No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge: The Creamiest Holiday Treat
Who said holiday baking has to be stressful? With this no bake peanut butter fudge, you’ll get a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat ready in minutes, no oven needed! It’s one of the festive favorites featured in our Best 25 Easy No-Bake Christmas Desserts collection, making it perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
- Only 4 ingredients – pantry staples you already have.
- No stove, no thermometer, no stress.
- Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Great for gifting – package in little boxes for a homemade touch.
- Quick prep: just melt, mix, and chill.
Easy 4-Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
(Optional: add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of melted chocolate for variation.)

Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together (about 1–2 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Press mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish.
- Chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Mastering No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge: Variations and Long-Tail Tips
One of the best parts of making no bake peanut butter fudge is how simple it is to customize. Whether you prefer a classic smooth version or love experimenting with textures and flavors, this fudge adapts to every holiday craving.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge in the Microwave
If you’re short on time, the microwave method is a lifesaver. Simply melt peanut butter and butter together for about two minutes, stir in vanilla, and fold in powdered sugar until smooth. This microwave peanut butter fudge not only saves you from dirtying extra pots but also ensures a silky, lump-free texture every single time.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe with Only Four Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need is creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. No cream, no condensed milk, no fancy equipment. This truly is the easy 4-ingredient fudge that anyone, even beginner bakers, can master. It’s a pantry staples dessert that feels special enough for Christmas gifting but simple enough for a weekday treat.
Peanut Butter Fudge Without Cream or Condensed Milk
Traditional fudge often calls for heavy cream or condensed milk, but this version proves you don’t need them. By relying on the natural creaminess of peanut butter and the richness of butter, you’ll achieve a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This makes it lighter, quicker, and ideal for anyone avoiding canned ingredients.
Customizing Your Peanut Butter Fudge
Want to impress guests or create a personalized gift? Add-ins are your best friend. Try mixing in:
- Chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips for a peanut butter chocolate fudge twist.
- Swirls of caramel or melted dark chocolate for a gourmet touch.
- Holiday sprinkles to transform simple fudge into a festive centerpiece.
Best No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge That Sets Well
The secret to perfect set fudge is patience. Make sure to chill it for at least two hours (overnight is even better) before slicing into squares. This ensures clean cuts, a creamy bite, and a treat that holds up beautifully on a dessert platter or inside a fudge gift box.
By mastering these tips, you’ll always have a creamy, rich peanut butter fudge without stove or thermometer that’s versatile, gift-worthy, and 100% holiday-approved.
Flavor Variations of Peanut Butter Fudge
- Microwave peanut butter fudge – fastest method for busy days.
- Crunchy peanut butter fudge – swap creamy for crunchy.
- Peanut butter chocolate fudge – drizzle or swirl chocolate.
- Nutty fudge bars – add walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Gift-worthy fudge – package squares in tins or boxes.
Conseils pratiques
- Always line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- To avoid gritty fudge, sift powdered sugar before mixing.
- For best texture, let the fudge chill completely before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain creaminess.
- Double the recipe if you need a fudge gift idea.
Idées bonus
- Turn this recipe into fudge bars with cookie crumbs at the base.
- Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of powdered sugar for a creamier version.
- Mix in sprinkles for a festive Christmas touch.
How to Store and Freeze No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
- At room temperature: up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- In the fridge: 2–3 weeks.
- In the freezer: up to 3 months (wrap tightly in foil + freezer bag). To thaw, place in fridge overnight.
Make-Ahead Holiday Treat Everyone Loves
This rich peanut butter fudge is a holiday lifesaver: quick, versatile, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a dessert platter, need a last-minute homemade fudge gift, or just want something sweet with your coffee – this recipe delivers.
Épingle cette idée pour tes fêtes, partage avec tes amies, et surtout teste la recette dès aujourd’hui pour un succès garanti.
FAQ about Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Recipes
Q1. What is no-bake peanut butter fudge?
A creamy, rich dessert made with peanut butter, butter, sugar, and flavoring – no oven required.
Q2. How do you make peanut butter fudge without using a stove or thermometer?
Simply melt peanut butter and butter in the microwave, mix in sugar and vanilla, then chill until firm.
Q3. What ingredients are needed for no-bake peanut butter fudge?
Peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (plus optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate).
Q4. How long does no-bake peanut butter fudge need to chill before cutting?
At least 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Q5. How should I store no-bake peanut butter fudge to keep it fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Q6. Can I freeze peanut butter fudge and how should I thaw it?
Yes – freeze up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain texture.
Q7. What add-ins or toppings work well in peanut butter fudge?
Nuts, chocolate chips, swirls of melted chocolate, sprinkles, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
Q8. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives the fudge extra bite and texture.
Q9. How do I prevent peanut butter fudge from being gritty in texture?
How do I prevent peanut butter fudge from being gritty in texture?