Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge: Super Quick and Easy!
Making delicious, creamy peanut butter fudge doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With this simple recipe, you can create a mouthwatering treat in just a few minutes using only four ingredients. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Set aside. - Heat the Sugar and Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and allow it to boil gently for 2-3 minutes without stirring.
- Add the Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into the Pan:
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Cool and Set:
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until it is firm.
- For faster results, place the pan in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the fudge is set, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
- Choose High-Quality Peanut Butter: Smooth and creamy peanut butter ensures the best texture and taste. Avoid natural peanut butter with excessive oil separation.
- Monitor the Boiling Time: Overcooking can lead to crumbly fudge, so keep an eye on the clock while the mixture boils.
- Use a Candy Thermometer (Optional): For precision, aim for a temperature of 234°F (soft-ball stage) while boiling the sugar and milk mixture.
Ingredients for Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you need only four ingredients to make this delicious treat:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
The foundation for the fudge, creating the right texture and sweetness. - 1/2 cup milk
Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy consistency. Substitute with evaporated milk for extra decadence. - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Smooth peanut butter ensures the fudge is velvety. Choose a quality brand to enhance the flavor. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds depth and a subtle aromatic note to the fudge.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this recipe seamlessly, gather the following tools:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
- 8×8-inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Sharp knife for cutting
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Fudge
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Before starting, line your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with butter or a nonstick spray. This will make removing the fudge much easier later.
2. Combine Sugar and Milk
- Add the granulated sugar and milk to a medium saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
3. Boil the Mixture
- Allow the mixture to boil gently for 2-3 minutes, maintaining a steady temperature. Do not stir during this time to prevent crystallization.
- If using a candy thermometer, aim for the soft-ball stage at 234°F (112°C) for precision.
4. Mix in the Peanut Butter and Vanilla
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. This step is crucial for the perfect fudge texture.
5. Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish
- Immediately pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish, ensuring smooth edges for cutting later.
6. Cool and Set the Fudge
- Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours until it sets.
- For faster results, place the dish in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.
7. Cut and Serve
- Once the fudge is fully set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper edges.
- Transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into small, bite-sized squares.
- Serve immediately or store for later
Why This Recipe Works
- No Candy Thermometer? No Problem! This recipe doesn’t require exact temperatures, making it foolproof for beginners.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just four ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly treat.
- Quick to Prepare: The entire process takes less than 10 minutes, plus cooling time.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the peanut butter, every bite melts in your mouth.
Variations and Add-Ons
Make this creamy peanut butter fudge uniquely yours with these variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl:
- Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and swirl it into the peanut butter mixture before setting.
- Crunchy Fudge:
- Replace creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Salted Caramel Fudge:
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet twist.
- Nutty Delight:
- Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans before pouring the fudge into the dish.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Storing
- At Room Temperature: Keep the fudge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the Refrigerator: Extend its shelf life to 2-3 weeks by storing it in the fridge.
Freezing
- Wrap individual pieces in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Troubleshooting Tips
FAQs about Peanut Butter Fudge
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be sure to stir the natural peanut butter thoroughly to eliminate excess oil. This ensures the fudge sets properly.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger saucepan and a 9×13-inch baking dish to accommodate the increased volume.
3. How can I make it dairy-free?
Replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free peanut butter brand.
4. Is there a sugar-free version?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol. Adjust quantities to taste.
5. Can I make this fudge vegan?
To make this vegan, use plant-based milk and ensure the sugar you choose is certified vegan.
6. Why is my fudge grainy?
Grainy fudge is often caused by sugar crystals forming. Stir the sugar and milk mixture thoroughly before boiling and avoid stirring once it’s boiling.
Conclusion
This creamy peanut butter fudge recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, the straightforward steps and minimal ingredients make it accessible to all. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or celebrations, this fudge is a treat that never disappoints.
Try it today and enjoy the ultimate combination of simplicity and decadence!
This creamy peanut butter fudge is perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. The recipe is so quick and easy that you’ll find yourself making it again and again!