Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

This Easy Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is rich, creamy, and wonderfully smooth with a classic homemade flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this no-fuss fudge comes together quickly and is perfect for holidays, parties, gifts, or anytime you crave a sweet peanut butter treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup salted butter
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

• Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. If using foil, lightly butter it.
• Add the brown sugar, whole milk, and salted butter to a medium saucepan.
• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar and butter have dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
• Once boiling, continue to boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and completely combined.
• Place the sifted powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar.
• Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and no lumps remain.
• Transfer the fudge mixture to the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
• Let the fudge set at room temperature for about 3 hours.
• Once completely cool and firm, remove it from the pan and cut it into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Cut the fudge into small squares because it is rich and satisfying.
• Serve at room temperature for the softest, creamiest texture.
• For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.
• Add the fudge to a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and other homemade treats.
• Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for an easy edible gift.
• Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container.
• Place parchment paper between layers when stacking pieces to prevent sticking.
• Allow refrigerated fudge to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Fudge can also be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper and thaw before serving.

Variations

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Add a chocolate layer or swirl melted chocolate into the fudge mixture for a classic chocolate and peanut butter combination. Semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate can all work well.

2. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Fudge

Fold mini chocolate chips into the finished fudge mixture before transferring it to the pan. The chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolate throughout every bite.

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Fudge

Swirl small spoonfuls of strawberry or grape jam into the top of the fudge before it sets. This creates a fun flavor combination inspired by the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

4. Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge

Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter. The small pieces of peanuts give the fudge a delicious texture and extra roasted peanut flavor.

5. Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge

Crush Oreo cookies and gently fold them into the fudge before placing it in the pan. Sprinkle additional cookie crumbs over the top for an attractive finish.

6. Salted Peanut Butter Fudge

Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt over the fudge while it is still soft. The salty finish balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

7. Peanut Butter Pretzel Fudge

Add crushed pretzels to the fudge mixture and sprinkle more over the top. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweetness, and salty crunch makes this perfect for parties.

8. Peanut Butter Marshmallow Fudge

Fold mini marshmallows into the fudge just before spreading it in the pan. They add a soft, chewy texture and make the fudge extra indulgent.

9. Peanut Butter Coconut Fudge

Stir shredded sweetened coconut into the mixture before transferring it to the pan. Toasted coconut sprinkled over the top adds even more flavor and texture.

10. Peanut Butter Brown Sugar Fudge with Pecans

Add chopped toasted pecans to the fudge for a nutty crunch. Pecans pair especially well with the brown sugar base and give the fudge a more traditional candy-shop flavor.

11. Peanut Butter Espresso Fudge

Add a small amount of instant espresso powder to the warm mixture along with the peanut butter. The coffee flavor deepens the sweetness and creates a richer-tasting fudge.

12. Cinnamon Peanut Butter Fudge

Add a little ground cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture. The warm spice gives the fudge a cozy flavor that is especially delicious during the holiday season.

13. Peanut Butter Caramel Fudge

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the fudge before it fully sets. Lightly swirl the caramel into the surface for a beautiful caramel-peanut butter finish.

14. White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Melt white chocolate and mix it into the fudge mixture or drizzle it over the finished fudge. The creamy white chocolate adds extra sweetness and richness.

15. Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

Fold chopped peanut butter cups into the fudge and scatter extra pieces over the top. This variation is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes. Crunchy peanut butter works well if you prefer pieces of peanuts throughout the fudge. Creamy peanut butter creates a smoother texture.

2. Why does my peanut butter fudge become grainy?

Graininess can happen when the sugar does not dissolve properly or when the mixture is not beaten enough after adding the powdered sugar. Stir the boiling mixture well and beat the finished fudge until smooth.

3. Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes. If using unsalted butter, you can add a small pinch of salt to help balance the sweetness.

4. How long does peanut butter fudge take to set?

This fudge generally needs about 3 hours at room temperature to become firm enough to slice.

5. Can I put the fudge in the refrigerator to set faster?

Yes. Refrigerating it can speed up the setting process, although allowing it to cool gradually at room temperature can help maintain its soft texture.

6. How should I store homemade peanut butter fudge?

Keep it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerated for longer freshness.

7. Can I freeze peanut butter fudge?

Yes. Wrap the fudge well and place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

8. Can I make this fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely. Peanut butter fudge is an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays, parties, and gatherings.

9. Why should I sift the powdered sugar?

Sifting breaks up clumps, helping the powdered sugar blend smoothly into the hot peanut butter mixture.

10. How do I get clean fudge squares?

Make sure the fudge is completely set before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even squares.

Easy Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple homemade treat with a rich peanut butter flavor and soft, creamy texture. With only a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, it is perfect for holiday baking, dessert trays, homemade gifts, or an everyday sweet treat. Whether you keep it classic or add chocolate, nuts, pretzels, or caramel, this fudge is sure to disappear quickly.

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