Introduction
Peanut butter fudge is a classic, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that comes together quickly with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, gifting it, or simply craving something sweet, this fudge delivers rich peanut butter flavor with minimal effort.
—
Description
This recipe creates a smooth, dense, old-fashioned style peanut butter fudge. It requires no candy thermometer and uses simple stovetop heating to blend sugar, butter, milk, and peanut butter into a silky mixture that sets beautifully once cooled.
—
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of salt (optional)
—
Instructions
1. Prepare an 8×8 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a rolling boil.
3. Boil for 2–3 minutes, continuing to stir so it doesn’t scorch.
4. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the butter and peanut butter until completely melted and smooth.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
6. Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate until firm.
8. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
—
Tips
For the creamiest texture, avoid boiling the sugar mixture longer than 3 minutes.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth fudge; natural peanut butter may cause graininess.
Let the fudge cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
If the mixture seems too thick while pouring, work quickly because fudge sets fast.
—
Variations
Chocolate Swirl: Melt 1 cup chocolate chips and swirl into the top before the fudge sets.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge: Replace creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture.
Salted Peanut Topping: Sprinkle crushed salted peanuts on top before cooling.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter: Stir 1 cup melted white chocolate into the mixture for sweeter, creamier fudge.
—
Correction
If your fudge turns out grainy, it usually means the sugar was overcooked or not fully dissolved. To fix next time, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and stir constantly until the sugar grains disappear before adding peanut butter.
If it comes out too soft, it may not have boiled long enough; extend the boil time slightly on your next batch.
—
Enjoy
Cut into small squares, serve on a platter, package as gifts, or store in an airtight container for a quick snack. Enjoy your rich, creamy peanut butter fudge.