. The parchment is non-negotiable unless you enjoy chiseling fudge off the bottom of your pan.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish—a silicone spatula works wonders here, preventing the mixture from sticking to your tools.
Now comes the hardest part: waiting. Refrigerate your creation for at least 2 hours until it’s completely firm.
When that timer finally dings, remove the fudge, lift it out using the parchment paper edges, and cut into squares. Small squares, mind you—this stuff is rich enough to make your teeth tingle with just one bite.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s play with some swaps and twists that’ll keep this fudge in your regular rotation without boring your taste buds.
Try crunchy peanut butter for texture, or almond butter for a nuttier profile.
Can’t do dairy? Coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter.
I’ve found that brown sugar gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness when substituted for some of the powdered sugar.
For mix-ins, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped Reese’s cups transform this simple treat.
Sprinkle flaky salt on top. Trust me, that sweet-salty combo? Heaven in every bite.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Pairing your homemade peanut butter fudge with complementary treats turns a simple dessert into a memorable experience.
I love serving mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the warm-cold contrast is divine when the fudge is fresh. Hot beverages are perfect companions too; think rich coffee or spiced chai that cut through the sweetness.
For an indulgent dessert board, I arrange fudge squares alongside fresh berries, banana slices, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.
And let’s not forget a glass of cold milk—possibly the most classic pairing of all. Isn’t there something nostalgic about milk and fudge?
Final Thoughts
While you might find some desserts require culinary school precision, this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge proves that simplicity often yields the most satisfying results. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and minimal effort make it my go-to when I need a quick sweet fix or last-minute gift.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, sometimes adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt. Trust me, it’s almost impossible to mess up. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill. Next time you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, remember this fudge. Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stir, then continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until completely melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Gradually add powdered sugar while stirring continuously until mixture becomes thick and uniform.
- Transfer mixture to an 8x8-inch dish lined with parchment paper.
- Press mixture firmly and evenly into the dish using a silicone spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm.
- Remove from pan using parchment paper edges and cut into small squares.
