Indulge in the creamy, rich goodness of homemade peanut butter fudge. This delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and makes for an excellent gift during the holidays. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of fudge that will impress friends and family alike.
Most of the ingredients for this peanut butter fudge recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep peanut butter or vanilla extract on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Make sure to choose a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best texture.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Sugar: The primary sweetener that gives the fudge its sweetness and structure.
Milk: Helps to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth mixture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fudge.
Peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides the rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Technique Tip for Making Fudge
When combining sugar and milk in the saucepan, ensure you stir constantly to prevent the sugar from crystallizing. This will help achieve a smooth texture in your fudge.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can add a slight floral flavor to the fudge.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a rich, unique flavor and can be used as a natural sweetener.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in most recipes.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty flavor that complements the fudge.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a warm, sweet flavor to the fudge.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter offers a similar texture and a slightly different nutty flavor.
peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative with a similar consistency.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar fat content and a slight coconut flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that can mimic the texture and richness of butter.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Fudge
How to Store or Freeze Your Fudge
- Allow the peanut butter fudge to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This ensures the fudge sets properly and maintains its texture.
- Once cooled, cut the fudge into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and wipe the blade between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Place the fudge squares in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place. The fudge will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature.
- For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The fudge can last up to a month when refrigerated. Ensure the container is airtight to prevent the fudge from absorbing any fridge odors.
- If you prefer to freeze the fudge, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the fudge fresh.
- Place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the fudge at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the fudge to soften and regain its creamy texture.
- Avoid refreezing the fudge once thawed, as this can affect its texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Microwave Method: Place the peanut butter fudge on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check the texture and warmth. If needed, heat for an additional 5-10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as it can become too soft.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place the fudge on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture without melting it too much.
Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Add the fudge to the bowl and stir gently until it reaches the desired warmth. This method is gentle and prevents overheating.
Room Temperature Method: Simply leave the peanut butter fudge out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This method is the most natural and helps maintain the original texture and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Fudge
Baking dish: A flat, rectangular dish used for setting the fudge mixture to cool and solidify.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for heating and combining the sugar and milk mixture.
Wooden spoon: A sturdy spoon used for stirring the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the precise amounts of sugar, milk, peanut butter, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the exact amount of vanilla extract.
Grease brush: A brush used to apply a thin layer of grease to the baking dish to prevent the fudge from sticking.
Stove: The heat source used to bring the sugar and milk mixture to a boil.
Cooling rack: A rack used to allow the baking dish to cool evenly after pouring in the fudge mixture.
Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the cooled fudge into squares.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to cut the fudge into squares without damaging countertops.
How to Save Time on Making Fudge
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure out sugar, milk, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract before starting to streamline the process.
Use a non-stick saucepan: This helps prevent the sugar mixture from sticking and burning, making cleanup easier.
Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper instead of just greasing the dish to make removing the fudge easier.
Quick cooling: Place the baking dish in the fridge to speed up the cooling process, so you can cut the fudge sooner.
Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Sugar
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 0.25 cup Butter
Instructions
- 1. Grease a baking dish.
- 2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- 3. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- 4. Stir in peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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