How to Create Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Who doesn’t love the rich, indulgent flavor of peanut butter fudge? It’s one of those treats that seems fancy but is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing holiday desserts, or simply craving something sweet, creamy peanut butter fudge is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you don’t need complicated tools or exotic ingredients; everything you need can be found at your local grocery store!
In this blog, you’ll learn how to make creamy peanut butter fudge using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To create the perfect peanut butter fudge, you only need five basic ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick)
- Peanut butter – 1 cup (smooth peanut butter works best for creaminess)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional, but adds flavor depth)
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon (balances the sweetness, especially if your peanut butter is unsalted)
- Powdered sugar – 3 cups (also called confectioners’ sugar)
These ingredients are kitchen staples that you might already have on hand!
Tools Required:
Here are some tools you’ll need to make the fudge:
- A saucepan
- A mixing bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A sifter (to avoid lumps in the powdered sugar, optional)
- A square pan (such as an 8×8-inch pan) for shaping the fudge
- Parchment paper or foil (for easy removal)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining your square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure there’s enough overhang on the sides so you can lift the fudge out easily later. This step is important because it makes sure your fudge doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the butter and peanut butter. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir constantly as the ingredients melt and combine into a smooth, creamy mixture. Take your time here to ensure everything is fully blended—this is the secret to creamy fudge!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once the butter and peanut butter are completely melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These two simple additions will enhance the flavor of your fudge.
Step 4: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Here’s where things get fun! Use a sifter to gradually add the powdered sugar to your peanut butter mixture. If you don’t have a sifter, you can add the sugar in small portions. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the sugar is fully incorporated. The mixture will become thick as you stir—this is exactly what you want! Keep mixing until no lumps remain, and everything is well combined.
Step 5: Transfer to the Pan
Once the fudge mixture is smooth and thick, scoop it into the prepared pan. Use your spatula to spread and press the fudge evenly across the pan, leveling the surface as much as possible. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect—imperfections add charm to homemade treats!
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 1-2 hours. This is the hardest part of the recipe—waiting! If you’re in a rush, you can use the freezer to speed things up, but be careful not to forget the fudge in there.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge is firm and set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil edges. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into bite-sized squares. Peanut butter fudge is rich, so smaller pieces go a long way!
Tips & Tricks:
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Use Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the silkiest texture, but if you love a little crunch, feel free to use chunky peanut butter instead!
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Add Mix-ins: For a fun twist, you can mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even marshmallows before transferring the fudge to the pan.
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Store Properly: Store your peanut butter fudge in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage if needed.
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Make It Your Own: Want a sweeter fudge? Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra boost of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this peanut butter fudge recipe simple to follow, but it also uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients. Beginners can easily master this recipe, and seasoned bakers will appreciate its customizable nature. The result is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
So grab your ingredients and give it a try today—your taste buds will thank you! Happy fudging!
