Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Oh, peanut butter fudge. Just the words themselves conjure up images of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Growing up, fudge was always a special treat, reserved for holidays and celebratory occasions. But let’s be honest, sometimes you just crave that decadent, rich flavor without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this easy peanut butter fudge recipe comes in – a true game-changer! I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago when I needed a quick dessert for a last-minute family gathering. Let me tell you, it was an absolute hit! From my picky nephew who usually turns his nose up at anything remotely “sweet” to my fudge-loving grandmother, everyone devoured it. The best part? It’s so incredibly simple to make. No candy thermometers, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated peanut butter fudge goodness. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, gifting to friends, or bringing to potlucks. If you’re looking for a foolproof, incredibly delicious, and ridiculously easy dessert, look no further. This peanut butter fudge is about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients

• Peanut Butter: 2 cups creamy peanut butter. The star of the show! Opt for a good quality creamy peanut butter for the smoothest fudge. You can use either regular or natural peanut butter, but ensure it is well-stirred and doesn’t separate.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk. This magical ingredient is the key to the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness, binding everything together without the need for traditional candy-making techniques.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 cups granulated sugar. Adds extra sweetness and structure to the fudge. It helps to create that perfect balance of sweetness and peanut butter flavor.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the fudge, especially when combined with peanut butter.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Enhances the overall flavor profile of the fudge, adding a touch of warmth and complexity that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Optional: Salt: Pinch of salt. If using unsalted peanut butter, a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. If using salted peanut butter, you may skip this.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, which makes it incredibly easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set. This prevents sticking and ensures clean removal for cutting.
2. Combine Sugar, Butter, and Condensed Milk: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
3. Heat and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and starting to simmer gently. Continuous stirring is important to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom and burning.
4. Boil Gently: Once the mixture is smooth and simmering, bring it to a gentle boil. Continue to stir constantly and let it boil for exactly 1 minute. Set a timer! Boiling for the correct duration is essential for achieving the right fudge texture. Overboiling can make the fudge too dry and crumbly, while underboiling might result in fudge that doesn’t set properly.
5. Remove from Heat: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as the 1 minute boiling time is up. Promptly taking it off the heat prevents overcooking and ensures the fudge remains creamy.
6. Stir in Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and the fudge is smooth and fully combined. Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter remaining. The heat from the sugar mixture will easily melt the peanut butter.
7. Pour into Prepared Pan: Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to the edges using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Ensure an even thickness for uniform setting and cutting.
8. Chill to Set: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and completely set. Chilling is crucial for the fudge to solidify and develop its characteristic texture. Overnight chilling is recommended for the best results.
9. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. If you used parchment paper, lift it out of the pan using the overhang. Cut the fudge into squares using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
10. Enjoy!: Your easy peanut butter fudge is ready to be served and enjoyed! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming recipe makes 20 servings. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

• Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 2 inch x 2 inch)
• Calories: Approximately 220-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 14-16g

Note: These values are approximate and for informational purposes only. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to overnight (mostly inactive chilling time)

This easy peanut butter fudge is incredibly quick to prepare, with only about 15 minutes of active time required. The majority of the time is spent chilling in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or when you need a sweet treat ready on demand.

How to Serve

Peanut butter fudge is delicious on its own, but here are some delightful ways to serve and elevate your fudge experience:

• Classic Squares: Cut the fudge into traditional squares and serve them as is. This simple presentation highlights the rich, creamy texture and pure peanut butter flavor.
• Miniature Bites: Cut the fudge into smaller, bite-sized pieces for parties or gatherings. These are perfect for guests to grab and enjoy without being overly indulgent.
• Dessert Platter: Include peanut butter fudge on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, or fruit. The variety of flavors and textures makes for an appealing and satisfying dessert spread.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble or chop peanut butter fudge and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich fudge, creating a delightful dessert sundae.
• Coffee or Tea Accompaniment: Serve a small square of peanut butter fudge with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The sweetness of the fudge pairs wonderfully with the bitterness of coffee or tea, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Gift Giving: Package squares of peanut butter fudge in decorative boxes or tins to give as homemade gifts. They are a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, or neighbors, especially during holidays.
• Party Favors: Wrap individual squares of fudge in cellophane bags and tie with ribbons as party favors. They are a sweet and memorable takeaway for guests.
• Layered Dessert: Incorporate peanut butter fudge into layered desserts like parfaits or trifle. Alternate layers of fudge with whipped cream, chocolate mousse, or other complementary components for a more elaborate dessert.

Additional Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

1. Use Quality Peanut Butter: The flavor of your fudge largely depends on the quality of peanut butter you use. Opt for a brand you enjoy the taste of. Creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest texture, but you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter for added texture if desired.
2. Don’t Overcook: It’s crucial to boil the sugar mixture for exactly 1 minute. Overcooking can lead to dry, crumbly fudge. Set a timer and stick to the boiling time for the best results.
3. Stir Constantly While Boiling: Continuous stirring while the sugar mixture is boiling is essential to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking. This also helps the sugar dissolve properly and the mixture to thicken slightly.
4. Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature. This will help it melt smoothly and incorporate evenly into the hot sugar mixture. Cold peanut butter can make the fudge mixture seize up or become grainy.
5. Flavor Variations: Get creative with flavor additions! Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like peanuts, pecans, or walnuts), mini marshmallows, or a swirl of caramel sauce after adding the peanut butter and vanilla. These additions can customize the fudge to your liking.
6. Salt Balance: If you prefer a sweeter fudge, use salted butter. If you want to control the saltiness more precisely, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.
7. Freezing Fudge: Peanut butter fudge freezes exceptionally well. Cut the fudge into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This is a great way to make fudge ahead of time.
8. Troubleshooting Grainy Fudge: If your fudge turns out grainy, it could be due to overcooking or using peanut butter that is too cold. While it’s difficult to completely fix grainy fudge, you can try adding a tablespoon of milk or cream and gently reheating it over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. However, prevention is key – follow the recipe closely to avoid graininess in the first place.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer fudge with added texture. It will still be delicious, but the texture will be less smooth and more textured due to the peanut pieces.

Q2: Can I make this fudge with natural peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, make sure it is well-stirred and doesn’t have a lot of oil separation. If your natural peanut butter is very oily, you might want to drain off some of the excess oil before using it in the recipe to ensure the fudge sets properly.

Q3: How long does peanut butter fudge last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, peanut butter fudge will last for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for 2-3 months.

Q4: My fudge is too soft and didn’t set properly. What did I do wrong?
A: The most common reason for fudge not setting is undercooking the sugar mixture. Ensure you boil the sugar, butter, and condensed milk mixture for the full 1 minute as instructed. Another factor could be humidity; in very humid conditions, fudge may take longer to set or might remain slightly softer. You can try chilling it for a longer period.

Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you would need to substitute the sweetened condensed milk and butter. There are vegan sweetened condensed milk alternatives available made from coconut milk or rice milk. For butter, use a vegan butter substitute. Be aware that these substitutions might slightly alter the taste and texture of the fudge.

Q6: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Just ensure you use a larger saucepan and baking dish accordingly. The cooking time should remain the same, but ensure the mixture is evenly heated when making larger batches.

Q7: Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
A: No, you do not need a candy thermometer for this easy peanut butter fudge recipe. The recipe is designed to be foolproof without the need for precise temperature measurements. Following the instructions and boiling for exactly 1 minute is sufficient.

Q8: Can I add chocolate to this peanut butter fudge?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination. You can stir in chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) after adding the peanut butter, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the set fudge. You could also create a swirl effect by drizzling melted chocolate over the fudge in the pan and swirling it with a knife before chilling.

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