Peanut Butter Fudge

Latest Blogs

Peanut butter fudge is one of those desserts that makes people stop mid-conversation, smile, and reach for “just one more” piece. Creamy, nutty, a little salty and perfectly sweet, it’s the kind of old-fashioned treat that never goes out of style.

At Arndt’s Fudgery, we’ve been crafting fudge and other sweets for generations, using recipes that go back more than a century. Our peanut butter fudge is one of the flavors customers ask for again and again—whether they’re building a gift box, ordering a tray for a party, or just treating themselves after a long day.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes peanut butter fudge so special, how it’s made, and some delicious ways to enjoy and share it.

What Exactly Is Peanut Butter Fudge?

Peanut butter fudge is a smooth, dense confection made from a mixture of sugar, dairy, butter and peanut butter. When it’s done right, you get:

  • A soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth

  • A rich peanut flavor with just enough sweetness

  • Clean, even squares that hold their shape on a platter or in a gift box

Unlike a simple peanut butter candy, fudge is cooked to a specific temperature (the “soft-ball” stage) and then cooled and beaten until it becomes velvety and thick.

The result is a classic candy-shop treat that feels a little nostalgic and a lot indulgent.

peanut butter fudge

How Peanut Butter Fudge Is Made (The Short Version)

Every candy maker has their own tweaks, but most old-fashioned peanut butter fudge follows a similar process.

1. Start with quality ingredients

Great fudge starts with great basics:

  • Peanut butter – smooth and rich, so the texture stays creamy

  • Sugar – usually granulated sugar, sometimes with brown sugar for a deeper flavor

  • Butter – adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel

  • Milk or cream – for body and smoothness

  • Vanilla – to round out the flavors

At Arndt’s Fudgery, we combine these staples with time-tested methods and careful temperature control to get consistent results in every batch.

2. Cook to the right stage

The sugar, milk and butter are gently cooked until they reach the soft-ball stage—roughly the temperature range used for fudges and similar candies. At this point, the mixture is thick and glossy but still pourable.

Once it’s ready, the pan comes off the heat and the peanut butter and vanilla are stirred in until completely smooth.

3. Beat, pour, cool

After cooking, the mixture needs to cool slightly and be beaten until it begins to lose its shine. That’s when it transforms from a hot syrup into creamy fudge. It’s then poured into prepared pans, smoothed out, and left to cool completely before being cut into squares.

It sounds simple—but hitting the right temperature, cooling time and texture takes practice, patience and a good eye. That’s where a century of fudge-making experience really shows.

Flavors & Variations: More Than One Kind of Peanut Butter Fudge

“Peanut butter fudge” isn’t just one flavor. Once you’ve got a great base, you can create all kinds of variations:

  • Classic creamy peanut butter fudge – smooth, rich and all about that peanut flavor

  • Chocolate-swirled peanut butter fudge – ribbons of chocolate run through the peanut butter base

  • Salted peanut butter fudge – topped with a sprinkle of flaky salt for a sweet-and-salty bite

  • Nut-studded fudge – chopped peanuts, pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

  • Layered fudge – one layer peanut butter, one layer chocolate for a striking, bakery-style look

In the shop, peanut butter fudge also shows up in fudge gift boxes, tubs, tins and bagged peanut butter fudge pieces, so customers can choose the format that fits the occasion—whether that’s an office thank-you gift or a movie-night snack at home.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+1

peanut butter fudfge

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is fantastic all on its own, but a few simple ideas can make it the star of the table.

1. Build a dessert board

Create a fudge-forward dessert board with:

  • Peanut butter fudge squares

  • Chocolate or maple fudge for contrast

  • Fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices, grapes)

  • Nuts and pretzels for crunch and salt

  • A small bowl of chocolate chips or candies

It’s eye-catching, easy to assemble, and perfect for holidays and gatherings.

2. Peanut butter fudge + ice cream

Cut the fudge into small cubes and scatter them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Add warm chocolate sauce and chopped peanuts for a sundae that tastes like a peanut butter cup in a bowl.

3. Bite-size coffee companion

Keep a tin of peanut butter fudge on hand to serve with coffee:

  • One small square next to a cappuccino or espresso

  • A plate of fudge on the table after dinner instead of a full plated dessert

The rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with dark, hot drinks.

4. Party favors & thank-you treats

Wrap two or three cubes of fudge in a small bag or box and tie with ribbon. They make simple but memorable:

  • Wedding favors

  • Teacher gifts

  • Office thank-you treats

  • Host/hostess gifts

When you use Arndt’s Fudgery fudge, you’re sending something that feels handmade and thoughtful rather than generic.

How to Store Peanut Butter Fudge

Good storage keeps peanut butter fudge tasting as fresh as the day it was cut.

  • Room temperature: In an airtight container and a cool, dry place, peanut butter fudge usually stays delicious for about 1–2 weeks.

  • Refrigerator: Wrapped well and stored in an airtight container, it can last around 3 weeks.

  • Freezer: Wrapped in layers and stored in a freezer-safe container, fudge can often be kept for up to 3 months and still taste great once thawed.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+3Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+3Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+3

To serve, let chilled or frozen fudge come back to room temperature so the texture returns to soft, creamy perfection.

(For a deeper dive into shelf life and freezing, you can point readers to your dedicated fudge storage articles.)

Why Arndt’s Fudgery Peanut Butter Fudge Stands Out

There are plenty of fudge recipes online, but not all fudge is created equal. Here’s what makes Arndt’s peanut butter fudge special:

  • Heritage & experience – Arndt’s Fudgery has been delighting customers with candy and fudge since the early 1900s, and that experience shows in every batch.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+1

  • Carefully selected ingredients – From the peanut butter to the dairy and sugar, ingredients are chosen for flavor and consistency, not shortcuts.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+2Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+2

  • Small-batch craftsmanship – Fudge is cooked, cooled and cut with attention to detail, so the texture stays smooth rather than grainy or crumbly.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+1

  • Flexible formats – Loaves, tubs, gift boxes, gift tins, and bagged pieces give customers lots of ways to enjoy and share their favorite flavor.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+1

Whether someone visits your Newton, IL store or orders online, they’re getting the same old-fashioned quality that keeps people coming back.

Peanut Butter Fudge FAQs

Use these both on the page and as FAQ schema.

1. Is peanut butter fudge the same as regular fudge?
Not exactly. Classic chocolate fudge is usually cocoa- or chocolate-based, while peanut butter fudge gets most of its flavor from peanut butter. The cooking method is similar, but the taste and texture are different enough that many people have a clear favorite.

2. Does peanut butter fudge need to be refrigerated?
It doesn’t have to be. At normal room temperature, it’s usually fine for a week or two in an airtight container. Refrigeration simply helps it last longer, especially in warmer weather.

3. Can I freeze peanut butter fudge for later?
Yes. Wrap the fudge tightly (individual pieces or whole slabs), place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to about three months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving so it stays creamy rather than hard.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+2Arndt’s Fudgery LLC+2

4. What’s the best way to cut fudge into neat squares?
Use a sharp knife, warm it briefly in hot water, dry it, then cut straight down instead of sawing. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the edges clean.Arndt’s Fudgery LLC

5. I love peanut butter fudge but don’t want to make it—what are my options?
That’s where Arndt’s Fudgery shines. You can order peanut butter fudge in gift boxes, tubs, tins or mixed assortments, or pick up fudge in-store if you’re nearby. It’s the easiest way to enjoy authentic, handcrafted fudge without watching a candy thermometer.

 

Check out our Facebook!