Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

The Dreamiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Rich and creamy peanut butter fudge transforms ordinary dessert moments into pure bliss.

Sweet indulgence waits just around the kitchen corner.

Chocolate lovers understand the magnetic pull of decadent treats that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Memories of childhood comfort surge with each silky bite.

Crafting this delightful confection requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for you and anyone lucky enough to sample these heavenly squares.

Prepare to experience a mouthwatering adventure that will become your new favorite sweet escape.

Store Peanut Butter Fudge for Later

  • Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Do not microwave, as this can alter the smooth consistency.
  • Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for a firmer, more dense fudge texture that melts beautifully on your tongue.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel that complements the rich, sweet peanut butter fudge, balancing its creamy texture with deep wine undertones.
  • Serve with Cold Milk: Classic cold milk creates a perfect nostalgic companion, cutting through the fudge's sweetness and providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the dessert's decadence.
  • Match with Espresso Shot: A strong espresso provides a bitter counterpoint to the fudge's sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor experience that awakens the palate and highlights the peanut butter's nutty depth.
  • Complement with Dark Chocolate Stout: A rich, chocolatey craft beer with roasted malt notes harmonizes beautifully with the fudge, offering a complex and indulgent taste combination that elevates the dessert.

Peanut Butter Fudge Topping Variations

  • Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile, perfect for those with peanut allergies or seeking a milder taste.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan butter to create a plant-based friendly fudge that's creamy and indulgent.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie and carbohydrate content while maintaining a sweet taste.
  • Chocolate Swirl Variation: Gently fold in melted dark chocolate before pouring into the pan, creating a marbled chocolate-peanut butter fudge with rich, complex flavors.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use granulated white sugar or brown sugar, but the texture and sweetness might slightly vary from the original recipe.

  • What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest and richest fudge, but 2% milk can also work well.

  • How do I know when the mixture is boiling correctly?

Look for large, rolling bubbles across the entire surface of the mixture, not just small bubbles around the edges. This indicates it’s at a rapid boil.

  • Is it necessary to use a specific type of peanut butter?

Creamy, classic peanut butter works best. Avoid natural or separated peanut butter as it might affect the fudge’s consistency and setting.

Peanut Butter Fudge That Melts Just Right

  • Quickest Sweet Treat: Whip up this peanut butter fudge in just minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
  • Budget-Friendly Dessert: Uses common pantry staples like sugar, milk, vanilla, and peanut butter, making it an affordable indulgence for any budget.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the rich, creamy texture and classic peanut butter flavor that appeals to all ages at gatherings and parties.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone wanting a foolproof dessert that doesn't demand advanced culinary techniques.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe – What You’ll Need

Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the fudge's smooth, crystalline texture. Granulated white sugar works best for consistent results.
  • Milk: Creates the liquid base and helps dissolve sugar for a creamy consistency. Whole milk recommended for richer flavor.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Natural or smooth peanut butter works well. Choose a high-quality brand for best taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial versions.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Butter or Cooking Spray: Used for greasing the pan to prevent fudge from sticking. Unsalted butter or non-stick cooking spray are good options.

Peanut Butter Fudge Instructions Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Equipment

Grab a medium saucepan, wooden spoon, measuring tools, and a rectangular baking pan.

Lightly grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup

Combine sugar and milk in the saucepan.

Place over medium-high heat and stir gently until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, watching carefully and stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Boil Sugar Mixture

Keep the mixture at a rapid boil for exactly two and a half minutes.

Do not stir during this time.

Watch the bubbles carefully to ensure consistent boiling temperature.

Step 4: Add Flavor Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from heat.

Quickly add these ingredients:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Creamy peanut butter

Stir vigorously until the peanut butter completely melts and the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Transfer Fudge to Pan

Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, ensuring a smooth top.

Step 6: Cool and Set Fudge

Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature.

Do not refrigerate immediately.

Let it sit undisturbed for several hours until it becomes firm and fully set.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge has completely cooled, slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.

Serve at room temperature and store in an airtight container.

Fudge-Making Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Squares

Stir peanut butter thoroughly to ensure complete melting and a silky-smooth texture without any lumps.

Choose an 8×8 pan for standard recipe or 11×13 pan when doubling, allowing perfect thickness and easy cutting.

Watch boiling time carefully – exactly 2.5 minutes ensures proper sugar crystallization for ideal fudge consistency.

Allow fudge to set completely at room temperature before cutting to maintain structural integrity and clean square edges.

Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness and firmer texture.

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Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge delivers a rich, indulgent experience that melts in your mouth with pure chocolate-peanut bliss. Smooth confectionery magic brings comfort and joy, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this classic sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Create a smooth, sweet base by whisking sugar and milk together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous, rolling boil, maintaining the intense bubbling for precisely two and a half minutes without stirring.
  3. Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source and immediately introduce vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter.
  4. Vigorously whisk the ingredients until the peanut butter completely dissolves, creating a uniform, glossy texture with no visible lumps.
  5. Swiftly transfer the molten fudge mixture into a pre-greased baking pan, using a spatula to ensure even distribution and smooth the surface.
  6. Allow the fudge to rest and solidify at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 2-3 hours, ensuring a firm, sliceable consistency.
  7. Once fully set, use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into neat, uniform squares, creating delectable bite-sized pieces ready for serving and enjoying.

Notes

  • Ensure precise timing when boiling sugar and milk to achieve the perfect fudge consistency without burning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching during the boiling process.
  • Experiment with different peanut butter brands for varied flavor intensity, choosing natural or creamy options based on personal preference.
  • Allow fudge to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for cleaner, sharper cutting lines and a firmer texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 159
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 37 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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