Peanut butter fudge is one of those treats that always takes me back to my childhood. I have such fond memories of helping my grandma in the kitchen, and it always involved some kind of sweet treat.
This Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is my go-to when I want something quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The best part? It comes together in just a few minutes of prep time, plus a little chilling time, so you can enjoy it in about 4 hours.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9″ pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9″ pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why This Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe Stands Out
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy schedules.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, so you probably have everything on hand right now.
- Less Cleanup: No complicated steps or equipment means fewer dishes to wash.
- Irresistible Flavor: Delivers that classic, rich peanut butter taste that everyone loves.
What You’ll Need To Make Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this delightful treat:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Each ingredient plays a crucial role. The butter adds richness and helps the fudge melt smoothly.
Creamy peanut butter provides that classic, irresistible flavor. Vanilla enhances the overall taste, and powdered sugar is the key to the fudge’s sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Recommended Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic pieces of equipment. A microwave-safe glass bowl or a medium-size saucepan works great for melting the butter and peanut butter.
A sturdy spatula is essential for stirring and combining the ingredients. An 8-9″ pan is perfect for setting the fudge. Parchment paper is also helpful for easy removal.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge: Step-by-Step
I have two methods for this recipe:
- Microwave Method:
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9″ pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Saucepan Method:
- Combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir to combine, it should come together very quickly and be smooth and creamy. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the powdered sugar a cup or so at a time. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-9″ pan with butter or line with parchment. Transfer the fudge mixture to the pan and press into the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
- Don’t Over-Stir: Over-stirring can lead to crystallization, resulting in grainy fudge.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything combine smoothly.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the fudge to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture.
- Use Quality Peanut Butter: The flavor of your peanut butter directly impacts the flavor of the fudge.
It’s also important to understand how too much stirring can crystallize the sugar. When you over-stir the fudge mixture, you’re agitating the sugar molecules, which can cause them to clump together and form crystals. This results in a grainy texture.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
For this recipe, I recommend using creamy peanut butter. It blends beautifully with the butter and powdered sugar, creating a smooth, luscious texture.
You can definitely experiment with natural peanut butter, but be aware that it might result in a slightly different consistency due to the separation of oils. Other nut butters can be used, but the flavor will change the final product.
Variations and Flavor Combinations for Your Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
| Flavor Combination | Mix-Ins/Toppings |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Peanut Butter | Chocolate chips, cocoa powder, brownie bits |
| Peanut Butter Cup | Chopped peanut butter cups |
| Spicy Peanut Butter | Pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes |
| Cookies and Cream | Crushed Oreo cookies |
| Maple Peanut Butter | Maple extract, chopped walnuts |
| Peanut Butter Pretzel | Crushed pretzels, pretzel pieces |
Sugar Substitutes to Use
While I haven’t tested sugar substitutes extensively with this recipe, you can try using alternatives like erythritol or stevia. Keep in mind that these substitutes might affect the texture and set time of the fudge. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used.
How to Store Peanut Butter Fudge
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Fudge can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Troubleshooting Common Fudge Problems
Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
- Fudge is too soft: Add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Ensure it chills for at least 4 hours.
- Fudge is too hard: This is rare, but if it happens, try adding a touch of melted butter or a bit of milk to soften it.
- Fudge is grainy: This is usually caused by over-stirring. There’s not much you can do at this point.
- Fudge doesn’t set properly: Make sure you’re using the right amount of ingredients, and that the chilling process is long enough.
Also, if you live at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. Increase the cooking time or reduce the amount of powdered sugar a bit. You can find more information on this by consulting resources on how to make fudge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fudge on its own or alongside other treats. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert. It also makes a great addition to a dessert board, or packaged as a gift for friends and family. If you’re looking for other simple yet impressive treats, consider this Easy Cheese Ball Recipe for a savory option or these delightful Christmas Cranberry Bars for a festive touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fudge gritty?
Gritty fudge is usually caused by over-stirring the mixture, which leads to the formation of sugar crystals. Make sure to stir gently and avoid over-mixing.
How long does it take fudge to set?
It typically takes at least 4 hours for the fudge to set properly, but for the best results, I recommend chilling it overnight.
Can I freeze fudge?
Yes, absolutely. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Fudge can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Does altitude affect fudge making?
Yes, at higher altitudes, you might need to adjust the recipe slightly. You may need to increase the cooking time or reduce the amount of powdered sugar a bit.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a guaranteed hit, perfect for any occasion! It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that classic peanut butter flavor everyone loves. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
What variations will you try? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creations!
