Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – cut into pieces
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions
- 1.
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for lifting.
- 2.
In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, and unsalted butter. Set over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil, 3–5 minutes.
- 3.
Continue boiling, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 236–240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, 4–6 minutes more. If you don’t have a thermometer, a small spoonful dropped into cold water should form a soft, malleable ball.
- 4.
Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the marshmallow creme, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. Stir steadily until fully melted and smooth, 1–2 minutes.
- 5.
Scrape the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 6.
Let cool at room temperature until set, 2–3 hours, until the surface is firm to the touch and a knife cuts cleanly. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 36 squares. Store airtight at cool room temperature for up to 1 week.
Peanut Butter Fudge is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth confection that balances the roasted nuttiness of peanut butter with a creamy, buttery sweetness. The texture should be smooth and firm yet tender, breaking into neat squares that yield with each bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser on holiday trays, at bake sales, and anywhere a nostalgic, old-fashioned treat is welcome.
Fudge as a style of American candy emerged in the late 19th century, and peanut butter versions gained popularity in the early 20th century as peanut butter became a pantry staple. Over time, cooks refined techniques to prevent graininess, often turning to marshmallow creme for stability and silkiness. Today, Peanut Butter Fudge sits alongside chocolate and maple as a classic of American home confectionery.
