Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make peanut butter fudge recipe? You’ve come to the right place. This peanut butter fudge recipe is a classic favorite, made with creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and makes a great gift for friends and family.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This peanut butter fudge recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
- Smooth and creamy texture: The combination of creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar gives this fudge a smooth and creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for gift-giving: This fudge is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holidays. You can cut it into small pieces and package it in decorative tins or jars.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this peanut butter fudge recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can substitute the evaporated milk with whole milk or half-and-half if you prefer. Additionally, you can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture of the fudge. When using granulated sugar, it’s essential to grind it in a food processor or blender to make it finer before using it in the recipe, as this will help to create a smoother texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
2. In a separate large saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and marshmallow creme. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the fudge mixture into a lined or greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
7. Cut the fudge into 48 1-inch squares and serve.
For safe storage and reheating, review these cold food storage guidelines before refrigerating the dish. It’s also important to note that when working with sugar and dairy products, it’s crucial to follow safe minimum internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness.
Expert Chef Tips & Troubleshooting
To prevent the peanut butter fudge from becoming too grainy or crystalline, make sure to melt the sugar and peanut butter mixture slowly and evenly, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid overheating the mixture, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. Also, make sure to cool and chill the fudge mixture for at least 4 hours before cutting it, as this will help to set the fudge and prevent it from becoming grainy.
One common mistake to avoid is not stirring the sugar mixture constantly while it’s cooking. This can cause the sugar to burn or crystallize, resulting in a grainy texture. To prevent this, make sure to stir the mixture constantly, especially when it’s reaching the boiling point.
If you’re looking for more delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out our Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup and Christmas Crack recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter fudge is perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a gift for friends and family. You can cut it into small pieces and package it in decorative tins or jars. It’s also a great addition to any dessert table or buffet. Consider pairing it with other desserts like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or fruit salad.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
To keep the peanut butter fudge fresh for a longer period, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a cool, dry place. The fudge can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Let the fudge come to room temperature before serving.
When storing the fudge in the freezer, it’s essential to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can also label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
Peanut Butter
- 1 2/3 cups cups creamy peanut butter
Sugar
- 3 cups cups powdered sugar
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cups butter
- 1/2 cup cups evaporated milk
Miscellaneous
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
- In a separate large saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and marshmallow creme. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the sugar mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
- Pour the fudge mixture into a lined or greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Cut the fudge into 48 1-inch squares and serve.
Notes
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Vitamin A: 0 IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 0mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of peanut butter to use for a smooth and creamy fudge?
For a smooth and creamy peanut butter fudge, it’s best to use creamy peanut butter. This type of peanut butter has a higher oil content than natural or old-fashioned peanut butter, which helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid using natural or old-fashioned peanut butter, as they can give the fudge a grainy or oily texture.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in the peanut butter fudge recipe?
While you can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, it’s not recommended. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and provides a smoother texture to the fudge. Granulated sugar can give the fudge a slightly grainy texture, which may not be desirable. If you only have granulated sugar, you can try grinding it in a food processor or blender to make it finer before using it in the recipe.
How do I prevent the peanut butter fudge from becoming too grainy or crystalline?
To prevent the peanut butter fudge from becoming too grainy or crystalline, make sure to melt the sugar and peanut butter mixture slowly and evenly, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid overheating the mixture, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. Also, make sure to cool and chill the fudge mixture for at least 4 hours before cutting it, as this will help to set the fudge and prevent it from becoming grainy.
How should I store the peanut butter fudge to keep it fresh for a longer period?
To keep the peanut butter fudge fresh for a longer period, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a cool, dry place. The fudge can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Let the fudge come to room temperature before serving.
