Easy & Creamy: Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Peanut butter fudge is a timeless classic, a sweet treat that evokes memories of childhood and homemade goodness. And when you combine the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the foolproof reliability of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, you’re guaranteed a fudge that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. This Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone who wants a quick and satisfying dessert. It requires minimal ingredients, simple steps, and yields a decadent fudge that will impress your friends and family.
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk creates a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency, eliminating the need for candy thermometers or complicated cooking techniques. Second, it’s highly customizable – you can add chocolate chips, nuts, pretzels, or even a swirl of caramel for a personalized touch. And third, it’s a great make-ahead treat, perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating this irresistible Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on just a handful of pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk:** 1 (14-ounce) can. This is the key ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the fudge. Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
* **Peanut Butter:** 1 cup creamy peanut butter. Choose your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. You can also use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may result in a slightly oilier fudge. Stir it well before measuring to ensure a consistent texture.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. The sugar adds sweetness and helps to create the proper fudge consistency.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter. The butter adds richness and helps to prevent the fudge from becoming too dry. Cut it into small pieces for even melting.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Pinch of Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
**Optional Add-Ins:**
* **Chocolate Chips:** 1/2 cup semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips.
* **Chopped Nuts:** 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts.
* **Pretzels:** 1/2 cup crushed pretzels.
* **Caramel Swirl:** Use a jarred caramel sauce to swirl into the fudge before it sets.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **8×8 Inch Square Baking Pan:** This is the ideal size for this recipe. You can also use a 9×9 inch pan, but the fudge will be slightly thinner.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** To line the baking pan, making it easy to remove the fudge.
* **Medium Saucepan:** For cooking the fudge ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula:** For stirring the fudge mixture.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge.
**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**
Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan once it has set. Grease the parchment paper or foil with butter or cooking spray to prevent the fudge from sticking.
**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
In a medium saucepan, combine the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, granulated sugar, butter, and salt. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to accommodate the mixture as it cooks, preventing spills.
**Step 3: Cook the Fudge**
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. Continue stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to stir constantly to prevent the fudge from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
**Step 4: Boil and Thicken**
Once the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken and become glossy. It’s crucial to stir constantly during this step to prevent scorching. The fudge is ready when it starts to pull away from the sides of the pan as you stir.
**Step 5: Remove from Heat and Stir in Vanilla**
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If you are adding any optional ingredients, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or pretzels, stir them in now. Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
**Step 6: Pour into the Prepared Pan**
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If you are adding a caramel swirl, drizzle the caramel sauce over the fudge and use a knife or toothpick to create a swirl pattern. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can muddy the colors.
**Step 7: Chill and Set**
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set. The longer the fudge chills, the easier it will be to cut.
**Step 8: Cut and Serve**
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or aluminum foil overhang. Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but a 1-inch square is a good starting point. Serve the fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fudge
* **Use the Right Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients will result in the best-tasting fudge. Be sure to use Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, creamy peanut butter, and fresh vanilla extract.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stirring constantly during the cooking process is crucial to prevent the fudge from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. This also helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the fudge can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Be sure to cook the fudge for only 5 minutes after it comes to a gentle boil.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling the fudge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, is essential for it to set properly. This will make it easier to cut into squares.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. This will help to prevent the fudge from crumbling.
* **Line the Pan:** Lining the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes it easy to remove the fudge once it has set.
* **Get Creative with Add-Ins:** Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to customize the fudge to your liking. Chocolate chips, nuts, pretzels, and caramel swirls are all great options.
* **Storage:** Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
## Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and create unique flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge:** Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips to the fudge mixture after removing it from the heat. Stir until the chocolate is melted and evenly distributed.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts to the fudge mixture after removing it from the heat. Stir until the nuts are evenly distributed.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Pretzels:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels to the fudge mixture after removing it from the heat. Stir until the pretzels are evenly distributed. The salty pretzels provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the fudge.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Caramel Swirl:** Drizzle a jarred caramel sauce over the fudge after pouring it into the prepared pan. Use a knife or toothpick to create a swirl pattern. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can muddy the colors.
* **Double Layer Fudge:** Make a chocolate fudge layer first, let it set slightly, and then pour the peanut butter fudge on top. This creates a beautiful and delicious double-layer fudge.
* **Maple Peanut Butter Fudge:** Substitute 1/4 cup of maple syrup for 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This adds a warm, nutty flavor to the fudge.
* **Espresso Peanut Butter Fudge:** Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the fudge mixture while cooking. This enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a subtle coffee kick.
* **Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge:** Make a batch of plain fudge (vanilla or chocolate) and a batch of peanut butter fudge. Pour both into the prepared pan in alternating dollops, then swirl together with a knife for a marbled effect.
## Serving Suggestions
Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
* **Serve with a Glass of Milk:** A cold glass of milk is the perfect complement to the rich and sweet fudge.
* **Top with Whipped Cream:** Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Serve with Ice Cream:** Crumble the fudge over your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent dessert sundae.
* **Include in a Dessert Platter:** Add the fudge to a dessert platter with other sweet treats, such as cookies, brownies, and candies.
* **Wrap as a Gift:** Package the fudge in a decorative box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Pair with Coffee or Tea:** The rich flavor of the fudge pairs well with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Serving Size: 1 square (1-inch)
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
* Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
* Sodium: 50-70 mg
* Carbohydrates: 18-25 grams
* Sugar: 15-20 grams
* Protein: 2-4 grams
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may result in a slightly oilier fudge. Stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring to ensure a consistent texture.
**Q: Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?**
A: No, you cannot substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter, and it is essential for creating the proper fudge consistency.
**Q: How long does the fudge last?**
A: The fudge will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Q: Can I freeze the fudge?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the fudge in the refrigerator before serving.
**Q: My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong?**
A: The fudge may be too soft if it was not cooked long enough or if it was not chilled for long enough. Make sure to cook the fudge for 5 minutes after it comes to a gentle boil and chill it for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
**Q: My fudge is too dry and crumbly. What did I do wrong?**
A: The fudge may be too dry and crumbly if it was overcooked. Be sure to cook the fudge for only 5 minutes after it comes to a gentle boil.
**Q: Can I double the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can double the recipe. Use a 9×13 inch baking pan instead of an 8×8 inch pan.
**Q: Can I make this fudge in the microwave?**
A: While technically possible, microwaving fudge can be tricky and may result in uneven cooking or a grainy texture. The stovetop method is recommended for the best results.
**Q: What if my fudge seizes up during cooking?**
A: Sometimes the sugar can crystallize and cause the fudge to seize up. If this happens, try adding a tablespoon or two of milk or water and continuing to stir over low heat until the mixture smooths out.
**Q: My fudge is greasy on top after chilling. Is that normal?**
A: A bit of oil separation can sometimes occur, especially when using natural peanut butter. You can gently blot the top with a paper towel before cutting.
This Eagle Brand Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a delightful and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create this classic treat. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the creamy, peanut butter goodness!
Enjoy!