Okay, real talk — peanut butter fudge is one of those snacks that vanishes the second it hits the table. Like, I swear I turn around for two seconds, and poof… gone. And honestly, I get it. This stuff is smooth, sweet, and kind of tastes like childhood summers and lazy weekends.

If you want a treat that feels homemade without the whole “ugh, why is this taking forever?” situation, this peanut butter fudge hits the spot. And yeah, it only needs a handful of ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen.

Before I start rambling again (which I totally do sometimes), let’s jump into what you need.

Ingredients You Need

Simple pantry stuff — nothing wild:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt (if you like a little balance)

And that’s it. Seriously. Wild how such a small list makes something this good.

Why I Love This Peanut Butter Fudge

You know when you want something sweet but your brain goes, “Ugh, do I really wanna stand here forever?” Yeah, same. This fudge saves me every time. It’s quick, it’s rich, and—honestly—it tastes like something your grandma would brag about at a potluck.

Plus, the smell in the kitchen? Good luck not grabbing a spoon while it cooks.

Step-by-Step Directions (Super Simple, I Promise)

1. Heat the sugar and milk

I bring the sugar and milk to a boil in a medium pot. Try not to stare at it like I do (it kinda hypnotizes me), but keep the heat steady until it bubbles.

2. Let it cook a little

I keep it going for a few minutes — just enough for the mix to thicken a bit. Nothing fancy, you’ll just see it start to look a little richer.

3. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla

Once the mix is hot and ready, I pull the pot off the heat. Then I toss in the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Everything melts together into this dreamy, creamy goodness. I seriously have to stop myself from “taste testing” half the pot.

4. Pour and chill

I pour the mixture into a lined dish (foil or parchment saves cleanup — trust me). Then I let it cool until firm.
If you’re impatient like me, you’ll probably keep poking it, asking, “Is it ready yet?” No shame.

Tips to Make It Faster (My Lazy-Day Tricks)

• Use a slightly wider pot — things warm quicker.
• Chill the dish ahead of time — makes it set sooner.
• Don’t skip the pinch of salt — seriously, it brings the flavor together.
• Cut it before it gets too firm — or you’ll end up sawing through it like you’re carving a tree stump. Been there.

Fun Ways to Switch It Up

Okay, I’m not saying you should get wild, but if you want to, here are some ideas I’ve tried:

• Add mini chocolate chips on top (they melt a bit and look cute).
• Sprinkle crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
• Swirl in a little jelly — like a PB&J fudge moment.
• Mix in chopped peanuts if you like some texture.

Just don’t overthink it. This fudge pretty much always comes out good.

Final Thoughts (and a Warning)

If you bring this peanut butter fudge to a party, don’t expect leftovers.
Like, seriously — people grab this stuff like it’s Black Friday at Target.

It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it hits all the American classic dessert vibes.
Make it once, and you’ll probably end up making it again next week… or tomorrow… or tonight. I’m not judging.