Description
This easy old-fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe delivers a classic creamy and rich treat with minimal ingredients and simple steps. Perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and powdered sugar, and flavored with smooth peanut butter and vanilla, this fudge sets beautifully at room temperature for a nostalgic homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetener
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted to break up clumps)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or an aluminum foil sling. If using aluminum foil, butter it thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine brown sugar, whole milk, and salted butter. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and butter and prevent burning.
- Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil gently for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure proper cooking and dissolving of ingredients.
- Remove from Heat and Add Flavors: Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Mix with Powdered Sugar: Place the sifted powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar carefully.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using a hand mixer, beat the combined ingredients until fully incorporated and smooth, with no lumps of powdered sugar remaining.
- Set the Fudge: Pour and spread the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Allow it to set at room temperature for approximately 3 hours until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once completely cooled and set, lift the fudge out of the pan using parchment or foil and slice into squares for serving.
Notes
- Use a hand mixer for best results to achieve a smooth fudge texture without lumps.
- Butter the foil or parchment paper well to avoid sticking issues when removing the fudge.
- Allow the fudge to set at room temperature, do not refrigerate as it may affect the texture negatively.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the fridge for longer shelf life.
- Sifting powdered sugar is important to avoid grainy texture.