Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Everyone
This easy peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and busy individuals. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, dreamy, and intensely peanut buttery treat that's guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let's get started!
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This provides the sweetness and creamy base for our fudge.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand. We recommend using creamy for the smoothest texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a touch of bittersweetness to balance the sweetness of the peanut butter and condensed milk.
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted: Contributes to the fudge's rich and creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly creamy peanut butter fudge:
1. Melt the Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, and butter.
- Stir constantly until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be patient and avoid burning the mixture!
2. Add Chocolate Chips:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
3. Pour and Cool:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm enough to cut into squares. The longer it chills, the firmer it will become.
5. Cut and Serve:
- Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut the fudge into small squares and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of your peanut butter will directly impact the taste of your fudge.
- Don't overheat the mixture: Low and slow is key to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the fudge to chill completely ensures a firm and easy-to-cut consistency.
- Get creative with toppings: Once the fudge is set, you can add toppings like chopped peanuts, sprinkles, or even sea salt for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Increase the amount of chocolate chips to 1 ½ cups for an even richer chocolate flavor.
- Salted Peanut Butter Fudge: Add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture before chilling for a delightful salty-sweet combination.
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
This easy peanut butter fudge recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat! Remember to share your fudge creations using #PeanutButterFudge on social media! Happy baking!
