🥜 The Ultimate Guide to Irresistibly Easy Peanut Butter Fudge 🍫
📖 Introduction
Peanut butter fudge is the perfect no-fuss treat for busy cooks and sweet-tooth enthusiasts alike. This classic confection requires just three basic ingredients, comes together in one saucepan, and delivers rich, creamy, comforting flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced candy maker looking for a foolproof recipe, this fudge is guaranteed to satisfy.
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📜 History of Peanut Butter Fudge
Fudge itself is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, with the first documented recipe appearing at Vassar College in the 1880s. Peanut butter fudge likely emerged shortly after peanut butter became commercially available in the early 1900s. This humble treat became a Depression-era favorite because of its affordability and shelf stability, and it remains a beloved homemade gift and holiday staple today.
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✅ Benefits & Why You’ll Love It
· Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes of active time.
· Pantry-Friendly – Uses ingredients you likely already have.
· Customizable – Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or sea salt make it your own.
· Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by both kids and adults.
· Perfect for Gifting – Beautiful, portable, and keeps well.
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🛒 Ingredients
· 2 cups granulated sugar 🍬
· ½ cup whole milk 🥛 (or evaporated milk for richer texture)
· 1 cup peanut butter 🥜 (creamy or crunchy, natural or conventional—your choice!)
· Optional add-ins:
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· ¼ tsp salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
· ½ cup chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans
· ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks 🍫
· A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top
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👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥣 Method 1: Stovetop Tradition
1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly greased with butter or cooking spray.
2. Combine Sugar & Milk: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together sugar and milk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a Boil: Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes exactly (set a timer!).
4. Remove from Heat: Turn off the heat and immediately add peanut butter (and vanilla/salt if using). Stir vigorously until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips while the mixture is still warm.
6. Spread & Set: Quickly pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and let cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours until firm.
7. Slice & Serve: Lift the fudge out using the parchment, place on a cutting board, and slice into 1-inch squares.
⏲️ Method 2: Microwave Shortcut
1. Combine in Bowl: In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix sugar and milk.
2. Microwave: Heat on high for 2–3 minutes until boiling, then carefully stir and heat another 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add Peanut Butter: Remove carefully (bowl will be hot), add peanut butter and any extras, and stir until smooth.
4. Set & Slice: Pour into prepared pan and let cool as directed above.
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🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge
· Use a Candy Thermometer for precision: boil until mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage).
· Don’t Over-Stir once boiling to avoid crystallization.
· Room-Temperature Peanut Butter blends more easily.
· For chocolate swirl fudge, melt ½ cup chocolate chips separately and drizzle over fudge in the pan, then marble with a knife.
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📊 Nutrition Information (per square, approx. 1-inch piece)
· Calories: ~120 kcal
· Fat: 6g
· Carbs: 16g
· Sugar: 15g
· Protein: 3g
· Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates. Using natural peanut butter or reduced-sugar alternatives will change these numbers.
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❤️ For the Fudge Lovers
This recipe is a beautiful blank canvas. Make it your own by:
· Swirling in Nutella or cookie butter
· Layering with melted chocolate on top
· Mixing in crumbled pretzels or bacon bits for sweet-salty bliss
· Adding a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for warmth
· Gifting in decorative boxes or mason jars during the holidays
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🎉 Conclusion
In a world of complicated desserts, this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge stands out as a timeless, simple delight. It’s creamy, nutty, sweet without being overpowering, and incredibly versatile. From its humble beginnings to its place in modern kitchens, it remains a recipe that brings people together—whether shared at bake sales, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee after dinner.
So grab that jar of peanut butter and make a batch today. You won’t regret it!
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Happy cooking and even happier snacking! 🥜🍫✨