Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for peanut butter, the Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This luscious fudge is incredibly smooth, boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut flavor, and comes together in just 15 minutes. With simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch that’s irresistibly creamy and mouthwateringly delicious—ideal for sharing with friends, gifting, or savoring all by yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building that classic fudge texture and flavor you crave. Simple yet essential, these ingredients combine to create a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and the unmistakable richness of peanut butter.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that traditional fudge structure.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and brings smoothness to the fudge base.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, delivering a deep, nutty flavor and creaminess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, fragrant note.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for thickening the mixture and giving the fudge that classic sweet bite.
How to Make Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This simple prep step ensures your fudge will release cleanly when it’s time to cut and serve, making cleanup a breeze and preserving those perfect edges.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine your granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Keep boiling for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally—this step is crucial to get the right consistency for a fudge that’s firm yet creamy.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Once removed from heat, immediately stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. The warmth helps everything melt together seamlessly, and you’ll end up with a smooth, glossy mixture that’s bursting with peanut flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. This part thickens the fudge mixture, transforming it from a liquid into a rich, creamy consistency perfect for setting. Take your time to ensure it’s fully combined—lumps are not welcome here!
Step 5: Pour and Set
Pour your luscious fudge batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour until it firms up nicely. Resist the urge to rush this—patience here means a fudge that holds its shape perfectly.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once your fudge has set, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut it into 16 generous squares. These bites of Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe are incredibly rich, so a small square goes a long way. Serve them up for your next gathering or enjoy as an afternoon treat.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your peanut butter fudge, consider sprinkling a light dusting of sea salt on top before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast. Chopped roasted peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate add extra texture and a pop of visual appeal, making every bite extraordinary.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy glass of milk, creating a perfect balance and enhancing the flavors. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit, like crunchy apple slices or sweet strawberries, to cut through the richness with a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about gifting? Wrap individual squares in colorful parchment paper or place them in a decorative tin for a charming homemade gift. For parties, arrange the fudge on a tiered dessert tray or atop crackers with a dollop of cream cheese for an unexpected, decadent appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It keeps well for up to one week, maintaining that perfect balance of soft and chewy.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe fresh for longer, freeze it in airtight containers between layers of parchment paper. Frozen fudge can last up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature without losing its creamy texture.
Reheating
Though fudge is best enjoyed as is, if you prefer it slightly softer, you can warm individual pieces in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Be careful not to melt it completely—warming just enhances that creamy mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your fudge, giving it a bit of crunch with every bite. Just be sure to mix it thoroughly for even distribution.
Is it possible to make this fudge gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or gluten ingredients. Just double-check that your peanut butter and powdered sugar ingredients don’t have any hidden gluten.
Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well here, though the flavor might shift slightly. Choose an unsweetened variety to control the fudge’s sweetness perfectly.
How long does it take for the fudge to set completely?
Typically, letting the fudge cool at room temperature for about an hour is enough for it to firm up adequately. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it to speed up the process, but setting it slowly gives the best texture.
Why is my fudge grainy, and how can I fix it?
Graininess usually happens when the sugar crystallizes during cooking. To avoid this, stir constantly when heating and boil for the recommended 2-3 minutes only. Using a clean, wet spatula to stir can also help keep the mixture smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe from scratch. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to get a piece. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this fudge will surely become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation—so go ahead, give it a try and savor every creamy, peanut buttery bite!
Print
Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Delight is a quick and simple no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and vanilla in a smooth, luscious fudge. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in just 15 minutes, this fudge sets in an hour and yields 16 delicious squares ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
Flavorings
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar Mixture
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, stirring thoroughly after each addition until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour and Set: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it firms up.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into 16 squares and enjoy your rich, creamy peanut butter fudge delight.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring during boiling to prevent the mixture from burning.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- For a firmer fudge, refrigerate after it has cooled to room temperature.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
