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3 ingredient peanut butter fudge squares cut and stacked on white parchment paper showing creamy texture

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe | Quick & Creamy Treat

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This incredibly easy 3 ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe requires just butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar to create a rich, creamy confection that melts in your mouth. Ready in just 12 minutes of active prep time, this no-bake fudge is perfect for last-minute desserts, holiday treats, potlucks, or satisfying sudden sweet cravings. The foolproof recipe yields 16 generous squares of smooth, decadent peanut butter fudge that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With no candy thermometer needed and no complicated techniques, even beginner cooks can master this classic American treat. Store at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months, making it ideal for make-ahead desserts and homemade gift giving.

  • Total Time: 12 minutes active (plus 2-4 hours setting time)
  • Yield: 16 squares

Ingredients

Scale
The three ingredients for peanut butter fudge—powdered sugar, butter, and creamy peanut butter—in separate glass bowls on a wooden table.

 

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (258g) creamy peanut butter (commercial brand, not natural)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted (measure before sifting)

Instructions

Unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a glass bowl before being melted to make 3 ingredient fudge.

Step 1: Add unsalted butter and peanut butter to a heat-safe, microwave-safe bowl.

Melted butter and peanut butter stirred into a smooth, creamy mixture in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Microwave until melted, then stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Powdered sugar added to the melted peanut butter and butter mixture in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 3: Transfer the melted peanut butter and butter mixture to a stand mixer bowl, then add the powdered sugar.

The 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge mixture fully combined into a thick, smooth batter in a mixer bowl.

Step 4: Mix until the fudge is fully combined and smooth.

Peanut butter fudge mixture spread evenly into a foil-lined square baking pan before setting.

Step 5: Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down and smoothing the top into an even layer. Let it set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.

Set 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge cut into 16 even squares and arranged on a wooden surface.

Step 6: Once set, cut the fudge into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Critical for success: Use commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy), NOT natural peanut butter which will cause oil separation and prevent proper setting
  • Sifting powdered sugar is essential to avoid lumps in final product
  • For chocolate peanut butter version: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder with the powdered sugar
  • For crunchy texture: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips after mixing
  • Fudge will seem soft when warm but firms up perfectly during setting time
  • Cut with a hot knife for cleanest edges
  • Can double recipe for a 9×13-inch pan (32 squares)
  • Altitude adjustment: Above 3,000 feet, reduce butter by 2 tablespoons
  • Author: Roz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwave time)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian