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Make this simple peanut butter fudge at home with just a few basic ingredients. It's quick, easy, and turns out perfect every time. Once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again.
What Makes This Peanut Butter Fudge So Good
This fudge needs just four ingredients and takes minutes to make. It's smooth, creamy, and brings back memories of old-fashioned candy shops. Make it as a gift - everyone loves getting homemade treats. Kids can help make it too since it uses the microwave. Mix in your favorite toppings to make it your own.
What You Need
- Butter: Use plain unsalted butter for the best taste. If you don't have butter, try margarine or coconut oil instead.
- Smooth Peanut Butter: Pick your favorite smooth peanut butter. Want something different? Try almond butter or sunflower butter.
- Vanilla: Adds extra flavor. Regular or imitation vanilla both work fine.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes the fudge smooth and sweet. Mix regular sugar in a blender with a bit of cornstarch if you're out of powdered sugar.
How to Make It
- Mix and Heat:
- Grab your favorite glass bowl and put in your peanut butter, butter, and a splash of vanilla. Pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds. When you take it out, give it a good stir until everything's smooth and shiny. If you see any lumps, give it a few more seconds in the microwave - you want it looking like silk.
- Add Sugar:
- Now comes the fun part - adding your powdered sugar. Don't dump it all in at once! Go cup by cup, stirring really well after each addition. It'll get thicker as you go, and your arm might get tired, but keep at it. You're looking for a nice, thick dough that holds together when you press it.
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Take an 8 or 9 inch pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper (this makes it super easy to lift out later). Scoop all your mixture in there and spread it around. Use the back of a spoon or your clean hands to press it down firmly - this helps it hold together when you cut it.
- Cool and Cut:
- Now the hard part - waiting! Put your pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours. You want it nice and firm. Once it's set, cut it into squares - whatever size you like. Store these little treats in a covered container in the fridge, if they last that long!
- Stove Option:
- Don't have a microwave? No problem! Just grab a pot, put in your peanut butter, butter, and vanilla, and warm it over medium-low heat. Keep stirring - you don't want it to burn. Once it's all melted and smooth, take it off the heat and mix in your sugar just like the microwave version. Works just as well!
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Sweet Memories
This fudge takes me back to being a kid, nose pressed against the candy store window. Everyone who tries it asks for more. It's simple but special - sweet, salty, and creamy all at once.
The Secret's in the Sugar
Powdered sugar makes this fudge super smooth. Unlike regular sugar, it melts right in - no grittiness at all. That's what gives each piece that perfect creamy bite.
Make It Your Own
Try adding chocolate swirls, a sprinkle of sea salt, or some chopped nuts. Drizzle caramel on top if you like. Play around with different toppings until you find your favorite mix.
Great for Gifts
Need a holiday gift? Pack this fudge in a nice box with a ribbon. People love getting homemade treats, and no one needs to know it only took minutes to make. It shows you care without spending much time or money.
Best Times to Eat It
Have a piece with morning coffee, afternoon tea, or after dinner. It's perfect for cozy nights by the fire with family. Grab a drink you like - this fudge goes well with anything.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long to chill?
Four hours at least. All night's better though. Needs time to set firm. Don't rush the cold. Worth the wait.
- → Want chunky kind?
Smooth works better. But chunks okay too. Mix might be thick. Need more stirring. Still tastes good.
- → What pan to use?
Eight inch works good. Nine inch bit thinner. Line with paper. Square pan's best. Need good sides.
- → Rather use stove top?
Works just fine. Keep heat real low. Stir all the time. Watch don't burn it. Takes bit longer.
- → Need it plant based?
Use fake butter stuff. Check your nut butter. Most kinds work fine. Watch it melts good. Still sets up nice.
- → Getting too soft?
More sugar helps. Keep it real cold. Check your measures. Butter not too hot. Let set longer.
- → Taking it places?
Pack in hard box. Keep it cold good. Cut there maybe. Layer with paper. Don't stack high.
- → Need it faster?
Pop in freezer bit. Use cold pan first. Have stuff ready. Don't skip the chill. Still needs some time.
- → Making big batch?
Double works fine. Need bigger pan. More mixing time. Watch sugar amount. Takes longer cold.
- → Want more taste?
Add salt pinch. Try some vanilla. Mix nut butters. Even honey works. Don't add wet stuff.
- → Too sweet or plain?
Less sugar next time. More nut butter helps. Pinch salt works. Can't fix too sweet. Balance is key.
- → Not cutting clean?
Let warm bit first. Use hot knife. Clean blade lots. Mark top first. Don't saw - press down.
Conclusion
Love this? Try nut butter cookies next. Or make no-bake nut bars. Both quick and sweet.