Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and fudge, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and doesn’t need any fancy equipment. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter creates a silky-smooth texture, while the extra crunchy peanut butter adds an extra dimension of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great treat to make when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of peanut butter (extra crunchy works great)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for about 3 minutes. The sugar needs to be fully dissolved for a smooth texture, so make sure the syrup is completely smooth and not gritty.
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Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has been boiling for 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
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Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature, and once it’s firm, cut it into squares.
Enjoy your homemade peanut butter fudge!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 16 squares (depending on the size you cut them)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1-2 hours (or until fully set)
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture along with the peanut butter for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Salted Peanut Butter Fudge: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the fudge before it cools for a sweet and salty combination.
- Nut-Free Fudge: Swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nut-free version.
- Add-ins: Stir in crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows to add texture and extra flavor to the fudge.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: If the fudge becomes too firm, gently microwave it for a few seconds to soften before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can use smooth peanut butter, though the texture will be less crunchy. The flavor will still be delicious!
2. Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
Absolutely! This fudge can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze peanut butter fudge?
Yes, you can freeze peanut butter fudge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
4. Why is my fudge too gritty?
If the sugar didn’t dissolve completely, the fudge might end up gritty. Make sure you stir the mixture long enough while it’s boiling to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to this fudge?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips would be a great way to make chocolate peanut butter fudge. Stir them into the mixture right after you remove it from the heat.
6. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
While almond milk can work in this recipe, it may affect the texture slightly, as it doesn’t have the same fat content as regular milk. Whole milk is ideal for a smooth, rich texture.
7. How can I make the fudge more firm?
To make the fudge firmer, you can refrigerate it for a longer period, or slightly reduce the milk amount when boiling.
8. Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. The fudge will be a bit thinner, but it will still taste great.
9. What should I do if the fudge is too soft?
If your fudge remains too soft after cooling, it may not have cooked long enough. You can return it to the pan and heat it again for a few more minutes, then allow it to cool again.
10. How do I cut the fudge neatly?
To cut the fudge into neat squares, it can help to lightly grease your knife or run it under warm water before slicing. This prevents the fudge from sticking to the blade.
Conclusion
This easy peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for when you’re craving a quick, homemade treat. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of sweet, creamy fudge that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s always a hit!
Print
Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 1.5-2 hour
- Yield: 16 squares (depending on size)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy peanut butter fudge recipe combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a handful of ingredients like sugar, milk, and extra crunchy peanut butter, you can whip up a delicious homemade treat in under 10 minutes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter (extra crunchy preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for about 3 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Let the fudge cool at room temperature until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips when mixing in the peanut butter.
- You can make a salted version by sprinkling sea salt on top before the fudge cools.
- To make this fudge nut-free, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed or almond butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
