Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge (Easy Recipe)

This old-fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe has been passed down for generations. This sweet favorite recipe produces a soft, creamy, peanut buttery fudge that will wow your family and friends.

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If you are looking for the perfect easy peanut butter fudge recipe for your holiday dessert table, then this is the best fudge recipe that you want to make as soon as possible. But don’t worry—this wonderful fudge is not hard to make, and you won’t regret trying this recipe.

Want more delicious peanut butter recipes to try out? If you loved this great recipe and you’d like some more recipes featuring the goodness of peanut butter, you could start with this Reeses Peanut Butter Cup cookie bars. Or, for some lunchtime ideas, make this delicious PB & Jelly Banana Sushi Tortilla Wrap.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to Make – This easy recipe doesn’t require any special tools or stands over a hot stove for a long time. You will enjoy the ease of this recipe.
Craveable – Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Cream Fluff for a perfectly creamy texture, making this an old-fashioned craveable dessert.
Great Flavor—With just a few basic ingredients, this classic old-fashioned creamy peanut butter fudge is sweet and full of peanut butter flavor, just like Grandma used to make.
Can be Frozen – can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

What’s In This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Ingredients for peanut butter fudge sitting on a wooden serving tray.

Sugar – The backbone of any fudge recipe, sugar sweetens the fudge and contributes to its classic, crystal-like texture.
Butter – Provides a rich, creamy base that complements the peanut butter, adding depth and a silky smooth consistency to the fudge.
Evaporated Milk – Unlike regular milk, evaporated milk adds a concentrated dairy flavor and creamy body without thinning the mixture too much, perfect for a dense fudge.
Salt – A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the fudge and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Peanut Butter – The star ingredient, peanut butter, infuses the fudge with its distinctive nutty taste and creamy texture. Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth consistency.
Marshmallow Fluff – This adds a soft, chewy texture to the fudge and ensures it sets properly without being too hard.
Vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract adds an aromatic depth, complementing the peanut butter and rounding out the flavors.
Red and Green M&Ms – These add a festive touch to the fudge and a slight crunch, offering a delightful textural contrast.

Substitutions and Variations

If you love peanut butter and chocolate together, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips when adding the M&Ms to your peanut butter chocolate fudge.
You can add different types of candy to make it your own or even chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
One more way to change up this old-fashioned fudge recipe is to use a different type of fluff (marshmallow, chocolate, etc.).

How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge With M&Ms (step-by-step directions)

Collage of mixing the ingredients for peanut butter fudge.

Combine sugar, butter, milk, and salt in a heavy 3 qt saucepan.
Bring this mixture to a full boil over high heat, making sure to stir constantly with a wooden spoon. (Photo 1)
Lower the heat to medium. Continue stirring for 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat. (Photo 2)
Add peanut butter to the mixture. Stir until the peanut butter has completely melted into the mixture. (Photo 3)
Incorporate vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff into the mix. Beat the mixture until both the vanilla and fluff are well blended and the fluff has fully melted. (Photo 4)

Collage of mixing M&Ms in a peanut butter fudge batter and spreading in a baking pan.

Quickly fold in the M&Ms (or other candy/chocolate chips if making substitutions).
Immediately spread the fudge mixture into a greased or parchment paper-lined 13×9 inch baking pan. (Photo 5)
Allow the fudge to cool. This can be done at room temperature for 2-3 hours or, for quicker setting, in the fridge for 1-2 hours. (Photo 6)

A pile of peanut butter fudge sitting on a wooden plate.

Recipe Tips

Be sure to wait until your mixture reaches a full rolling boil before you start your five-minute time.
To avoid a gritty texture, be sure to beat the marshmallow fluff until it is completely melted and smooth before blending in with other ingredients.
You can use any type of peanut butter that you desire to make this recipe, but I recommend using a natural variety with no salt or sugar added for the best results.

Storing Tips

For best results, store your old-fashioned peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

You can freeze this old-fashioned peanut butter fudge in a freezer-safe plastic wrap or container for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Add to your homemade fudge by pairing it with a range of complementary treats and beverages. For a cozy dessert setting, enjoy your fudge alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness for those who appreciate a richer taste combo, a smooth, dark chocolate hot cocoa pairs divinely or use something like hot chocolate spoons for a simple drink option.

If serving this fudge at a gathering, consider offering it with a charcuterie board of assorted cheeses and fruits such as sliced apples, pears, or grapes, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Additionally, a vanilla or caramel ice cream served next to this peanut butter delight can make for a more indulgent dessert option.

Stacks of Peanut Butter Fudge with red and green M&Ms.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need a candy thermometer to make this fudge?

No, you don’t need a candy thermometer. Just follow the directions in the recipe card, and you will have a delicious fudge.

Is this fudge soft or hard?

This easy fudge recipe is supposed to turn out soft, creamy, and peanut buttery.

Why did my fudge not set up after cooling?

If your homemade peanut butter fudge did not set up to the right consistency, it could be because you didn’t boil the sugar mixture long enough. If you try again, boil the fudge for the entire five minutes.

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5 from 5 votes