Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is a classic dessert that brings comfort, nostalgia, and rich flavor to any occasion. This recipe combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the sweetness of sugar, creating a decadent fudge that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk results in a smooth, rich fudge that is packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Despite its deliciously complex flavor, this fudge comes together with just a few simple ingredients and requires minimal effort to make.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat, a birthday gift, or a special indulgence for yourself, this peanut butter fudge is always a hit.
- No Baking Required: You don’t need to fire up the oven for this recipe—just melt the ingredients together, set it in the fridge, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Don’t Rush the Melting Process: Be patient when melting the peanut butter and butter together. Stirring constantly over low heat will help prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy mixture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve the smoothest fudge, ensure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature before beginning the recipe.
Perfect Texture: If you find your fudge is too thick, you can add a little extra sweetened condensed milk to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, if it seems too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to firm it up.
Use a Candy Thermometer for Precision: If you want to ensure perfect consistency, use a candy thermometer. The fudge should reach a temperature of about 235°F (soft ball stage) when it’s done.
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter fudge before chilling to create a layered fudge experience. You can also swirl the chocolate into the peanut butter fudge for a marbled effect.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge: If you love extra texture, swap the smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter. The chunks of peanuts will add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Nut-Free Version: For those with peanut allergies, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or any other nut or seed butter that suits your needs.
- Add-ins: You can mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even dried fruit for an added twist on the classic recipe.
How to Serve
Grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter fudge is a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:
- Simple and Classic: Serve the fudge as is, cut into neat squares for a simple, nostalgic treat.
- Gift-Worthy: Wrap the fudge in parchment paper or cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
- Top it Off: You can drizzle the fudge with melted chocolate or sprinkle it with crushed peanuts to elevate its appearance and flavor.
How to Store
- In the Refrigerator: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will keep the fudge firm and fresh.
- In the Freezer: If you want to make a larger batch ahead of time, the fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter? Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will give the fudge a delightful texture with the added crunch of peanuts. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can stick with smooth peanut butter.
2. How do I make sure the fudge sets properly?
Make sure to refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to firm up completely. If it’s too soft, it may not hold together when cut. Be patient during the chilling process!
3. Can I add chocolate to this fudge?
Absolutely! You can melt some chocolate chips and swirl them into the peanut butter fudge or drizzle chocolate on top to create a delicious combination of flavors.
4. How do I know if the fudge is done?
The fudge should be thick, creamy, and firm once it sets in the fridge. If it feels too soft after chilling, it may need a little more time to firm up.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the chilling time accordingly.
6. What should I do if my fudge is too thick?
If the fudge becomes too thick to pour, you can add a tablespoon of extra sweetened condensed milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
7. Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
Yes, this fudge is perfect for make-ahead treats. You can make it a day or two in advance, and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Grandma's Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Grandma's Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is a classic dessert that brings comfort, nostalgia, and rich flavor to any occasion. This recipe combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the sweetness of sugar, creating a decadent fudge that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x13-inch pan with a small amount of butter, then line it with parchment paper to keep the fudge from sticking.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a pot, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, milk, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts. Let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and allow it to cook until it reaches 239-240°F (115-116°C) – this should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Once the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter until fully melted and incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Cool the Fudge: Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) and beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The fudge will thicken and cool as you mix. It's ready when it’s not runny but still pourable.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Let it cool for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy the rich, creamy peanut butter goodness!
Nutrition Information
Yield
48Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 113Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 1mgSodium 87mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 0gSugar 17gProtein 2g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter fudge is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that will have your taste buds begging for more. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with the nostalgic flavors we all love. Whether you’re indulging for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this fudge is sure to be a hit every time!
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