By Melissa Gaman
From TheKitchn.com
The last time I was down the shore (it’s a New Jersey thing), my best friend and I popped into one of the many candy shops for a sweet treat. I browsed the dark chocolate-dipped things while my friend made a beeline for the fudge and asked the owner for a piece of her most intensely peanut buttery fudge. As someone who finds ways to enjoy peanut butter all day, I totally understood. Peanut butter is hearty, a little salty, and makes for a supremely satisfying treat. Peanut butter cups are, of course, a super popular choice, but if you prefer the inside of the cup, this peanut butter fudge is for you.
There are many ways to make fudge, from fun shortcut methods like this strawberry fudge that uses frosting to classic chocolate fudge that requires a candy thermometer. I wanted this recipe to fall somewhere in the middle, not quite a hack but also not too hard to make. After researching and tasting different versions, I arrived at this four-ingredient fudge (OK, five with salt) that is super easy to make, has a creamy, candy bar-filling vibe, and strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
Why You’ll Love It
- A celebration of peanut butter. If you have always found the chocolate part of a peanut butter cup unnecessary, this fudge, with unadulterated peanut buttery goodness, is the salty-sweet treat for you.
- Waiting is the hardest part. There is no sugar boiling or candy thermometers involved, so making the fudge is easy and quick, and then it’s just watching the clock until it’s firm enough to slice.
- Not cloying or gritty. When researching (and tasting), I found that other recipes for peanut butter fudge had a crumbly texture and overly sweet taste, so I dialed back the sugar and upped the peanut butter and salt, so the fudge is creamy, dense, and not too sweet.
Key Ingredients in Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut butter: For smooth fudge, you need a no-stir peanut butter that is already emulsified and thick. We found Skippy to be the best in a peanut butter tasting.
- Butter: Helps the fudge firm and set when refrigerated. Unsalted is the best choice so you can control the overall salt level.
- Vanilla extract: You only need a small amount of vanilla extract to boost the sweetness without detracting from the taste of the peanut butter. If you often find yourself out of vanilla, consider starting a batch of homemade vanilla extract, which can be replenished over and over, so that you always have some on hand.
- Powdered sugar: It doesn’t just sweeten the fudge. The starch in powdered sugar helps thicken the mixture and keep it from separating, but it can be prone to firm clumps that won’t easily dissolve. So take a minute to sift it before adding to the melted butter to ensure the smoothest result.
Helpful Swaps
- For a stronger salty vibe, reduce the salt in the fudge to 1/2 teaspoon and sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt before refrigerating.
- Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy, for some crunch, but stick with a thick no-stir version.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Fudge
- Have a bowl of fresh fruit, like this Berry Pineapple Fruit Salad, to cut some of the richness and play to classic PB&J vibes.
- Oreo Hot Fudge Sauce on the side for dipping offers a chocolate moment with the fudge.
- Brew a piping hot cup of French Press Coffee to wash it down.
- Add squares to a dessert plate with other classics like Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brownies.
- Chop up a few squares and mix into Vanilla Ice Cream for a custom flavor.
