Super Velvety 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

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Some desserts just stick with you. Peanut butter fudge is one of those treats that instantly takes you back—maybe to holidays at Grandma’s house, a handwritten recipe card tucked in a drawer, or sneaking just one more piece before dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting in a way only peanut butter can be.

This is the kind of recipe you make when the grandkids are coming over, when you need something sweet for a holiday plate, or when you simply want a little treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. No special occasion required—sometimes “just because” is the best reason of all.

And the best part? There’s no baking, no stress, and no fancy equipment involved. If you can stir and pour, you can make this fudge. It’s simple, reliable, and wonderfully old-fashioned—in the very best way.

Why This 3-Ingredient Fudge Is So Irresistible

First, let’s talk texture—because this fudge is super velvety. It’s smooth, creamy, and melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite. Not crumbly. Not gritty. Just soft, rich perfection every time.

The flavor is what really seals the deal. You get that classic peanut butter taste with just the right balance of sweet and salty—not overpowering, not too sugary. It’s the kind of fudge where one piece is satisfying… but somehow you still go back for another.

This recipe is also wonderfully forgiving. With only three ingredients, there’s very little that can go wrong, which makes it perfect for busy days, last-minute desserts, or cooking with little helpers in the kitchen. And because it stores so well, it’s great for sharing, gifting, or tucking into the freezer “for later” (though later sometimes comes pretty quickly).

What You’ll Need (Only 3 Ingredients)

This is one of those wonderfully simple recipes where less really is more. Just three classic ingredients—no candy thermometers, no complicated steps, and no running back to the store.

1 cup unsalted butter

This is what gives the fudge its rich, silky base. Using unsalted butter lets you control the flavor and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced. Once melted, it creates that smooth, velvety texture we’re after.

1 cup creamy peanut butter

The star of the show. Smooth peanut butter blends easily with the butter and sugar, creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. It adds richness and that comforting peanut butter flavor everyone loves.

4 cups powdered sugar

This brings everything together. Powdered sugar sweetens the fudge while keeping it smooth and tender—no graininess, no fuss. It’s what gives the fudge that classic, old-fashioned texture you remember.

That’s it. Three pantry staples, one bowl, and a batch of peanut butter fudge that tastes like love wrapped in a square.

How to Make Super Velvety Peanut Butter Fudge

This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually very simple. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t worry—this fudge is wonderfully forgiving.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before you melt anything, take a moment to prep your pan. This tiny step makes a big difference later.

Line your pan with parchment paper, letting a little extra hang over the sides. Think of it like creating handles—when the fudge is set, you’ll be able to lift the whole thing out cleanly instead of wrestling with stuck corners. If you don’t have parchment, lightly greasing the pan will still work, but parchment is the easiest route.

As for pan size, it really depends on how thick you like your fudge. An 8×8-inch pan gives you nice, thick, bakery-style squares. Prefer thinner pieces that are easier to nibble? A 9×13-inch pan works beautifully. There’s no wrong choice—just personal preference.

Step 2: Melt & Mix

Now for the cozy part—the melting and stirring.

Melt the butter gently, either on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Low and slow is the key here. You want the butter fully melted but not bubbling or browned.

Once melted, stir in the peanut butter until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. It should smell absolutely wonderful at this point. Remove it from the heat, then gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring as you go. At first, it may look thick and a little stubborn—that’s normal. Keep stirring until everything comes together into a smooth, creamy mixture with no dry pockets of sugar.

You’ll know it’s ready when the fudge mixture looks silky and pulls away from the sides of the bowl easily.

Step 3: Pour, Smooth, and Chill

Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. A spatula works great, but if things get sticky, lightly greasing the spatula or using the back of a spoon helps smooth the top beautifully.

Don’t worry about perfection—once it sets, those little swirls and lines disappear into creamy goodness.

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill until firm, about 2–3 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the freezer works too—just check it after about 45 minutes. Once set, lift it out using the parchment, slice into squares, and try not to “taste test” too many before serving.

Read Also: The Most Decadent 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe You’ll Ever Make

How to Cut, Store, and Freeze Fudge

Once your fudge is set, this is the easy (and satisfying) part—but a few little tips make it look prettier and keep it tasting just as good days (or weeks) later.

Best Knife Technique for Clean Squares

If you want those neat, bakery-style squares, the secret is simpler than you think. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Even better—run the knife under hot water, dry it off, then slice. The warmth helps the blade glide right through the fudge instead of dragging.

Take your time and don’t press too hard. Let the knife do the work. And if your squares aren’t perfectly even? That’s okay. Homemade fudge is supposed to look homemade—that’s part of its charm.

How Long It Keeps at Room Temp vs. the Fridge

This peanut butter fudge is pretty forgiving. If your kitchen isn’t too warm, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays soft and easy to bite—perfect for snacking.

For longer storage, the refrigerator is your best friend. Stored in an airtight container, the fudge will keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving so it softens slightly—that’s when the texture really shines.

Freezer-Friendly Tips for Make-Ahead Treats

This fudge freezes wonderfully, which makes it perfect for holidays, visits from grandkids, or those moments when you want a sweet treat ready to go.

Cut the fudge into squares first, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Frozen fudge keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let a piece thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. It tastes just as creamy and delicious as the day you made it—maybe even better knowing it was waiting there for you.

Common Questions (Quick Answers)

If you’re anything like most of us, a few questions pop up while you’re stirring—or right after the fudge sets. That’s completely normal. Here are the most common ones, with simple, no-stress answers.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but there’s a little catch. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the fudge softer and a bit oily. If you do use it, make sure it’s very well stirred before measuring, and know that the texture may be slightly less firm.

For the creamiest, most reliable results—especially if you’re making this for guests or gifting—regular creamy peanut butter works best. Once you’ve made the recipe once, then you can start experimenting if you’d like.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully and is perfect when you’re making fudge for holidays, family gatherings, or a full dessert tray.

Just double all three ingredients evenly and use a larger pan (like a 9×13) so the fudge isn’t overly thick. The mixing may take a little more arm power, but the process stays exactly the same. More fudge, same easy method—always a win.

What if my fudge is too soft or too firm?

If your fudge is too soft, it usually just needs more time to chill. Pop it back in the refrigerator for another hour or so and see if it firms up. If it’s still soft, it may have needed a bit more powdered sugar—but don’t worry, it will still taste delicious.

If your fudge is too firm, it was likely packed with a little extra sugar or mixed too long. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving usually softens it right up. Next time, measure the sugar lightly and stop stirring as soon as everything is smooth.

And remember—perfect or not, homemade fudge is always better than store-bought. A little softness or firmness never stops anyone from going back for another piece.

Read Also: The Best 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe You’ll Ever Make

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