This Peanut Butter Fudge is a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines rich, creamy peanut butter with a velvety smooth texture. In just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll create a dessert that’s both indulgent and nostalgic. The cooling time of 2 hours is worth the wait, as it transforms into perfectly firm, yet tender squares that are impossible to resist.
Each bite delivers a luscious blend of sweet and nutty flavors, with a hint of buttery richness that lingers on your palate. Packed with 4g of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring solo, this fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) evaporated milk (shake well before pouring)
- ¾ cup (210 g) creamy peanut butter (pre-measured and ready to use)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 4 pieces and softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients and pan: Measure and set aside the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish (for thinner pieces) or a 9×5 bread pan (for thicker pieces) with butter or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine sugar and evaporated milk: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and evaporated milk.
- Stir and prevent sugar crystals: Stir occasionally. Before the mixture boils, use a wet pastry brush to brush down the sides of the pot to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
- Bring to a boil: Continue stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Do not increase the heat—keep it on medium to avoid burning the fudge.
- Attach the candy thermometer: Once boiling, attach a candy thermometer, ensuring the tip is in the middle of the mixture and not touching the bottom of the pan.
- Cook to the right temperature: Stir continuously until the fudge reaches 234-236°F (112-113°C).
- Add remaining ingredients: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the butter and peanut butter melt and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (1-3 minutes). Avoid scraping the sides of the pot.
- Pour into the prepared pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan without scraping the sides of the pot.
- Let it set: Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature (several hours) or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Slice and serve: Once set, cut into small pieces and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter fudge is a delightful treat on its own, but you can elevate it with a few creative pairings. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or pair it with a cup of hot coffee or milk for a cozy snack. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top before it sets.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Store your peanut butter fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Quick Fixes: Time-Saving Tips
To speed up the cooling process, place the fudge in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes instead of waiting several hours at room temperature. If you’re short on time, skip the candy thermometer and use the soft-ball stage test: drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water—if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready!
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Experiment with different flavors by swapping creamy peanut butter for crunchy or adding a handful of mini chocolate chips for a peanut butter cup twist. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter. You can also mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for a unique flavor boost.
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
A candy thermometer is key for achieving the perfect fudge texture, but if you don’t have one, the soft-ball stage test works in a pinch. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning, and a silicone spatula for easy stirring. Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures effortless removal and clean slices.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk shake well before pouring
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces and softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- It’s important to have all of your ingredients ready before beginning! Read through the whole recipe before you start and measure out all your ingredients beforehand (the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt should be prepped and ready to go nearby).
- Prepare an 8×8 baking dish (this will yield thinner pieces) or 9×5 bread pan (for thicker pieces) by lightly greasing with butter or lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine sugar and evaporated milk in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir ingredients occasionally over medium heat. During this time (only before boiling), use a wet pastry brush to brush down the sides where any sugar may have begun to settle on the side of the pot to prevent sugar crystals.
- Continue to stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil (don’t turn up the heat, keep on medium or you run the risk of burning your fudge). Once mixture comes to a boil, attach your candy thermometer. Be sure that the point of the candy thermometer is in the middle of the mixture and not touching the bottom of the pan.
- Cook, stirring continuously, until fudge reaches 234-236°F (112-113°C).
- Once fudge reaches temperature, immediately remove from heat and add your peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir (avoid scraping the sides of the pot) until butter and peanut butter are melted and mixture is smooth and has started to thicken (1-3 minutes).
- Pour into prepared pan (don’t scrape the sides of the pot while pouring) and allow to set completely (several hours at room temperature or you can expedite the process by refrigerating).
- Once fudge has set, slice into small pieces and serve.