You know those days when you need a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why my Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is my go-to recipe. It’s the dessert I whip up when surprise guests arrive, when my sweet tooth hits hard at midnight, or when my kids beg for “just one more” after-school snack. The best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now. Creamy peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar – that’s it. No fancy techniques, no baking, just pure peanut butter bliss that comes together in minutes.
This recipe ( 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge ) has saved me more times than I can count, and it’s about to become your secret weapon too.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe is my ultimate dessert hack, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- So fast: From pantry to fridge in under 15 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings
- Minimal ingredients: Just peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar – no obscure items.
- No oven needed: Great for hot summer days when baking sounds miserable
- Dreamy texture: Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s impossible to resist
- Kid-approved: My toughest critics (my children) go crazy for these squares
Trust me, once you try this ridiculously simple fudge, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes.
Ingredients for Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just three pantry staples transform into magic. But listen, the quality of these ingredients makes all the difference. I learned this the hard way when I once grabbed whatever was cheapest (oops!). Now I’m picky, and you should be too:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Not the natural kind that separates, and definitely not crunchy (unless you want surprise texture). Go for classic creamy like Jif or Skippy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – Cut into chunks so it melts evenly. And please, real butter only – no margarine imposters.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Sift it if you’re fancy (I rarely do), but at least fluff it up in the bag first to prevent lumps.
That’s it, No eggs, no flour, no weird additives. Just pure, simple ingredients that create the most addictive fudge you’ll ever taste. Pro tip: measure everything before you start – this comes together fast once the melting begins.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part – you don’t need any fancy gadgets for this fudge. Just grab:
- 8×8-inch baking dish – My trusty Pyrex works perfectly
- Parchment paper – For easy fudge removal (no sticking disasters)
- Medium saucepan – Nothing too big, just enough to melt our buttery goodness
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring everything into creamy perfection
That’s seriously it. No mixer, no thermometer, just basic tools you definitely already own.
How to Make Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Ready for the easiest fudge-making session of your life? Let’s dive in. This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll feel like a dessert pro in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have creamy, dreamy peanut butter fudge ready to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first – grab your 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step is a lifesaver. Trust me, you don’t want to skip it unless you enjoy wrestling fudge out of the pan. Let the parchment hang over the edges a bit – it’ll make lifting the fudge out later a breeze. Smooth the paper down so it fits snugly, and you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter and Butter
Now, let’s get melting. Toss your peanut butter and butter chunks into a medium saucepan over low heat. Be patient here – low and slow is the way to go. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until everything is smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like a velvety peanut butter dream. Don’t rush this step – overheating can make the mixture separate, and we don’t want that.
Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar
Time to sweeten things up. Remove the saucepan from the heat and start adding the powdered sugar gradually. I’m talking a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. This is where the magic happens – the mixture will thicken up beautifully. Keep stirring until it’s completely smooth and no lumps remain. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sift the sugar first, but honestly, I usually skip that step and it still turns out perfect.
Step 4: Chill and Cut
Almost there, Pour your smooth fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours – I know, the waiting is the hardest part. Once it’s firm, lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into squares. I usually go for 16 pieces, but hey, you do you. Now, try not to eat them all at once – you’ve got a delicious batch of peanut butter fudge ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
After making this fudge more times than I can count (okay, maybe I have a problem), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Stick with regular peanut butter – The natural kind separates and makes greasy fudge. Learned that the messy way.
- Low heat is key – Melt your peanut butter and butter gently to avoid that weird oily separation.
- Freeze for clean cuts – Pop the chilled fudge in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing for picture-perfect squares.
- Room temp butter – Soft butter melts evenly and mixes better with the peanut butter.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get creamy, dreamy fudge every single time.
Variations for Easy Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (trust me, you’ll make it weekly), try these fun twists.
- Chocolate swirl: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and swirl into the fudge before chilling
- Sea salt sprinkle: Top with flaky salt right after pouring – sweet and salty perfection.
- Vanilla boost: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract with the powdered sugar
- Crunchy surprise: Stir in ¼ cup crushed pretzels or peanuts before chilling
My personal favorite? Adding Reese’s Pieces – it’s like peanut butter fudge confetti.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, freeze it – it’ll stay perfect for up to 3 months. No reheating needed – just let it come to room temperature for that creamy texture. Easy peasy.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this fudge (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy in moderation – it’s rich, creamy, and totally worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
I totally get wanting that extra crunch, but trust me – stick with creamy. Crunchy peanut butter makes the texture weirdly lumpy instead of that smooth melt-in-your-mouth perfection we’re after. If you want crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before chilling instead.
How long does this peanut butter fudge keep?
In an airtight container in the fridge, it’ll stay dreamy for about a week (if it lasts that long). You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Bonus: frozen fudge cuts cleaner.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead and keep all the same steps. Doubling works perfectly for holiday gifts or parties. My kids beg me to make extra batches for their lunchboxes.
Why did my fudge turn out oily?
Ah, been there. Usually means the peanut butter and butter got too hot while melting. Next time, keep the heat low and stir constantly. Also, avoid natural peanut butters – they separate like crazy in this recipe.
Can I microwave instead of stovetop?
Sure can, Use 30-second bursts, stirring well between each. Just don’t walk away – peanut butter burns fast. The stovetop gives more control, but microwaving works in a pinch.
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Print3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge: Creamy Bliss in Minutes
Make quick and delicious peanut butter fudge with just three ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt peanut butter and butter together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a firmer texture, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.
