World’s Best Peanut Butter Fudge: A Creamy, Dreamy Recipe You’ll Love

Peanut butter fudge. Just the name conjures images of creamy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s a classic treat that evokes childhood memories and brings a smile to anyone’s face. But not all peanut butter fudge is created equal. Some are grainy, some are too sweet, and some just lack that perfect peanut butter punch. This recipe? This is the *World’s Best Peanut Butter Fudge*. Bold claim, I know, but trust me – once you try it, you’ll understand.

This isn’t your grandma’s complicated, candy-thermometer-required fudge recipe. This is a simplified, almost foolproof method that delivers consistently amazing results. We’re talking smooth, creamy, and intensely peanut-buttery fudge that will disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter.” This recipe prioritizes ease of preparation without compromising on the decadent flavor and texture you crave.

So, ditch the complicated methods and prepare to indulge in the most irresistible peanut butter fudge you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to impress your friends, family, and yourself with this easy-to-make, absolutely delicious treat!

## Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this particular peanut butter fudge so exceptional:

* **Simplified Method:** No candy thermometer needed! This recipe relies on the “melt and mix” method, making it incredibly easy for even beginner cooks.
* **Perfect Ratio of Ingredients:** The balance of peanut butter, sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla is carefully calibrated to create the ideal sweetness, creaminess, and peanut butter flavor.
* **Creamy Texture:** Using quality ingredients and proper mixing techniques ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that avoids the dreaded graininess.
* **Intense Peanut Butter Flavor:** We use a generous amount of peanut butter to deliver that unmistakable peanut butter punch that everyone loves.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is a great base for adding other ingredients, like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of salted caramel.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. I recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best possible flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the peanut butter! Using a brand you truly enjoy will make a world of difference.

* **2 cups granulated sugar:** Provides the sweetness and structure for the fudge.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter:** Adds richness, flavor, and contributes to the creamy texture. Make sure it’s real butter, not margarine.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Whole milk is recommended, but 2% milk can also be used.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter:** The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can separate and make the fudge grainy.
* **Optional: 1 cup powdered sugar:** This is a trick for achieving a super smooth, almost whipped texture. I highly recommend it, but it’s not essential.

## Equipment You’ll Need

Luckily, you won’t need any fancy equipment to make this fudge. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick:

* **8×8 inch square baking pan:** This is the ideal size for this recipe, but a 9×9 inch pan will also work. The fudge will just be a little thinner.
* **Parchment paper or aluminum foil:** For lining the baking pan. This makes it easy to remove the fudge once it’s set.
* **Medium saucepan:** For melting the butter, sugar, and milk.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring the ingredients together.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Mixer (optional):** While not necessary, a mixer (handheld or stand mixer) can help to incorporate the powdered sugar more smoothly.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the fudge! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of incredible peanut butter fudge in no time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**

Line the 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set. Grease the parchment paper or foil lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

**Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, and Milk**

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. A rolling boil means that the mixture continues to boil even while you are stirring it.

**Step 3: Boil for 1 Minute (and set timer!)**

Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for *exactly* 1 minute. Continue stirring constantly during this minute to prevent scorching. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency of the fudge. Do not overcook or undercook it.

**Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Salt**

After 1 minute, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter remaining.

**Step 5: Incorporate Powdered Sugar (Optional)**

If using powdered sugar, sift it into the peanut butter mixture. Use a mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a mixer, you can stir it in with a wooden spoon or spatula, but be sure to mix it thoroughly to avoid lumps.

**Step 6: Pour into Prepared Pan**

Pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly to all corners of the pan. The surface should be as smooth as possible.

**Step 7: Chill Until Set**

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set. This chilling time is essential for the fudge to solidify properly.

**Step 8: Cut and Serve**

Once the fudge is set, 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 I usually cut them into 1-inch or 1.5-inch squares.

Serve immediately and enjoy! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Fudge

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your peanut butter fudge turns out perfectly every time:

* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan:** This will help to prevent the fudge from scorching.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stirring prevents the fudge from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and ensures even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the fudge will make it hard and crumbly. Stick to the 1-minute boiling time.
* **Use Creamy Peanut Butter:** Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can separate and make the fudge grainy. Use a brand that you love the taste of.
* **Refrigerate Thoroughly:** Give the fudge enough time to chill in the refrigerator so it sets properly.
* **Line the Pan:** Lining the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes it easy to remove the fudge.
* **Optional add-ins:** Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of salted caramel for extra flavor and texture.
* **High Altitude Adjustment:** If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the boiling time slightly. Reduce the boiling time by 15-30 seconds.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this peanut butter fudge recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge:** Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture after removing it from the heat. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the peanut butter mixture before pouring it into the pan.
* **Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge:** Drizzle a layer of salted caramel sauce over the fudge after it’s been poured into the pan. Use a toothpick or knife to create swirls.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge with M&Ms:** Press M&Ms into the top of the fudge after it’s been poured into the pan.
* **White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge:** Substitute the vanilla extract with white chocolate extract and add 1/2 cup of melted white chocolate to the mixture. This creates a richer, sweeter flavour.
* **Swirled Fudge:** Divide the mixture into two bowls. Leave one bowl plain and add melted chocolate to the other. Pour both into the pan, side by side, and swirl with a knife before chilling.

## Storing Peanut Butter Fudge

Proper storage is key to keeping your peanut butter fudge fresh and delicious.

* **Refrigerated:** Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** Peanut butter fudge can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Troubleshooting

Even with the easiest recipes, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

* **Fudge is Grainy:** This is usually caused by using natural peanut butter or overcooking the mixture. Make sure to use creamy peanut butter and stick to the 1-minute boiling time.
* **Fudge is Too Soft:** This could be due to undercooking the mixture or not chilling it long enough. Make sure to boil the mixture for the full 1 minute and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.
* **Fudge is Too Hard:** This is usually caused by overcooking the mixture. Be careful not to overcook the fudge, and consider adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture to help soften it.
* **Fudge is Sticky:** High humidity can sometimes make fudge sticky. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.

## Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Here is the complete recipe, all in one place for easy reference:

**Yields:** Approximately 64 squares
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes
**Chill time:** 2 hours (or overnight)

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
* Optional: 1 cup powdered sugar

**Equipment:**

* 8×8 inch square baking pan
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil
* Medium saucepan
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixer (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment paper or foil lightly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
3. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for *exactly* 1 minute. Continue stirring constantly during this minute.
4. After 1 minute, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. If using powdered sugar, sift it into the peanut butter mixture. Use a mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a mixer, you can stir it in with a wooden spoon or spatula, but be sure to mix it thoroughly to avoid lumps.
6. Pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set.
8. Once the fudge is set, 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.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Enjoy Your Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge!

Congratulations! You’ve just made a batch of the World’s Best Peanut Butter Fudge. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a quick snack to a holiday dessert. Share it with your loved ones, and watch their faces light up with joy. Happy baking! And remember to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature peanut butter fudge.