creamy-peanut-butter-fudge

Looking for a rich and indulgent dessert that’s simple to make? Our Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers and those with a sweet tooth. This recipe combines creamy peanut butter with a luscious fudge base, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet snack, this fudge is sure to delight your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious homemade fudge ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 5 ounces half & half
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pan:
   • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Prepare the Powdered Sugar:
   • Add the powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Cook the Fudge Base:
   • In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and half & half, then bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil untouched for 1 minute and 45 seconds.
4. Mix in Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Powdered Sugar:
   • Pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the bowl with powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth.
6. Set the Fudge:
   • Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely and set before cutting into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Optimal Temperature: Serve the fudge at room temperature or slightly chilled. Allow it to sit out for about 15-20 minutes after refrigeration to soften slightly for the best texture.
2. Presentation: Cut the fudge into neat squares or bars for an attractive presentation. You can garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added appeal.
3. Pairing: Enjoy the fudge on its own, or pair it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious treat.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent the fudge from drying out.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the fudge in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to avoid absorbing odors from other foods.
3. Freezing: You can freeze the fudge for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. To thaw, move the fudge to the refrigerator and let it sit until it reaches room temperature.
4. Preventing Sticking: To prevent the fudge from sticking together, you can layer parchment paper between the squares in the storage container.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge remains fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat!

Variations:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the recipe.
   • Instructions: After melting the butter and mixing in the brown sugar and milk, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Proceed with the recipe as directed. This variation combines the creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate for a decadent treat.
2. Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge
   • Ingredients: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
   • Instructions: Follow the original recipe, substituting crunchy peanut butter for creamy. This adds texture and additional peanut flavor to your fudge.
3. Peanut Butter and Pretzel Fudge
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup crushed pretzels.
   • Instructions: After mixing the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the fudge, fold in the crushed pretzels. This creates a salty-sweet combination with added crunch.
4. Peanut Butter Fudge with Sea Salt
   • Ingredients: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the fudge before it sets.
   • Instructions: Prepare the fudge as directed and, before it fully cools, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top. This adds a delightful salty contrast to the sweet fudge.
5. Maple Peanut Butter Fudge
   • Ingredients: Substitute 1 cup of maple syrup for half of the half & half.
   • Instructions: Replace part of the half & half with maple syrup to give the fudge a subtle maple flavor. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
6. Peanut Butter and Toffee Fudge
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of toffee bits or chopped toffee bars.
   • Instructions: Fold the toffee bits into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan. This adds a buttery, caramel-like flavor with crunchy bits throughout.
7. Peanut Butter Fudge Swirled with Jelly
   • Ingredients: Swirl in 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit jelly or jam.
   • Instructions: After pouring the fudge into the pan, drop spoonfuls of jelly on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the fudge. This creates a fruity and creamy combination.
8. Almond Peanut Butter Fudge
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds and use almond extract instead of vanilla.
   • Instructions: Mix chopped almonds into the fudge mixture and replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. This variation gives a nutty twist to your peanut butter fudge.
9. Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallows
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup mini marshmallows.
   • Instructions: Stir the mini marshmallows into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan. The marshmallows will slightly melt and create a gooey texture within the fudge.
10. Spicy Peanut Butter Fudge
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
    • Instructions: Mix the cayenne pepper or chili powder into the fudge mixture. This adds a surprising kick to the rich sweetness of the peanut butter fudge.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your favorite twist on classic Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge!

FAQs:

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may affect the texture of the fudge. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and oilier, which might make the fudge softer. For a firmer texture, use creamy, processed peanut butter.
2. How long does the peanut butter fudge need to cool before cutting?
   • The fudge should be allowed to cool completely and set before cutting. This typically takes about 2-4 hours at room temperature. For faster setting, you can refrigerate it.
3. Can I freeze creamy peanut butter fudge?
   • Yes, you can freeze peanut butter fudge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What should I do if my fudge is too soft?
   • If your fudge turns out too soft, it may need more time to set. Ensure it has cooled completely. If it’s still too soft after cooling, you can try chilling it in the refrigerator to firm it up. For future batches, you may need to cook it slightly longer.
5. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?
   • Brown sugar adds a caramel flavor and a bit of moisture to the fudge. You can substitute it with white sugar, but the flavor and texture of the fudge will be different. Consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to white sugar to mimic brown sugar.
6. How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?
   • To avoid grainy fudge, make sure the sugar is fully dissolved during the cooking process. Do not stir the mixture while it’s boiling, as this can cause crystallization. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the peanut butter.
7. Can I make this fudge with almond butter instead of peanut butter?
   • Yes, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter. The fudge will have a different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Ensure you use a smooth, creamy almond butter for the best texture.
8. What kind of chocolate can I add to the fudge?
   • You can add various types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate separately and swirl it into the peanut butter mixture for a marbled effect or mix it in for a richer flavor.
9. Can I add nuts to the fudge?
   • Yes, you can add nuts like chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts. Stir the nuts into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan. This adds crunch and additional flavor to your fudge.