Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Craving a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat? This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is the perfect solution for peanut butter lovers. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can make creamy, decadent fudge that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. The smooth texture, buttery flavor, and sweet peanut butter notes make this fudge irresistible every time.
Ingredients List
Fudge Ingredients
½ cup butter
1 (16-ounce) package brown sugar
½ cup milk
¾ cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
Required Kitchen Tools
Making fudge is surprisingly easy when you have the right tools. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:
Medium Saucepan – For melting butter and sugar evenly without burning.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – To stir the fudge mixture smoothly.
9x9-inch Baking Pan – Perfect for setting the fudge in a compact, easy-to-cut block.
Parchment Paper – Makes removing the fudge from the pan simple and mess-free.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements ensure your fudge sets perfectly.
With these tools ready, you’ll find the fudge-making process simple and stress-free.
Fudge Preparation
Creating smooth and creamy peanut butter fudge is all about careful melting, mixing, and setting. Here’s how I do it step by step.
Melting the Base
I start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, I stir in the brown sugar and milk, letting it come to a gentle boil. It’s important to stir continuously to prevent the sugar from sticking or burning. I usually let the mixture boil for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
Mixing Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth and hot, I remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. I mix until the peanut butter melts completely into the sugar mixture, creating a creamy, luscious base for the fudge.
Adding the Confectioners’ Sugar
Next comes the magic: the confectioners’ sugar. I gradually add it to the warm peanut butter mixture, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and glossy. This step is crucial for achieving that classic fudge texture. I usually add the sugar in small portions to avoid lumps and ensure even blending.
Setting the Fudge
Once the fudge mixture is ready, I prepare my baking pan lined with parchment paper. I pour the warm fudge into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then comes the hardest part: waiting! I let the fudge cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to cut into perfect squares.
Serving and Decoration
Suggested Toppings and Presentation
While this peanut butter fudge is delicious on its own, I sometimes like to add a personal touch:
Chocolate Drizzle: Melted chocolate drizzled over the fudge for extra richness.
Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of peanuts or walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of flaky salt enhances the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Cutting the fudge into small squares makes it perfect for sharing or packaging as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Fudge Fresh
I store my peanut butter fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps it soft, chewy, and delicious.
Freezing Fudge
For longer storage, I wrap the fudge squares individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When I want a treat, I just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Conclusion
Making Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is one of my favorite ways to satisfy a sweet craving without complicated steps or fancy ingredients. This recipe is quick, reliable, and produces fudge that’s perfectly creamy and indulgent every time. Whether I’m sharing it with friends, gifting it, or simply treating myself, it always disappears fast. If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, this fudge is sure to become your go-to dessert. Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the heavenly taste of homemade peanut butter fudge today!
