Craving something sweet and indulgent? Dive into the world of homemade Peanut Butter Fudge, a delectable treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich sweetness for an irresistible dessert.

This classic confection boasts a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly balanced with nutty flavor.

Ingredients List

Creating perfect Peanut Butter Fudge requires a careful balance of ingredients to achieve that ideal creamy texture and rich flavor. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for this delicious confection.

Fudge Base Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, depending on preference)
1 (10-ounce) package peanut butter chips
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1/4 cup salted peanuts (optional, for added texture)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Peanut Butter Fudge, having the right kitchen tools will ensure a smooth process and successful outcome. Here are the essential tools you will need:

Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: A medium-sized, heavy pot is crucial for even heat distribution when cooking the sugar mixture.
Candy Thermometer: For precision, a candy thermometer is essential to reach the exact soft ball stage (235°F).
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Needed for constant stirring during the cooking process.
8×8-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for achieving the ideal fudge thickness.
Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan.
Sharp Knife: For clean cutting once the fudge has set.

Base Preparation

Preparing the sugar base for Peanut Butter Fudge is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this delightful treat. Follow these steps to mix the ingredients and cook the base properly.

Mixing the Base Ingredients

To start the fudge preparation, begin by preparing your baking dish. Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Set it aside while you work on the fudge base. In a medium-sized, heavy pot, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter.

This mixture forms the foundation of your fudge, providing the sweetness and creamy texture that makes fudge so beloved.

Cooking to the Right Temperature

After combining the base ingredients, place the pot over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture comes to a boil.

This initial heating dissolves the sugar and melts the butter, creating a smooth base. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue boiling for approximately 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Using a candy thermometer is essential at this stage – cook the mixture until it reaches the soft ball stage of 235°F. This precise temperature ensures your fudge will set properly with the perfect texture – not too soft and not too hard.

Adding the Flavoring Elements

To transform your sugar base into delicious Peanut Butter Fudge, follow these steps for adding the essential flavoring ingredients:

Remove from Heat:
After reaching 235°F, immediately remove the pot from the heat source to prevent overcooking.
Add Peanut Butter:
Quickly add the peanut butter to the hot mixture. The residual heat will help melt it smoothly into the base.
Incorporate Peanut Butter Chips:
Add the peanut butter chips next, stirring vigorously to ensure they melt completely.
Mix in Marshmallow Creme:
Add the marshmallow creme to the mixture. This ingredient adds fluffiness and helps create that signature fudge texture.
Stir Until Smooth:
Continue stirring the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth, with no visible lumps or streaks.

Finishing the Fudge

Creating the perfect finishing touches for your Peanut Butter Fudge requires attention to detail and proper timing. These final steps will ensure your fudge has the ideal texture and appearance.

Adding Mix-ins and Pouring

Once your fudge mixture is smooth and creamy, it’s time to add any optional mix-ins for extra texture and flavor. If using salted peanuts, fold them into the mixture now, reserving a small amount for topping if desired.

The contrast between the crunchy peanuts and smooth fudge creates a delightful textural experience. Work quickly at this stage, as the fudge will begin to set as it cools.

Immediately pour the mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. The fudge should be level for uniform pieces when cut later.

Setting and Cutting

After pouring the fudge into the baking dish, allow it to cool at room temperature. For faster setting, you can place it in the refrigerator, but be careful not to leave it too long as this might make the fudge too firm.

The fudge needs to cool completely before cutting, which typically takes about 2-3 hours at room temperature or 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares or rectangles of your desired size. For clean cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving and presenting your Peanut Butter Fudge, attention to detail can elevate this simple treat into something truly special. Here are some suggestions to make your fudge as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate:

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is essential to maintain the delicious flavor and texture of your homemade Peanut Butter Fudge. Follow these guidelines to keep your fudge fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Fudge Fresh

After your fudge has completely cooled and been cut into pieces, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Properly stored, Peanut Butter Fudge will remain fresh at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. For best results, keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the fudge to soften or melt.

Freezing Peanut Butter Fudge

For longer-term storage, Peanut Butter Fudge freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces or small batches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen fudge can last up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

To thaw, simply transfer the wrapped fudge to the refrigerator overnight or let it stand at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. Once thawed, the fudge should retain its original texture and flavor.