Craving a sweet treat that melts in your mouth and transports you straight back to childhood? This is it! Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is exactly what it sounds like: a rich, decadent, and unbelievably smooth fudge that will have you saying “just one more piece” over and over again. This recipe captures the heartwarming simplicity of Grandma’s kitchen, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors in every single bite.
What is Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge?
Have you ever wondered why certain recipes are passed down through generations and lovingly referred to as Grandma’s this or Grandpa’s that? Is it just nostalgia? Or is there a secret ingredient – perhaps a sprinkle of love and a whole lot of patience – that makes these recipes extra special? And what about this particular recipe? Did Grandma sneak extra peanut butter when no one was looking?
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
This fudge is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home. First and foremost, it’s incredibly creamy and smooth, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients and our easy-to-follow method. Secondly, making fudge at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to buying expensive gourmet fudge. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process is surprisingly simple.
Finally, the secret to Grandma’s fudge is the option to customize it with toppings! Sprinkle on some chopped peanuts for extra crunch, drizzle with chocolate for added decadence, or even add a dash of sea salt for a sweet and salty kick.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our other fudge variations, like classic chocolate fudge for a change of pace. But trust me, you’ll keep coming back to this creamy peanut butter dream! Ready to start cooking?
Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this classic recipe. Make sure to gather your ingredients before you start, and get ready for some serious fudge-making fun!
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, for topping
How to Make Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
This creamy peanut butter fudge is surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of sweet peanut butter goodness. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will be ready to enjoy after setting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to make Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the fudge out once it’s set. Grease the foil generously with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the fudge from sticking and make removal a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, and Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, and milk. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Cook to the Soft-Ball Stage
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball.
Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla and Peanut Butter
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the vanilla extract and peanut butter. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Pour Into Pan
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped peanuts.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, use the foil overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares. Serve and enjoy your homemade Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge!
What to Serve Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge With:
This fudge is divine all on its own, but if you’re looking to create a complete dessert experience, here are a few serving suggestions:
- A Glass of Cold Milk: The classic pairing! The cool milk balances the sweetness of the fudge perfectly.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: The warmth of the beverage complements the rich flavor of the fudge, making for a cozy treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a piece of fudge for an extra decadent dessert.
- Fruit Platter: Add a few pieces of fudge to a fruit platter for a sweet and satisfying balance.
Top Tips for Perfecting Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
Want to make sure your fudge turns out perfectly every time? Here are some valuable tips:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Achieving the soft-ball stage is crucial for the right texture. A candy thermometer eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent results.
- Stir Constantly: When bringing the mixture to a boil, stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the mixture will result in hard, crumbly fudge.
- Smooth Peanut Butter is Key: Using creamy peanut butter is essential for achieving that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Optional Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Chocolate chips, pretzels, or a sprinkle of sea salt can add extra flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Proper storage is essential for keeping your fudge fresh and delicious:
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Fudge doesn’t typically need to be reheated. If it’s been refrigerated, you can simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. To quickly soften it or want to melt it slightly for drizzling , heat in 5 second intervals in the microwave.
Final Thoughts:
Grandma’s Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory waiting to be made. It’s a simple, comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself. So, get in the kitchen and create your own batch of this timeless classic. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it may affect the texture of the fudge. Natural peanut butter often has a different consistency and oil separation, which can result in a slightly less smooth fudge. If you do use it, make sure to stir it very well before adding it to the mixture.
Q: Can I use a different kind of nut butter?
A: Absolutely! Different nuts such as almond, or cashew would also work for this recipe. It will change the flavor profile, but could be equally delicious!
Q: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A: It’s highly recommended to use a Candy Thermometer, for best results. But if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test as described in the instructions.
Q: My fudge is too hard. What did I do wrong?
A: Your fudge may only be too hard if you overcooked the mixture. Overcooking causes a drier fudge product.
Q: My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: Your fudge may only be to soft if you Under-cooked the mixture. Under-cooking the mixture causes a watery fudge product. This could also happen if you live in a high altitude where water boils quicker.
Q: Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
A: Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the fudge or stir chocolate chips into the mixture after removing it from the heat.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: It would be more challenging, but if you replace the butter with vegan butter, use a plant based milk alternative, and use vegan peanut butter, it is possible to make this recipe vegan friendly!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest