Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

The Dreamiest Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a batch of creamy peanut butter fudge can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of indulgence.

Smooth chocolate and nutty flavors dance together in this irresistible treat.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients combine to create magic in just minutes.

Rich, velvety textures melt perfectly on your tongue, promising pure bliss with each bite.

Nothing compares to the nostalgic comfort of homemade fudge that brings instant happiness.

Comfort and joy await you in this delectable recipe that practically guarantees smiles all around.

Let’s dive into making something truly spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Pair with Bold Beverages: Rich, dark coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness and complements the creamy peanut butter fudge perfectly.
  • Enhance with Contrasting Textures: Crisp, cold milk provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, smooth fudge, creating a delightful taste experience.
  • Match with Nutty Companions: Roasted almonds or salted pecans add a crunchy element that elevates the fudge's rich, creamy profile and brings out its deep peanut flavor.
  • Serve with Fruity Accents: Tart raspberry sorbet or fresh strawberries offer a bright, tangy contrast that balances the fudge's intense sweetness and rich texture.

Storage Advice for Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge to Stay Fresh

  • Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of wax paper for up to 2 weeks. Keep refrigerated to maintain texture and prevent softening.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Keep fudge in sealed container at cool room temperature for 3-5 days. Ensure container protects from humidity and direct sunlight.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Unwrap and allow gradual warming to preserve smooth consistency.

FAQs About Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge You Need to Know

  • Can I use natural or homemade peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter works, but choose a smooth variety with minimal oil separation. Avoid chunky or overly runny types that might affect fudge texture.

  • How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?

Stir constantly during boiling and use fine granulated sugar. Avoid stirring after removing from heat to prevent sugar crystal formation.

  • Is this fudge suitable for people with dairy allergies?

Not without modifications. The recipe contains butter and milk, which are dairy products. You’ll need dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milk and margarine.

  • What's the best way to get clean, neat fudge squares?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Let fudge cool completely at room temperature for precise, smooth edges.

Why Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Is the Ultimate Indulgence

  • Craft Comfort Dessert: Indulge in a nostalgic treat that brings warmth and sweetness to your kitchen, perfect for satisfying sudden sugar cravings.
  • Master Simple Technique: Create professional-looking fudge with basic cooking skills, no advanced pastry training required, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delightful dessert that impresses family and friends with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, ideal for gatherings or potluck events.
  • Customize Your Delight: Experiment with different nut butters or add chocolate drizzles to personalize this classic fudge recipe, allowing creative culinary expression.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge

Main Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy and rich base that provides the signature flavor for the fudge.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the classic fudge consistency.
  • Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and helps dissolve the sugar.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the fudge from the baking pan.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents the fudge from sticking to the pan.

How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides. Lightly coat the parchment with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Creamy Base

Place peanut butter and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gently stir and blend the ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Sweet Syrup

Add the following ingredients to the saucepan:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Whole milk
  • Tiny pinch of salt

Continuously stir the mixture while bringing it to a rolling boil. Keep whisking to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 4: Boil and Flavor

Allow the mixture to boil vigorously for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.

Step 5: Transfer and Smooth

Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a flexible spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth, uniform surface.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Let the fudge rest at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. The fudge will gradually solidify and develop a perfect, creamy texture. Once completely set, lift the parchment paper and cut into delightful square pieces.

Pro Tips to Achieve Smooth and Rich Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Enhance the fudge's richness by using high-quality, creamy peanut butter with minimal added oils.
  • Prevent grainy texture by stirring consistently and maintaining steady heat during the boiling process.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting part of the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia for a lighter version.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Fun Variations to Customize Your Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Fudge: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the fudge before cooling, creating a marbled chocolate-peanut butter pattern.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or almonds across the surface of the fudge for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Sea Salt Caramel Fusion: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the fudge for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Marshmallow Rocky Road Style: Mix mini marshmallows and chopped chocolate into the fudge before setting, creating a decadent rocky road-inspired treat.
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Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Smooth, rich Peanut Butter Fudge delivers pure indulgence straight from grandma’s kitchen. Silky chocolate swirls and sweet nutty notes create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine peanut butter and butter in a medium saucepan, melting them together over medium heat until the mixture becomes completely smooth and integrated.
  3. Gradually incorporate sugar, milk, and a delicate sprinkle of salt into the melted mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution.
  4. Elevate the temperature and bring the mixture to a robust boil, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching and ensure a uniform consistency.
  5. Maintain the boiling process for precisely 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to achieve the perfect fudge texture without burning.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and swiftly introduce vanilla extract, stirring vigorously to blend thoroughly.
  7. Transfer the molten fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface across the entire pan.
  8. Allow the fudge to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, ensuring a firm, sliceable consistency.
  9. Once fully set, slice the fudge into uniform squares, creating bite-sized pieces perfect for serving and sharing.

Notes

  • Ensure parchment paper overhangs pan edges for easy removal of fudge after setting.
  • Use creamy, unsweetened peanut butter for smoother texture and control over sweetness.
  • For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
  • Prevent sugar crystallization by stirring continuously during boiling and avoiding scraping sides of saucepan while cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 293
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 44 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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