Name: Peanut Butter M&M Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490246H45M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter; 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt (about 1⁄8 teaspoon); 1 cup (170 g) mini M&Ms, plus extra for topping

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A rich, creamy peanut butter fudge loaded with mini M&Ms — sweet, salty, and totally irresistible. This no-bake treat comes together quickly and chills into perfect little bites of joy. Whether I’m making it for a party, a holiday tray, or just a cozy weekend treat, this fudge always disappears fast. Peanut Butter M&M Fudge

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s made on the stovetop, no oven needed, and sets up beautifully in the fridge. The combination of creamy peanut butter, buttery richness, and a pop of crunchy, colorful M&Ms makes each bite a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. It’s also super easy to customize, making it perfect for all seasons and occasions.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (about 1⁄8 teaspoon)
1 cup (170 g) mini M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Directions

I line an 8‑inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter until it’s completely liquid.
I take it off the heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth and fully combined.
Then I mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
Gradually, I whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until the mixture thickens into a fudge-like texture.
I gently fold in the mini M&Ms, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
For an extra pop of color and texture, I sprinkle a few more M&Ms on top.
I refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours until firm.
Once set, I lift it out with the parchment overhang and slice into about 36 small squares.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 36 squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swirl in ½ cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo.
For a crunchier bite, I’ve added chopped roasted peanuts or pretzels.
I’ve swapped out mini M&Ms for chopped peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces for fun twists.
For a festive look, I use holiday-colored M&Ms to match the season.
If I want it a little less sweet, I reduce the powdered sugar by ¼ cup.

Storage/Reheating

I keep this fudge stored in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it firm and fresh. It lasts for up to 2 weeks this way. If I want a softer texture, I let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This fudge isn’t ideal for reheating since it’s best served chilled, but it can also be frozen for longer storage — just wrap the squares well and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What kind of peanut butter works best for this fudge?

I use creamy commercial peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best consistency. Natural peanut butters can separate and make the texture oily or grainy.

Can I make this fudge with crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, I can — and I love the extra crunch it adds. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit thicker and less smooth.

How do I keep the M&Ms from melting when mixing in?

I let the peanut butter mixture cool slightly before folding in the M&Ms. If it’s too hot, the candies may melt and bleed color.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch. It sets just as nicely with the same chill time.

What’s the best way to cut fudge cleanly?

I use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to get clean, neat squares every time.

Conclusion

This peanut butter M&M fudge is everything I want in a no-bake dessert — quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for sharing. Whether I’m prepping for a holiday, a bake sale, or just craving something sweet, this fudge never fails. The creamy peanut butter base and bursts of crunchy candy make every bite feel like a celebration.