No-bake Crispy Peanut Butter Fudge is smooth, luscious, and a little crunchy thanks to the rice krispies. Make it on the stove or in the microwave!
The best peanut butter fudge recipe
I can never get enough of creamy homemade fudge. Whether I’m snacking on chocolate fudge and pumpkin fudge in the fall or tuxedo fudge around the holidays, each bite is always so smooth and addicting.
This recipe for Crispy Peanut Butter Fudge is always a hit in my house and I often have to hide it so we don’t eat it all in one sitting! Creamy peanut butter is mixed with sugar, butter, milk, and crispy rice cereal before it’s melted down and poured into a dish to set in the fridge with no baking at all. That’s really how easy it is!
The best part? It’s made with 7 easy ingredients using just in 1 pot on the stove or in the microwave. You can forget all about the sticky cleanup or too many dishes in the sink.
This fun and easy peanut butter fudge recipe will have your whole family addicted, just like mine. You can even have fun with it by adding in nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, or any of your favorite cereals for texture and flavor. The flavor combinations are truly endless!
How to make peanut butter fudge
Who knew homemade fudge could be so easy to make? Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the microwave, the sweet and nutty mixture comes together in minutes before it sets in the fridge for a few hours. Here’s how to make this delicious make-ahead dessert:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk before bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir, then remove it from the heat.
Stir the peanut butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture, then fold in the rice crispy treats.
Pour the soft fudge into an 8×8 pan (I love these nonstick pans) and sprinkle a few tablespoons of rice krispies on top.
Let the peanut butter fudge set in the fridge overnight before cutting and serving.
How to make microwave peanut butter fudge
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Stir the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture in batches until a smooth fudge forms.
- Fold in the rice crispy treats, then pour the fudge into your pan. Add some extra rice crispy cereal on top, then let the fudge chill in the fridge overnight.
Tips and tricks
- To cut fudge easily, run a sharp knife under hot water. The blade should glide right through the cold fudge, making the perfect square.
- Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. The fudge will not be set if it’s taken out any earlier and be too sticky or soft to eat.
- You can stir fun add-ins into the fudge, like chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, your favorite cereal, or candy.
- Don’t like peanut butter? Try making this recipe with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free fudge.
Storing and freezing fudge
Storing: Make sure the leftovers are tightly wrapped in plastic before placing them in the fridge (this keeps the fudge from drying out). It should last for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Place the fudge squares in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze a whole block of fudge by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
More peanut butter desserts to try
- Peanut Butter Donuts
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Homemade Peanut Butter Oreos
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Pin for later:
Crispy Peanut Butter Fudge
PrintIngredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners powdered sugar
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Once melted, stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Add confectioners powdered sugar and rice cereal and continue to mix until fully combined.
- Spray a 8×8 pan with nonstick spray. Pour fudge mixture into the pan.
- Optional: Add 2-3 tablespoons of rice cereal on top of the fudge if you want a crispy top (I recommend this). Push cereal lightly down with a spatula so it sets in the fudge.
- Cover and place in refrigerator to chill overnight. Once cooled and set, cut into small squares. Enjoy!
Emily {Pink Tiger in the Kitchen} says
So I’ll gladly take that tray off your hands!! This sounds amazing!! I needed a no bake, quick something to whip up since my kitchen is void of desserts right now… {shame I know, I’m actually a little embarrassed about that fact!} And bonus… I have all the ingredients to make this TONIGHT!!
Pamela says
Emily, tonight will be a magical night! Do enjoy and let me know what you think! 🙂
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
I love peanut butter – and you would make it better by making this fudge!
Oh gawwwwsh! I Want this – I need this! But I don’t think I would cut it up, I would just grab a spoon and …oh well….be on a suagr high for days! 🙂
GREAT Recipe – thanks so much for sharing!
Pamela says
I love the idea of just grabbing a spoon…. thank you for the suggestion! 🙂
Christine @ 24 Carrot Kitchen says
I love peanut butter and fudge. When I see fudge in candy shops, I think I can make this. I love that this recipe doesn’t have sweetened condensed milk like most fudge recipes I have seen. Lovely, I must try this!
Pamela says
Enjoy Christine! It really is some yummy fudge…
Joanne says
The.Boy and I both feel similarly about our love of peanut butter…so I see these being a huge problem for our jeans. AND our relationship when we’re both fighting for the last piece AND over who gets to lick the pan!
Pamela says
Those are all very fair arguments I believe! Keep fighting for the pan Joanne!
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
This fudge looks freaking amazing. Like the ultimate rice crispy.
Pamela says
I can’t wait to make a new batch! It goes quick!
Sues says
I love all fudge, but crispy peanut butter sounds like the best fudge of all! Love PB&Co!
Pamela says
My favorite too!
Maggie @ Sunnyside Up Smile says
Oh my gosh Pamela! Totally loving your blog 🙂 The design is super cute and I love your voice in your writing. It’s very unique and fun! This post was hilarious! This is so me with cookies and cookie dough. I ask for it to be taken away but then when it is, I just want it back! Constant battle lol 😉
Also, your photos are beautiful! They are so clear and jump right out at me like I could just eat them off the page! Wouldn’t that be nice? No wonder your blog is so popular.
Pamela says
Thanks so much Maggie, your comments are so sweet.. I want to make you some cookie dough fudge now! 🙂 🙂 Have a great day!
[email protected] says
I love fudge, too, especially peanut butter and caramel. It has to be together and gooey and creamy! I love the way you plate them, and cute tray, Pamela!
Pamela says
Thanks Rika! 🙂
Jamie G says
So how long do I have to run to eat one of these? 🙂 I can’t wait to add these a Christmas treats tray this winter.
Pamela says
You could always run and then eat one at the end. And then run more to eat another one. In fact I think this is a great workout plan! 🙂
Julie @ Table for Two says
I’m gonna need the stretchy pants! This looks amazing!!
Pamela says
Hahaha, I’m wearing a big ol shirt today… Enjoy Julie!
Todd @ HonestlyYUM says
That’s it…I think you may have found the perfect dessert. You’re killing me over here. I want that soooo bad!! + amazing photos as always..
Pamela says
I’m in love with it. I hope you try it!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
I can only imagine how amazing this is Pamela!!! The added texture from the cereal – and that it is no bake AND all that peanut butter. I’m in heaven.
Pamela says
It’s one of my favorites! Enjoy Sally!
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
I agree to enjoy this fudge responsibly – it sounds downright dangerous! 🙂
Pamela says
Enjoy it responsibly Jennifer! 😉
Ash-foodfashionparty says
The refrigerating part, not too sure..WE would be scooping and licking it off before it sets. I love the crunch topping.
Pamela says
I know, it’s hard to resist! 🙂
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
This looks so yummy…I can certainly understand the temporary insanity it caused. I tried my hand at making fudge one time (you had to boil to a certain temp?!) and it was a miserable failure. I’ll def give this one a try 🙂
Pamela says
Please give this a try Amy, I think you’ll love it! 🙂
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
ohemgee this fudge DOES look dangerous! Be still my pb lovin’ heart!
Pamela says
Hahaha, I know. <3
The Café Sucre Farine says
You make me laugh Pamela, so funny. But maybe it’s because I’m just the same as you. I make something really good then give it away to get it out of the house. Next thing I know, I’m saying to Scott. “what ever possessed me to give that away?!!!” Your fudge sounds amazing, love that little crispy crunch!
Pamela says
Last week I made some brownies for friends as a nice gesture, and afterwards I kept saying “Why didn’t I keep a few?!”.
Katie says
I think I’d have to physically restrain myself from this fudge. It has everything I love in it.
Pamela says
I wish I could restrain myself.
Nora @ Buttercream Fanatic says
Why, Pamela, why?? I woke up this morning vowing to have a healthy week and now…you dangle this in front of me? I”m furious (not really). This looks seriously dangerous !!
Pamela says
I’m sorry Nora! 🙂 Maybe start next week.. 😛
Madison says
Be still my heart. Peanut butter crispiness…get in my belly! THANK YOU!!!
Pamela says
Hahaha, I hear you. My heart is beating fast with this fudge around!
The Ninja Baker says
I imagine your cast of character ingredients do create quite an addictive crunch / pb combo! Wish I had a grandma to bake with every week, too =)
Pamela says
Grandmas are just the best bakers aren’t they? 🙂
The Sketched Chef says
Wow, absolute perfection!
Pamela says
Thank you! This fudge sure is addicting!
Natalie says
A crunchy treat full of PB, Can’t wait to make them!
Pamela says
Enjoy! 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
The recipe I have on my site right now for NoBake PB Cereal Bars – pretty much a version on this and links in that post to a bar I made with Rice Krispies about a month ago. That’s to say…I KNOW how good this stuff is! Pb, brown sugar, cereal, no-bake, gooey chewy perfection. Love yours!
Pamela says
Thanks Averie! Yours sound wonderful too. 🙂
Francine says
Damn, girl, another awesome one! You’ve got skills.
Pamela says
Haha, thanks Francine! 🙂
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
You aren’t kidding! I’ve made something like this before and literally stuffed my mouth for five minutes straight. It is ridiculous! Peanut butter and rice krispies are a match made in heaven.
Pamela says
It’s like one piece is never enough, it’s that good! Thanks for stopping by Mary Frances!
Ashley says
haha I love fudge too …. probably why I only make it around Christmas … otherwise I’d eat WAY too much! I love the crispy topping – that added texture must make this amazing!
Pamela says
It’s dangerous to have in my house. I can’t wait for Christmas! 🙂
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
Refridgerate over night? Are you sure? I don’t think I can wait that long! This looks amazing.
Pamela says
Hahaha, I know! But think of the amazing and nutritious breakfast you can have! 😉
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
This past few years I´m discovering some great fudge recipes, and this one is going to the top of my to-do list! The idea of crunch in it is awesome.
Pamela says
Thanks Paula! I love fudge, one of my weaknesses (of many!).
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Pamela, this fudge looks FANTASTIC! This wouldn’t be safe around me –I would have one too many. 🙂 Pinning! Have a great week!
Pamela says
Thanks Anne! I TOTALLY know the feeling. 😉