Peanut Butter Fudge

If you’re a fan of creamy, rich sweets, then our Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is perfect for you. This easy-to-make dessert combines the irresistible flavor of peanut butter with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic fudge. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat for a gathering or a sweet snack to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Melt and Mix:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:

• Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.

4. Combine with Powdered Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the fudge mixture is smooth.

5. Pour and Set:

• Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 1 hour or until set.

6. Cut and Serve:

• Once the fudge is completely set, cut it into squares and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve at Room Temperature: Peanut Butter Fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature. For the perfect texture, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.
• Pair with Drinks: Complement the rich flavor of the fudge with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee.
• Presentation: For a festive touch, arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter or add them to a dessert tray.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the fudge from drying out.
• Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its creamy texture.
• Freezing: To keep the fudge for even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture.
   • Directions: Stir the chocolate chips into the mixture after adding the peanut butter and vanilla. This will give your fudge a rich chocolatey twist.
2. Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or crunchy peanut butter.
   • Directions: Fold the peanuts into the mixture just before pouring it into the baking dish for added texture.
3. Peanut Butter and Pretzel Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of crushed pretzels.
   • Directions: Stir the crushed pretzels into the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. This adds a salty crunch to your sweet fudge.
4. Maple Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Replace the vanilla extract with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
   • Directions: Stir the maple syrup into the hot mixture for a delicious maple flavor.
5. Salted Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the top of the fudge before it sets.
   • Directions: Allow the fudge to cool slightly before sprinkling with sea salt for a perfect sweet and salty combination.
6. Marshmallow Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows.
   • Directions: Stir the mini marshmallows into the mixture right before pouring it into the baking dish for a gooey, fun texture.
7. Peanut Butter Fudge with Swirls:
   • Ingredients: Prepare a batch of chocolate fudge or any other flavored fudge.
   • Directions: Drop spoonfuls of the additional flavored fudge on top of the peanut butter fudge, then use a knife or skewer to swirl them together before setting.
8. Spicy Peanut Butter Fudge:
   • Ingredients: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
   • Directions: Stir the spice into the mixture for a surprising kick of heat that complements the sweetness.
9. Peanut Butter Fudge with White Chocolate:
   • Ingredients: Mix in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips.
   • Directions: Fold the white chocolate chips into the fudge mixture for a creamy and sweet contrast to the peanut butter.
10. Peanut Butter Fudge with Toffee Bits:
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of toffee bits or crushed toffee candy.
    • Directions: Stir the toffee bits into the mixture for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.

These variations allow you to customize your Peanut Butter Fudge to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile treat for any occasion!

FAQs:

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, it may affect the texture of the fudge. Natural peanut butter can be oilier, so make sure to stir well and possibly adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
2. How long does Peanut Butter Fudge last?
   • Peanut Butter Fudge can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Fudge?
   • Yes, you can freeze Peanut Butter Fudge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
4. Why is my Peanut Butter Fudge too soft or too hard?
   • If your fudge is too soft, it may be due to not cooking it long enough or not using enough powdered sugar. If it’s too hard, you may have overcooked the sugar mixture. Adjust cooking times and ingredient ratios as needed for your desired texture.
5. Can I make Peanut Butter Fudge with crunchy peanut butter?
   • Absolutely! For a chunky texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. You can also mix in additional chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
6. Can I substitute ingredients in this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe?
   • Yes, you can substitute ingredients. For instance, you can use margarine instead of butter, or substitute almond butter for peanut butter. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the flavor and texture.
7. What can I use instead of whole milk?
   • You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or soy milk. The fudge will still turn out delicious with these substitutions.
8. How do I prevent my fudge from crystallizing?
   • To prevent crystallization, make sure to stir the sugar mixture constantly while boiling and avoid scraping the sides of the pan. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the right temperature.
9. Can I add flavorings or mix-ins to Peanut Butter Fudge?
   • Yes, you can add various flavorings or mix-ins like chocolate chips, marshmallows, or toffee bits. Just fold them into the mixture before pouring it into the pan.
10. How can I make Peanut Butter Fudge more visually appealing?
    • To make your fudge look more appealing, consider drizzling it with melted chocolate, sprinkling with sea salt, or adding colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts on top before it sets.