Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Homemade Whipped Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Creamy, dreamy peanut butter fudge has been my secret weapon for instant dessert happiness.

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this nostalgic treat.

Childhood afternoons spent in grandmother’s kitchen inspire every delectable bite.

Smooth chocolate and rich peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts hearts.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this recipe a total game-changer.

Quick preparation means you can satisfy sudden sugar cravings without complicated steps.

Serving this decadent fudge and watching faces light up with pure joy.

Grab a slice and let the deliciousness transport you to dessert heaven.

What Makes Peanut Butter Fudge So Satisfying

  • Whip Up Effortless Sweetness: This peanut butter fudge recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for novice bakers who want a delightful homemade treat without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexible cooling options, allowing you to set the fudge at room temperature or speed up the process in the refrigerator, adapting to your time constraints and preferences.
  • Indulge in Creamy Decadence: The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture combines rich peanut butter with sweet powdered sugar, creating a luxurious dessert that satisfies intense sugar cravings with minimal effort.
  • Share and Celebrate: These bite-sized fudge squares are ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend treats, delivering a nostalgic homemade goodness that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients List For Peanut Butter Fudge

Main Ingredients:

Peanut Butter Base:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides the rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture of the fudge. Smooth, creamy varieties work best for a consistent result.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of sweetness.
Sweetening Agents:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature fudge texture and sweetness. Fresh, clump-free sugar ensures a smooth mixture.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the peanut butter flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste profile.

Step-By-Step Guide For Peanut Butter Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Cozy Fudge Homes

Grab your parchment paper and line several baking pans. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges like a soft blanket, creating an easy escape route for your soon-to-be-delicious fudge.

Step 2: Create Smooth Butter Fusion

Combine peanut butter and butter in a large saucepan:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Unsalted butter

Melt these delicious ingredients over medium heat. Stir constantly until they become a silky, dreamy mixture that looks absolutely irresistible. Watch for that perfect smooth consistency – it should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Sweet Sugar Symphony

Remove the saucepan from heat and welcome these flavor friends:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar

Gently stir in the vanilla first. Then slowly introduce the powdered sugar, adding it in gradual waves. Mix thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will transform into a thick, glossy dream that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Spread the Fudge Love

Pour the magical mixture into your prepared pans. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface. Make it look as beautiful as a work of art!

Step 5: Patience Brings Perfection

Allow your fudge to chill and set at room temperature. If you’re feeling impatient, pop the pans in the refrigerator for a quick 30-60 minute transformation. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper handles. Slice into perfect squares with a sharp knife.

Pro Advice For Peanut Butter Fudge Success

  • Prevent Sticking Smartly: Always line your baking pans with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang to easily lift out the fudge without breaking.
  • Control Melting Perfectly: Use medium heat and stir butter and peanut butter constantly to achieve a smooth, even consistency without burning.
  • Sweeten Gradually: Add powdered sugar cup by cup, mixing thoroughly to create a thick, uniform texture that prevents sugar clumping.
  • Chill Strategically: Speed up setting time by refrigerating fudge for 30-60 minutes, or let it naturally set at room temperature for a more traditional approach.
  • Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp, clean knife to slice fudge into neat squares, wiping the blade between cuts for crisp edges.

Keeping Peanut Butter Fudge Fresh And Soft

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge stays fresh for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Room Temperature: Keep fudge in a cool, dry place for 3-4 days if serving within a short period. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Prevent Drying: Always cover the fudge completely to lock in moisture and prevent it from becoming hard or crumbly. Use a tight-sealing container or wrap carefully with plastic wrap.

Best Pairings With Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Pair with Bold Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to complement the rich, sweet peanut butter fudge. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.
  • Match with Creamy Milk: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk alongside the fudge. The cool, smooth milk balances the dense, sweet treat and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Create a Dessert Cocktail: Mix a peanut butter whiskey or a creamy liqueur like Baileys for an adult version of the pairing. These spirits echo the fudge's smooth, sweet profile and add a sophisticated twist.
  • Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream next to the fudge squares. The cold, creamy vanilla acts as a perfect counterpoint to the dense, intense peanut butter flavor.

Ways To Change Up Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the peanut butter fudge before chilling, creating a rich marbled effect that adds depth to the classic recipe.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt and crushed caramel pieces on top of the fudge for a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the traditional flavor profile.
  • Coconut Crumble Edition: Mix shredded toasted coconut into the fudge mixture or sprinkle it on top for a tropical texture and nutty undertone that complements the peanut butter.
  • Pretzel Power Blast: Fold crushed pretzels into the fudge or press them on top for a crunchy element that brings a delightful salty-sweet combination to the classic treat.

Peanut Butter Fudge FAQs You’ll Want To Know

  • What makes this peanut butter fudge different from other fudge recipes?

This recipe is super simple and requires no candy thermometer or complicated cooking techniques. It’s a no-bake fudge that uses just a few ingredients and is almost foolproof to make.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Stick with traditional creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter has different oil content and might make your fudge separated or grainy.

  • How sweet will this fudge be?

The fudge is quite sweet due to the powdered sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it might affect the texture and setting of the fudge.

  • What if my fudge doesn't set properly?

If your fudge is too soft, it likely needs more powdered sugar or more cooling time. Place it in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to help it firm up completely.

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Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy peanut butter fudge promises pure dessert bliss with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Chocolate drizzle and smooth texture elevate this classic treat, making each bite a delightful indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) unsalted butter
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
  • 12 cups (1.4 kilograms) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools (not ingredients):

  • Large saucepan
  • 3 large mixing bowls
  • Spatulas
  • 3 9×13-inch baking pans
  • Parchment paper

Instructions

  1. Prepare a workspace with three 9-inch baking dishes, ensuring each is lined with parchment paper that extends slightly over the edges for effortless removal.
  2. In a spacious saucepan, gently combine butter and peanut butter over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency, which typically requires 5-7 minutes of careful attention.
  3. Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source and incorporate vanilla extract, creating a fragrant base for the fudge.
  4. Progressively introduce powdered sugar into the warm mixture, integrating one cup at a time and stirring thoroughly after each addition until the blend becomes dense and incredibly smooth.
  5. Distribute the fudge mixture evenly across the prepared pans, using a flexible spatula to create a uniform surface with gentle, deliberate strokes.
  6. Allow the fudge to stabilize at room temperature, giving it sufficient time to set completely – this can take approximately 12 hours for optimal consistency.
  7. For those seeking faster results, refrigeration for 30-45 minutes can expedite the setting process.
  8. Once the fudge has solidified, utilize the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire block from the pan.
  9. With a sharp knife, slice the fudge into precise, equal-sized squares, creating a delectable treat ready for serving and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Adjust peanut butter type based on dietary needs, using natural or low-fat versions for healthier alternatives.
  • Experiment with different sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or stevia for low-sugar or diabetic-friendly options.
  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control, preventing potential texture issues during the melting process.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to two weeks at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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