Peanut Butter Fudge

This peanut butter fudge is the kinda treat that makes you go wow. Just 5 simple ingredients, ready in 15 minutes, and seriously addictive. No fuss, no fancy stuff, just the perfect homemade dessert ever!

Whether you want something sweet and simple to snack on or want to impress dinner guests with a variety of dessert options, this peanut butter fudge recipe is a definite go-to. Once you master this recipe, experiment with different flavors, sweeteners, mix-ins, and toppings.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best peanut butter fudge recipe because it is an incredibly simple dessert that is so easy to prepare.

With just 5 basic ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you can create this quick and easy peanut butter fudge. This rich and creamy sweet treat is sure to cure your sweet tooth craving with minimal effort.

Plus, it's just as easy to customize your homemade peanut butter fudge recipe to suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. Use coconut milk to make a vegan peanut butter fudge, top your fudge with chocolate chips for a chocolaty spin, or use almond extract to create an extra nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment with your fudge however you want.

Ingredients

Milk:

Milk is used to create this peanut butter fudge recipe because it adds creaminess and helps dissolve the sugar. Condensed milk can also be used in place of the milk and confectioners' sugar. For a richer alternative, heavy cream or evaporated milk can be used in this recipe as well. Additionally, almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk can be used to create a vegan peanut butter fudge.

Confectioners' Sugar:

This simple peanut butter fudge recipe uses confectioners' sugar to add sweetness. However, there are a variety of options that you can choose to sweeten your fudge in place of confectioners's sugar. Granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and agave nectar can all act as sweeteners to create the best peanut butter fudge recipe.

Peanut Butter:

Smooth, creamy peanut butter is the best to opt for when making homemade peanut butter fudge, as it has the right balance of fats and oils to create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, if you prefer a crunch in your fudge, chunky peanut butter can also be used. Additionally, natural peanut butter should be avoided as it has a tendency to separate with the oil rising to the top. This can make the fudge slightly oilier and more challenging to mix.

Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla extract is added to this peanut butter fudge recipe because it adds a subtle sweetness and warmth that balances the richness of the peanut butter. If you don’t have vanilla extract or want to try something different, maple extract, almond extract, honey, or coconut extract can be used instead.

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is sometimes added to a peanut butter fudge recipe to give it a warm, spiced flavor that complements the richness of the peanut butter. If you want to substitute cinnamon, alternatives like nutmeg, cardamom, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, and all-spice can add a unique twist to your fudge.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

Step One: 

Whisk the milk and confectioners sugar together in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Step Two: 

Whisk the mixture continuously until it begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.

Step Three: 

Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and cinnamon and whisk until all the ingredients are melted and incorporated.

Step Four:

Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish and spread it evenly along the bottom.

Step Five: 

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the fudge is set and holds shape when cut.

Step Six: 

Serve this easy peanut butter fudge as a sweet treat, and enjoy!

Tips

• For a smooth and creamy peanut butter fudge, it's important to whisk the milk and sugar mixture continuously to avoid burning, as milk burns quickly. Another way you can prevent this is by using a double boiling method to heat your milk. You can use your double-boiler if you have one. If not, you can heat your milk in a heat-safe bowl on top of a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, and the steam heats the bottom of the bowl, heating the milk more gently. This method also works for melting other delicate ingredients like butter and chocolate.
• To further customize your homemade peanut butter fudge, experiment with toppings like chocolate drizzle, sea salt sprinkle, or chopped peanuts.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Fudge

When serving homemade peanut butter fudge, you can complement its rich and creamy flavor with a variety of options. For a classic pairing, offer it alongside a hot tea or delicious latte, which helps balance the sweetness of the peanut butter fudge recipe. If you're creating a dessert platter, consider pairing the homemade peanut butter fudge with salty snacks like pretzels or nuts for a sweet-and-salty combination. You can also serve it with ice cream, using the creamy peanut butter fudge as a topping or mix-in for added indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make vegan peanut butter fudge?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based butter and non-dairy milk replacer or coconut milk for a delicious vegan peanut butter fudge.

Why is my peanut butter fudge grainy?

Graininess can occur if the confectioners' sugar isn’t dissolved properly or the mixture is overheated. Stir constantly and use low heat to prevent this when making your homemade peanut butter fudge.

What's the best way to store leftover peanut butter fudge?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover peanut butter fudge can last up to 2 weeks. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months.

Dessert Recipes

This easy peanut butter fudge recipe is sweet and delicious. Just like the recipes in this collection of desserts to cure your sweet tooth craving.

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