If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things peanut buttery, you are in for a treat with this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. This delightful confection is the perfect balance of creamy, rich, and just a hint of salty crunch, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you are whipping up a quick dessert for family or preparing gifts for friends, this fudge is wonderfully simple to make and wonderfully irresistible to eat. Let me share with you how easy and rewarding creating this classic peanut butter fudge can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create its luscious flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, contributing sweet, creamy, or nutty notes that make every bite unforgettable.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: This provides the essential sweetness and helps give the fudge its classic texture.
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup): Adds creaminess without making the fudge too wet, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons): Offers richness and a velvety finish, rounding out the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy): Main flavor star that brings the distinct peanut butter goodness.
- 1 (10-ounce) package peanut butter chips: Enhances the peanut flavor and adds a smooth, melt-in-fudge texture.
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme: Adds sweetness and a creamy fluffiness that makes the fudge luxuriously soft.
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts (optional): Gives a delightful crunch and a contrasting salty note, elevating the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Start the Base
Begin by buttering an 8×8-inch baking dish or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your fudge will release easily once set. In a heavy medium-sized pot, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent burning, heating the mixture until it just reaches a boil.
Step 2: Boil to the Soft Ball Stage
Once boiling, keep stirring constantly and allow the mixture to boil for about 5 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely until it hits 235°F, known as the soft ball stage—this is crucial for the perfect fudge texture. This precise step guarantees your fudge will set beautifully and be wonderfully creamy.
Step 3: Blend in the Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Creme
Remove the mixture from heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and marshmallow creme until everything becomes smooth and creamy. If you want to add a little crunch, fold in most of the salted peanuts now, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for a pretty, textured finish.
Step 4: Set and Cut the Fudge
Pour the luscious peanut butter fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Gently sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top if desired, pressing them lightly into the surface. Let fudge cool completely at room temperature until firm, then cut into squares of your preferred size. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe by garnishing with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or extra chopped peanuts right before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder can add a delightful contrast and make your fudge look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your fudge alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate pairing. It also pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit to balance its rich sweetness, turning your dessert into a well-rounded experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, wrap individual fudge squares in parchment paper tied with twine or stack them in a decorative box. You can also layer fudge pieces in jars alternating with crushed peanuts or mini marshmallows, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping it covered ensures the fudge stays moist and soft without drying out.
Freezing
This fudge freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead treat. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
If the fudge becomes too firm from chilling or freezing, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve its creamy consistency, but if necessary, warm very gently in short bursts, stirring in between, until soft.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture and nutty crunch throughout the fudge, giving an extra layer of flavor that many people love.
What is the purpose of marshmallow creme in this fudge?
Marshmallow creme adds sweetness and a light, fluffy texture that makes the fudge irresistibly smooth and creamy, giving it that perfect melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Can I substitute peanut butter chips with regular chocolate chips?
You can, but this will change the flavor profile. Using chocolate chips will create a peanut butter and chocolate blend, which is delicious but different from the pure peanut butter flavor the recipe is known for.
How do I know when the fudge mixture has reached the right temperature?
Using a candy thermometer is the best way. The mixture should reach the soft ball stage, 235°F, which ensures that the fudge will set correctly and have the ideal chewy consistency.
Can I add other nuts besides peanuts?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a different crunch. Just make sure to toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly comforting about homemade peanut butter fudge, and with this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, making your own has never been more approachable or fun. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this fudge will wow your friends, family, and even yourself. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a delicious adventure that tastes as good as it feels creating it.
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe offers a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth treat made with peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and marshmallow creme. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect no-bake dessert for peanut butter lovers, featuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful nutty flavor, ideal for festive occasions or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
Peanut Butter Mix
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 (10-ounce) package peanut butter chips
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent the fudge from sticking once poured.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a medium-sized, heavy pot, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Heat on medium, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking. Use a candy thermometer to monitor until it reaches the soft ball stage temperature of 235°F (113°C).
- Mix in Peanut Butter and Chips: Remove the pot from heat immediately once the temperature is reached. Stir in the peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and marshmallow creme thoroughly until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. If using chopped salted peanuts, fold most into the mixture, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Set and Cool: Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chopped peanuts on top if desired. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
- Cut and Store: Once cooled and set, cut the fudge into 24 squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching while cooking the sugar mixture.
- The candy thermometer ensures the fudge sets properly by reaching the ideal soft ball stage.
- Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well depending on your texture preference.
- Adding marshmallow creme contributes to the fudge’s smooth and creamy texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the salted peanuts entirely.
- Store fudge at room temperature, but refrigerate in hot climates to prevent melting.
