Indulge in Decadence with the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe!
Are you craving a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge! With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of creamy, indulgent fudge that will satisfy your sweet tooth and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a delicious treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Join us as we dive into the details of this delectable dessert and learn how to make it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of peanut butter (I used extra crunchy)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge later. Set aside.
- Combine Sugar and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook the Mixture: Once boiling, continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes or until it reaches the soft ball stage (approximately 235°F/118°C on a candy thermometer).
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Pan: Immediately pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan of fudge in the refrigerator and allow it to cool and set for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is completely set, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift it out of the pan. Cut the fudge into squares or bars and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, stir in chopped nuts such as peanuts, pecans, or almonds into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- Chocolate Swirl: For a marbled effect, melt some chocolate chips and swirl them into the fudge mixture before it sets.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this fudge, you can substitute the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use a keto-friendly milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk, and opt for a natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Low Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, but also consider reducing the amount of peanut butter to lower the carb content further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter? A: Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with any other nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
Q: How should I store the fudge? A: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Q: Can I make this fudge without a candy thermometer? A: Yes, you can use the soft ball test to determine when the fudge mixture is ready. Simply drop a small amount of the hot mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape but is still pliable, it’s ready.
Q: Can I add other flavorings to the fudge? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond extract, coconut extract, or even rum extract to customize the flavor of your fudge.
In conclusion, the Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a pinch. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of creamy, delicious fudge that will impress everyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dessert, a special occasion, or just as a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Treat yourself to a taste of creamy goodness with this irresistible peanut butter fudge recipe today
