Easy Recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge

Who doesn’t love peanut butter? It’s a delicious spread that goes well with so many things. But have you ever tried peanut butter fudge? This sweet treat is the perfect combination of nutty and creamy goodness. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, then you’re in luck! In this article, we will be sharing a simple and easy recipe for making peanut butter fudge that is sure to impress.

Making fudge can seem intimidating, but don’t worry, it’s actually really simple. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little bit of patience. This peanut butter fudge recipe only requires 5 ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. It’s a great option for those times when you need a quick and easy dessert. Plus, peanut butter fudge is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just enjoying on your own. So, let’s get started on making this delicious sweet treat!

Ingredients

Making peanut butter fudge is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require a whole lot of ingredients. Here’s what you need:

1. Peanut Butter

Of course, you’ll need peanut butter. You can use any type of peanut butter you like – smooth, chunky, creamy, or natural. Just make sure it’s fresh and well-stirred. If you’re using natural peanut butter, you may need to add a little extra oil to the recipe to get the right texture.

2. Butter or Margarine

To give the fudge a creamy texture and rich flavor, you’ll need to add some butter or margarine. You can use either salted or unsalted, depending on your taste preferences.

3. Powdered Sugar

The main sweetener in peanut butter fudge is powdered sugar. You’ll need a good amount of it to make the fudge firm and sweet enough. Be prepared to sift it before adding it to the mix so that it doesn’t get lumpy.

4. Vanilla Extract

Adding a bit of vanilla extract to the mix gives the fudge an extra depth of flavor. You can also use other extracts like almond or rum, but vanilla is the classic choice for this recipe.

5. Milk

Milk is an optional ingredient, but it can help make the fudge creamier and more smooth. You can use any type of milk you like, whether it’s dairy or non-dairy.

6. Salt

To balance out the sweetness, you’ll need to add a little salt to the recipe. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, depending on your preference.

7. Chocolate Chips

If you want to make chocolate peanut butter fudge, you’ll need to add some chocolate chips to the mix. You can use any type of chocolate chips you like – dark, milk, or semi-sweet.

8. Chopped Nuts

For some extra crunch and texture, you can add some chopped nuts to the top of the fudge. Peanuts are the obvious choice, but you can also use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans.

9. Candy Pieces

If you want to get creative, try adding some candy pieces to the fudge. Crushed up candy canes, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces can all add a festive touch to the fudge.

10. Sprinkles or Decorative Toppings

For the ultimate finishing touch, add some sprinkles or other decorative toppings to the fudge. You can use any type of sprinkles you like, or get creative with chopped up candy bars or crushed cookies.

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start making the peanut butter fudge. Here’s how:

1. Line a Pan

First off, you’ll need to line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to remove the fudge once it’s set.

2. Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add in the peanut butter and stir until smooth.

3. Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually stir in the powdered sugar, making sure to mix it well after each addition. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and difficult to stir.

4. Add the Vanilla Extract and Salt

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If the mixture is still too thick to stir easily, you can add in a tablespoon or two of milk.

5. Pour the Mixture into the Prepared Pan

Pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth out the top. If you’re making chocolate peanut butter fudge, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the mixture.

6. Add the Toppings

If you’re using chopped nuts, candy pieces, or other toppings, sprinkle them on top of the fudge mixture now.

7. Chill the Fudge

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it becomes firm. Once the fudge is chilled and firm, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

8. Cut and Serve

Cut the fudge into squares using a sharp knife and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

In conclusion, making peanut butter fudge is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can whip up a batch of creamy, sweet fudge that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So why not give it a try and indulge in some homemade peanut butter goodness?

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge

Before we get started, here are the ingredients you will need for making peanut butter fudge:

1. Two cups of granulated sugar
2. Half a cup of evaporated milk
3. Half a cup of creamy peanut butter
4. Half a cup of unsalted butter
5. One teaspoon of vanilla extract
6. One jar of marshmallow cream
7. A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Fudge

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with making the peanut butter fudge:

1. Line a nine-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for an additional five minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the creamy peanut butter, marshmallow cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined.
5. Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for at least two hours, or until it has set.
7. Once the fudge has set, remove it from the baking dish and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

Here are some tips to ensure that your peanut butter fudge turns out perfectly:

1. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the proper temperature (235-240°F) before removing it from the heat.
2. Stir the mixture continuously while it heats to prevent burning.
3. Make sure that your peanut butter and marshmallow cream are at room temperature to ensure that they melt easily into the mixture.
4. Use a straight-edged knife to cut the fudge into neat, even pieces.
5. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Serve it as a dessert after dinner.
2. Wrap it up in cellophane and give it as a homemade gift.
3. Chop it up and sprinkle it on top of ice cream.
4. Use it as a filling for homemade chocolate truffles.
5. Melt it down and use it as a coating for cake pops.

Variations on Peanut Butter Fudge

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations on the classic peanut butter fudge recipe:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add half a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture before boiling.
2. Nutty Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in half a cup of chopped nuts (such as peanuts or pecans) before pouring the mixture into the baking dish.
3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge: Mix in one cup of crushed pretzels before spreading the mixture in the baking dish.
4. Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge: Create a layer of caramel by melting down 20 unwrapped caramel candies with two tablespoons of heavy cream. Pour the melted caramel onto the fudge mixture once it has set in the baking dish.
5. S’mores Peanut Butter Fudge: Layer the peanut butter fudge mixture with graham crackers and mini marshmallows to create a s’mores-inspired treat.

Section 3: Variations of Peanut Butter Fudge

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Indulge in a chocolatey twist to the classic peanut butter fudge recipe. Simply add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to your peanut butter fudge mixture before boiling. The result is a rich and decadent fudge that melts in your mouth.

One variation of this recipe is to use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This adds a unique flavor to your fudge and can be a great conversation starter at parties.

2. Salted Peanut Butter Fudge

For those who like the combination of sweet and salty, this variation is perfect for you! Simply sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt on top of the peanut butter fudge once it has cooled. The contrast of the saltiness with the sweetness of the fudge will tantalize your taste buds.

Another variation is to mix the salt directly into the fudge mixture before boiling. This results in a more uniform saltiness throughout the fudge.

3. Nutella Peanut Butter Fudge

Take your peanut butter fudge to the next level by mixing in Nutella or any other chocolate hazelnut spread. This variation adds a nutty flavor to the fudge and pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.

You can also top the fudge with Nutella drizzle or crushed hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. This variation is perfect for those who love a rich and nutty dessert.

4. Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge

For those who follow a vegan diet, this variation is perfect for you! Simply substitute the butter for vegan butter and replace the condensed milk with coconut milk or almond milk. The result is a vegan-friendly peanut butter fudge that is just as delicious as the original recipe.

5. Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

For a different presentation of the classic peanut butter fudge, turn them into bars! Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and spread the fudge mixture evenly into the pan. Once the fudge has cooled, cut them into bars and voila, you have peanut butter fudge bars!

These bars can also be topped with chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.

Try out these variations and let your taste buds go on an adventure to fudge heaven!

Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge!

As you lick your fingers and savor the sweet notes of peanut butter and sugar, you can proudly say that you made your very own peanut butter fudge from scratch. It’s a wonderful feeling to have accomplished something that you never thought you could, not to mention a tasty reward for all your hard work. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or keeping it all to yourself, this fudge recipe won’t disappoint. Thank you for reading and please visit again soon for more fun and delicious recipes!