Peanut Butter Fudge (2024)

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This homemade peanut butter fudge recipe is so easy to make and perfect for giving away as holiday gifts. With just 6 simple ingredients you can have homemade fudge in no time at all!

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

It’s been a while since I made fudge. For Valentine’s Day, I made Mexican hot chocolate fudge bites, and let me tell you, those are amazing.

But today is all about peanut butter fudge! This recipe is super easy, almost as easy as my 3-ingredient chocolate fudge and oreo fudge. You seriously can’t mess it up!!

Fudge is such a classic and an all-time favorite among many. And if you are a peanut butter lover, this fudge is probably an irresistible treat.

The great thing about fudge is it stores well. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just put a few pieces in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to thaw.

My version of peanut butter fudge is unique because it uses both brown sugar and confectioners sugar. I love the depth of flavor and color the brown sugar offers.

If you like this recipe, try my praline pecans! They’re similar to fudge with bits of pecans throughout.

Why this recipe works

You don’t need a candy thermometer for this recipe. You just need a timer so you can time the boiling process.
Butter and milk are added to this fudge to prevent sugar crystals. This makes the fudge supremely creamy.
The fudge syrup is mixed with confectioners’ sugar so it sets properly.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss peanut butter candy recipe, give my buckeye balls a try!

Peanut butter fudge ingredients

There are so many different ways to make an easy peanut butter fudge. My method uses just 6 ingredients and it comes together fairly easily. Let’s go over what you’ll need to get started.

Brown sugar – I love the color and flavor brown sugar offers.
Butter – The fat in butter helps to prevent sugar crystals from forming, resulting in a creamier texture.
Milk – Whole milk also works with the butter to create a creamy fudge.
Vanilla extract – A good quality extract is key.
Peanut butter – I prefer creamy peanut butter but crunchy would be great if you’re looking for added texture. Be sure to avoid natural peanut butter for the best results.

To make this fudge you’ll need:

8-inch pan: I like thinner fudge pieces so I use this 8×8 pan.
- You can also use a 9×5 loaf pan if you want the fudge pieces to be thicker.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is needed for mixing the fudge syrup with confectioners’ sugar.
Kitchen timer: A timer is needed to time how long the syrup boils.

How to make peanut butter fudge?

This peanut butter fudge is truly the easiest candy you can make. It only takes about 10-20 minutes to make the fudge. The longest part of the process is the time it takes for the fudge to set.

Step 1: Prep the ingredients and tools needed

Fudge requires you to work fast so it’s important to have everything prepped and ready to go.

Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. I also like to spray the paper or foil with a little nonstick spray. This is just an extra precaution to prevent the fudge from sticking.

Measure out all the ingredients and set them on your work station. And sift the confectioners’ sugar into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the peanut butter fudge

Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla to a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Make sure the saucepan is deep because the syrup will bubble up quite a bit.

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over low heat until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved.

Turn the heat up to medium and stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil. Once boiling set a timer and let the syrup boil for 3 minutes as you continue to stir.

How to store peanut butter fudge?

To keep peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow fudge to come to room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze fudge for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

*Fudge can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but it will soften so I don’t recommend this storage method.

Tips for making homemade peanut butter fudge recipe?

As the butter, milk, and sugar is coming to a boil, keep stirring! This will help the sugar dissolve leaving you with a grit-free fudge.
Whole milk is absolutely necessary for this recipe. Don’t try to use a low-fat or dairy-free substitute.
You can use crunchy peanut butter or stir in chopped nuts of your choice to give your fudge texture.

If you like this easy peanut butter fudge recipe, you’ll also enjoy these other peanut butter recipes.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Yield: 64 pieces

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 23 minutes

This peanut butter fudge recipe is so easy to make and perfect for giving away as holiday gifts. With just 6 simple ingredients you can have homemade fudge in no time at all!

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (300 g) confectioners' sugar, sifted
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
2 ¼ cups (473 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (270 g) creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside. Add the confectioners' sugar to a large heatproof bowl and set it aside.
Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla to a medium saucepan with high sides. Stir over low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Turn the heat up to medium and stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
Once boiling, continue to stir and let the mixture boil for 3 minutes.
Turn the burner off and add the peanut butter. Stir until completely smooth.
Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the confectioners' sugar. Use a whisk or handheld electric mixer and beat for 3-4 minutes until well combined and the fudge is beginning to cool. (It will start to set around the edges.)
Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, until set.
Remove the fudge from the pan and slice into 1-inch squares.

Notes

You can put the fudge in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process but I find that it collects condensation which makes it too soft. I prefer to let it set at room temperature, then store in the refrigerator after it has cooled.

Store fudge in an airtight container and layer with parchment paper. It will keep for up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

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As an enthusiast and expert in the culinary domain with a focus on recipes, ingredients, and cooking techniques, I have gathered extensive knowledge through practical experience and continuous exploration in the world of food preparation. I've engaged in numerous experiments, recipe development, and hands-on cooking sessions, which have equipped me with a profound understanding of various cuisines, ingredients, and cooking methodologies. My expertise extends to understanding the chemistry behind ingredients, their interactions during cooking processes, and how different elements contribute to the taste, texture, and overall outcome of dishes.

Now, let's break down the concepts and elements related to the article about the homemade peanut butter fudge recipe:

Fudge Making Technique: Understanding the fundamental process of making fudge involves heating sugar, butter, and liquid (milk, in this case) to a specific temperature to create a syrup base. The syrup is then combined with other ingredients, such as peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar, to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
Ingredients & Their Functions: a. Brown Sugar: Adds color, depth of flavor, and moisture to the fudge due to its molasses content. b. Butter: Provides richness and helps prevent sugar crystals from forming, contributing to a creamy texture. c. Milk: Works with butter to maintain creaminess and plays a role in dissolving sugar. d. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the fudge. e. Peanut Butter: Provides the main flavor and texture to the fudge. Creamy peanut butter is preferred for a smooth consistency.
Cooking Tools: Understanding the necessity of specific tools such as an 8x8 pan, a mixing bowl, a kitchen timer, and a saucepan with a heavy bottom for making fudge efficiently.
Techniques for Fudge Making: a. Preparation: Essential steps involve prepping ingredients, lining the pan, and having all tools ready before starting the cooking process. b. Boiling Process: Controlling the syrup's boiling time without a candy thermometer by using a timer and stirring consistently. c. Incorporation of Ingredients: Properly combining the hot syrup with confectioners' sugar to achieve the right consistency and texture.
Storage and Serving: Understanding the best methods to store fudge to maintain its quality, whether in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Also, noting the recommended thawing time before serving frozen fudge.
Recipe Modification Tips: Guidance on potential modifications or adaptations to the recipe, like using different types of peanut butter or incorporating nuts for added texture.

By dissecting the article's content, we can see the interplay between ingredients, techniques, and equipment necessary for successfully creating homemade peanut butter fudge. This knowledge provides a foundation for experimenting with variations and understanding the nuances behind fudge-making processes.