If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy sweets that hit just the right balance between nutty and sugary, this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug. It’s a delightful treat that brings together simple pantry staples into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in all for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned fudge fan or a curious beginner, this recipe promises an easy and rewarding way to enjoy classic homemade fudge with that unmistakable peanut butter charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in ensuring your peanut butter fudge turns out irresistibly creamy, sweet, and perfectly textured. With just six key items, this recipe celebrates simplicity without compromising on flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness that caramelizes to give the fudge its rich flavor and structure.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a velvety texture, helping to bind everything smoothly.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Creates the perfect consistency by blending the sugar and butter seamlessly.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show; its nutty richness makes this fudge irresistibly decadent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that rounds out the deep, buttery notes.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and thickness, giving the fudge its iconic smooth yet firm texture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter. This simple step ensures your fudge won’t stick and will come out beautifully in perfect squares once set.
Step 2: Melt and Mix
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and whole milk over medium heat. Stir this mixture constantly until it reaches a rolling boil—this means large, steady bubbles that don’t stop when you stir. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely for that classic smooth fudge base.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This step infuses the entire batch with the rich, nutty flavor that makes this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe truly special.
Step 4: Combine with Powdered Sugar
Sift the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl to prevent lumps. Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar and stir vigorously until creamy and smooth. This combination creates the creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let your fudge rest at room temperature for at least one hour, allowing it to fully set into those perfect, indulgent squares.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into 16 squares. Now the best part: enjoy every creamy, peanut buttery bite. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh and delicious.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe by sprinkling the top with a pinch of flaky sea salt or chopped roasted peanuts. This adds a delightful crunch and a contrast of flavors that accentuates the sweetness and nuttiness. For a festive touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the fudge before it sets.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a bold black tea, balancing its richness. It also makes a charming accompaniment to vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience or a sweet snack platter alongside fresh fruit and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering your finished fudge in small decorative jars for gifts or arranging the squares on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers for gatherings. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with twine not only looks adorable but makes sharing your Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe with friends and family extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep it away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming sticky or dry.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe over a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap squares individually in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed as-is, but if it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften naturally. Avoid microwave reheating as it can alter the texture and make it greasy. Instead, a gentle warm water bath for the container can help restore its creamy softness gently.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add some wonderful texture bits to your fudge, giving it a delightful crunch, but it might slightly change the smoothness you get with creamy types. It’s all about what you prefer!
Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I substitute it?
Whole milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency, but you can substitute it with 2% milk. Keep in mind that lower-fat milk options might make the fudge a bit less rich and creamy.
Why do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting powdered sugar removes lumps, which ensures your fudge batter is silky smooth and easier to mix. Skipping this step can lead to a grainy fudge texture, which you want to avoid.
Can this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
With a few tweaks, yes. Use a plant-based butter substitute and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just know the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously peanut buttery.
How long does it take for the fudge to set properly?
At room temperature, it usually takes at least one hour for the fudge to firm up enough for cutting. For quicker setting, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes, but letting it set naturally yields the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is a sure-fire way to bring comfort and smiles to any occasion, or just to brighten a regular day with a sweet treat. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a wonderfully rich, creamy result that tastes like a special indulgence. Trust me, once you try it, this fudge will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for satisfying those peanut butter cravings!
Print
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is a perfect sweet treat made with a smooth blend of peanut butter, granulated sugar, butter, milk, and powdered sugar. Ready in under an hour, it sets beautifully to offer a velvety texture and sweet, nutty flavor that peanut butter lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetener Add-in
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent the fudge from sticking and allow easy removal once set.
- Melt and Mix: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and whole milk. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and maintain it for 2-3 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine with Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar. Stir energetically until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Pour and Set: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour to fully set and firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, cut it into 16 squares. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to stir continuously when boiling the sugar mixture to avoid burning.
- Using parchment paper in the pan helps with easy removal of the fudge.
- If the fudge is too soft after setting, refrigerate it briefly to firm it up before cutting.
- Store the fudge in a cool, dry place to prevent melting.
- For a crunchy texture, add chopped peanuts to the mixture before pouring into the pan.
