If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things peanut buttery, this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat to make and share. It combines rich, creamy peanut butter with the fluffiest marshmallow cream and a perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and evaporated milk. The result is a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a delightful dessert or snack to brighten any day. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, you’ll want to whip up batch after batch for yourself and everyone you know!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, each lending something special to create the ultimate texture and flavor in this fudge. From the caramel undertones of brown sugar to the creamy punch of peanut butter, every item plays a crucial role.
- Light brown sugar (1 ½ cups firmly packed): Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create the fudge’s rich base.
- Salted butter (½ cup/1 stick): Enhances flavor and gives the fudge its luscious, creamy texture.
- Evaporated milk (¼ cup): Provides smoothness and creaminess, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Peanut butter (1 ½ cups): The star ingredient, delivering that bold, nutty flavor and luscious body.
- Marshmallow cream/fluff (1 7-ounce jar): Adds lightness and a perfect gooey texture that makes the fudge decadent.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Lemon juice (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle brightness that balances the richness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite sing.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this will make it effortless to remove the fudge once set. Be sure to coat the parchment with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Having an organized setup at this stage saves you precious time later.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
Combine the light brown sugar, salted butter, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once boiling, keep stirring continuously and let it boil for 5 full minutes. This step is absolutely crucial because it creates the smooth, fudgy base.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Remove your saucepan from the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter until it’s completely incorporated. This is where that rich, nutty flavor really starts to shine, and you’ll notice the mixture become luxuriously smooth and thick.
Step 4: Mix in the Marshmallow Fluff and Flavorings
Next, add the marshmallow cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. The marshmallow fluff is what gives the fudge an irresistible pillowy texture that sets this recipe apart from the rest.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan using a spatula. Pop it into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long! This step allows the fudge to firm up enough for perfect slicing.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan thanks to the parchment paper lining. Cut into bite-sized squares and get ready to enjoy a decadent treat that’s bursting with peanut buttery goodness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is that it stands beautifully on its own, but a little garnish can truly elevate the presentation. Think finely chopped roasted peanuts sprinkled on top for added crunch and visual appeal. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted chocolate swirled over the fudge adds an irresistible touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve your Peanut Butter Fudge alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whose natural tartness contrasts nicely with the fudge’s creamy richness, making for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, place the fudge squares in colorful cupcake liners or arrange them on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings. Wrapping individual pieces in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your fudge is cut, store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh. At room temperature, it should stay delicious for several days; just keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe around longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, the fudge can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing any of its creamy indulgence.
Reheating
No need to reheat fudge to enjoy it—simply remove from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This quick thawing ensures the perfect soft but firm texture that melts beautifully on your tongue.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it has a different texture and oil content than traditional creamy peanut butter. It might slightly affect the fudge’s consistency, so stir well and be prepared for a slightly denser final treat.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk gives the fudge a creamy richness that regular milk won’t provide. Substituting might result in a less smooth texture, but you can try using heavy cream as an alternative for a similar effect.
Why do I need to boil the sugar mixture for 5 minutes?
Boiling for 5 minutes helps the sugar reach the right temperature and consistency, ensuring the fudge sets correctly. It also develops deeper caramel notes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe be made without marshmallow fluff?
The marshmallow fluff is key for the soft, creamy texture that defines this fudge. Omitting it will change the texture and may result in a firmer, less creamy fudge, but you can experiment with marshmallow creme substitutes if needed.
How long does the fudge keep at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, the fudge stays fresh and delicious for about 4 to 5 days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigerating or freezing is recommended to maintain its quality.
Final Thoughts
Making this Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe is like inviting a little warm comfort into your kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely rewarding — a perfect way to treat yourself or impress loved ones with a homemade delight. Once you taste that creamy, nutty goodness with its subtle sweet tang, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into creating a batch of fudge that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
