This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple recipe to make and is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s soft and creamy and great for the holidays and special occasions or just because! This fudge makes a great addition to treat tins alongside Peanut Butter Balls, Nutella Rocky Road Fudge, and Shortbread Christmas Crack for the holiday season.
One of my greatest indulgences, when I was growing up, was Peanut Butter Fudge. I worked at a grocery store throughout most of high school and there was a local company that sold their confections there, and the peanut butter fudge was to die for.
Otherwise, I’ve never really been a huge fudge fan; you’ll never see me picking up a piece of chocolate fudge, and I hate when fudge is crumbly.
But this peanut butter fudge recipe is creamy, peanut buttery perfection. It’s soft and flavorful and just melts in your mouth!
Unlike many fudge recipes, this recipe uses half and half instead of regular milk. This helps add to that rich flavor and creamy texture that I’ve come to love so much about peanut butter fudge!
I also use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar because you get a smoother fudge.
You don’t need any special equipment to make this delicious fudge recipe; it’s a really easy recipe, and there’s no candy thermometer required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy peanut butter fudge is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty flavors. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also brings a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Creamy Peanut Butter: You’ll want to use creamy for best results; I prefer Jif Creamy.
- Vanilla Extract: I’m a firm believer that you should never go cheap when it comes to vanilla, and you should NEVER use imitation. Real quality vanilla can add so much to a recipe!
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: I love my Simply Calphalon baking pans because they have straight sides and do a wonderful job, but any 8×8-inch pan will do since you’re not actually making this recipe.
- Medium Saucepan: I also love the Simply Calphalon Saucepans because they’re non-stick and heavy-duty pieces of cookware.
- Hand Mixer: I love my KitchenAid hand mixer for quick recipes. My stand mixer is great, but not always necessary, and this keeps things easy.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Step-by-step Instructions
- Line a 13″ by 9″ pan with foil. Set aside.
- In a 4-quart heavy-bottom saucepan, over medium-high heat, add butter (melt slightly) before adding sugar and evaporated milk. Stir until the mixture begins to boil. Turn down the heat to medium and continue to stir until the candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F (about 8-9 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Using a buttered or oiled spatula, begin to add marshmallow cream and peanut butter, a spoonful at a time, to the hot sugar mixture. Stir between adding with a large wooden spoon until well blended. Add vanilla extract and stir well.
- Immediately, pour the Peanut Butter Fudge into the prepared 13″ by 9″ foil-lined dish. Cool the fudge on a cooling rack for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the fudge from the dish. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container. Makes 36 (1″ by 1″) squares.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that your sugar mixture reaches the optimal temperature to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.
- Be patient while stirring the marshmallow cream and peanut butter to ensure a smooth blend.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor.
- For a chocolate twist, swirl in some melted chocolate before letting the fudge set.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While I don’t have the exact nutritional breakdown, keep in mind that this is an indulgent treat, so enjoy it in moderation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter? It is best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe as natural varieties can affect the texture.
Do I need a candy thermometer? While it’s not required, a candy thermometer can help ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature.
Conclusion
This creamy peanut butter fudge is an irresistible treat that is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Enjoy!