Easy Peanut Butter Fudge – Only 4 Ingredients Required!

If you are looking for a quick and easy cookie tray recipe to make around the holidays, this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is your answer. Smooth and creamy fudge that comes together in minutes.

Not to mention that with only 4 ingredients this recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare. Simply melt a bag of peanut butter chips with sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth.

Then stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Next pour the entire contents in a parchment paper lined square or rectangular dish and your job is done!

Well I guess there is one more step to complete before you can take a bite into the sweet and creamy fudge. Once it has time to harden, you must slice the brick into bite size pieces.

Surprisingly this recipe will yield at least 3 dozen pieces of candy. However, because the fudge is rich tasting, you could actually cut the pieces even smaller to make close to 48 pieces.

It is a great opportunity to make a large batch of fudge to share with your family and friends. I use this recipe for cookie exchanges, bake sales, and Christmas cookie trays. However I also use it to package an edible gift to friends, service workers and more.

Although this recipe is extremely easy to make, there are a few helpful tips that will make it come together even better.

Tips For Making Fudge

1. Line The Dish With Parchment Paper

To prevent the fudge from sticking to the sides of the pan it is best to line it with parchment paper. Although to some this can seem like a difficult task. Getting the paper to fit down in a square or rectangular dish can easily be done with a couple of helpful tips.

Bikini Method

An easy way that you can get the parchment paper down into the pan to prevent the peanut butter fudge from sticking is to use the bikini method. This requires two pieces of parchment paper, therefore the reason it is called the bikini method.

Start by cutting a piece of parchment paper in the exact width of your pan. Be sure to cut the length where it will overhang two of the sides. Then cut another piece of parchment paper in the same way for the other side of the pan.

If you are using a square pan the two pieces of paper will be the same width and length. However if you are using a rectangular pan, the two sizes will be different.

Now line one piece of parchment paper inside the pan, creasing it at the edges. Then place the other piece in the opposite direction, again creasing the edges.

Although this seems like the easier method of placing parchment paper inside a baking dish, I typically line it using the cutting method.

Cutting Method

Use a large roll of parchment paper and cut enough so that the edges will overhang on at least two sides of the pan. Then place the parchment paper down inside of the dish and make a diagonal slit at the overhang on all 4 corners.

Then fold the edges over the pan and crease the inside corners. This will leave you with parchment paper that is relatively smooth and without wrinkles.

*Bonus Tip

No matter which method that you choose you can grease the pan with butter to help the paper adhere to the dish.

2. Measure The Peanut Butter In Advance

Because this easy peanut butter fudge recipe comes together so fast, it is important that you have your ingredients measured prior to starting this recipe. Although the peanut butter chips and sweetened condensed milk come in the exact measurements provided, you will still need to measure out the peanut butter and vanilla extract.

It is best to use a push measuring cup to measure the one cup of peanut butter required. Then when it is time to add it to the recipe you simply push down on the interior cylinder and the peanut butter easily comes out.

It is a much better way to get the exact amount of peanut butter that you need without wasting time trying to scrape a standard measuring cup. I use this 2 cup push measuring cup any time that I make Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, No Bake Snickers Cheesecake or mayo and sour cream based recipes like Slow Cooker Reuben Dip.

3. Use A Silicone Spatula

One of the best kitchen utensils that I have ever purchased is a stiff silicone spatula. Whenever I need to scrape down the side of a mixing bowl or mix ingredients that stick easily to wood utensils I choose a silicone spatula every time.

And because this easy peanut butter fudge recipe contains sticky ingredients, I always use a silicone spatula. However, make sure that you have a stiff silicone spatula and not a flimsy one that bends super easy.

The fudge mixture will be firm and will require some stirring. Therefore, choose a silicone spatula that can hold up to the pressure.

4. Smooth The Top

Now that you have the fudge heated and mixed it is time to pour it in the parchment paper lined pan. As I mentioned above, the mixture will be thick and firm.

Therefore, you will need to use that silicone spatula to spread the peanut butter fudge to all 4 corners and to smooth the top. Although you must work quickly before the fudge begins to harden, a little patience is required.

Use the edge of the spatula to push the mixture into the corners and around the edges. Then use the back of the spatula to smooth out the top.

If needed, you can add a drop or two of water and use your hand to smooth out any wrinkles. However, do not use more than two drops of liquid.

This will be plenty of liquid to get the top to smooth out if you give it just a little time. Then place the mixture in the refrigerator to harden.

5. Cut Off Edges For A Professional Look

Although not required, if you want a smooth edge on all four sides of the pieces of fudge, cut of the edges with a sharp knife.

I don’t personally mind slightly rounded edges. However, if you want the clean look for gifting to friends and family, you may want to do so.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 ounces peanut butter chips
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving the sides to overhang. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, add peanut butter chips and sweetened condensed milk. Use a silicone spatula to stir constantly until the peanut butter chips melt, being sure that you scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir.

Remove the pan from the heat source and add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir until well incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the parchment lined baking dish. Cover and let it sit to harden.

Depending on the heat and humidity in your house this could take anywhere from 2-4 hours. Or place the covered dish in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Once the peanut butter fudge is hard, carefully lift up on the edges of the parchment paper and remove the fudge from the baking dish. Cut into bite size pieces.

Enjoy! Mary

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