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To make peanut butter fudge, you need a few simple ingredients. Here is the list: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt These ingredients blend together to create a rich, creamy treat. The creamy peanut butter gives it that classic flavor. The cocoa powder adds a nice chocolate touch. You can enhance your fudge with some optional ingredients. Here are a couple of ideas: - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) - Sea salt flakes for topping Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch. Sea salt flakes give your fudge a sweet and salty contrast. Feel free to get creative with these extras! If you need to swap an ingredient, it’s easy! Here are some recommendations: - Use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. - Replace unsweetened cocoa powder with carob powder for a unique flavor. - If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. These swaps keep the fudge delicious while catering to your tastes or pantry needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. If you want some crunch, grab chopped nuts too. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges. This helps when you lift the fudge out later. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir until they blend well. Next, add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it becomes smooth. If you chose to add nuts, fold them in gently. The mixture should look rich and thick, ready for the dish! Pour the fudge mixture into the lined dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Once it’s firm, lift the fudge out by the parchment edges. Cut it into squares. Enjoy your tasty treat! When making peanut butter fudge, avoid overmixing. This can make the fudge too dense. Don't skip the salt; it enhances the flavors. Make sure to measure the cocoa powder correctly. Too much can overpower the taste. To get smooth fudge, blend the peanut butter and melted butter well. This step is key! If you want a softer texture, reduce the cocoa powder slightly. For a firmer fudge, chill it longer. Adding nuts can give a nice crunch if you enjoy texture. Serve your fudge on a pretty platter. Dust it with cocoa powder for a nice touch. You can also add fresh berries for color. If you like, drizzle melted chocolate on top. This adds a rich flavor and makes it look fancy! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your peanut butter and melted butter are at room temperature for a smoother mixture, making it easier to combine all ingredients. Choose Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor in the fudge. Chill for Optimal Firmness: Allow the fudge to chill for the recommended time in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect firm texture for cutting. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add different nuts or even dried fruit to the fudge mixture for a unique twist and added flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make chocolate-chunk peanut butter fudge. Just add chocolate chunks to the mix. Use half a cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Mix them in after blending your ingredients. This gives your fudge a rich, gooey texture. Each bite bursts with chocolatey goodness. It’s a great twist on classic fudge. For a healthier option, swap some ingredients. Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Substitute maple syrup for powdered sugar. This change keeps the treat sweet but cuts down on refined sugar. You can also add mashed bananas for natural sweetness. These swaps keep the flavor but make it lighter. Try adding different flavors to your fudge. For a coffee kick, mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder. This gives a rich, deep flavor. You can also fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. It adds a nice texture and flavor. Experimenting with flavors makes each batch unique and fun! To keep your peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers for easy serving. Keep your fudge in the fridge for best results. The cool temperature helps it stay firm and tasty. You can freeze your fudge for longer storage. Cut it into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. When you want to enjoy it, thaw the fudge in the fridge overnight. This keeps it fresh and ready to eat. Peanut butter fudge can last up to two weeks in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like changes in color or smell. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your treat while it's fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a nice texture. The fudge will still taste great. Just swap it in for the creamy peanut butter. The rest of the recipe stays the same. To make fudge without cocoa powder, skip it entirely. You can also add more peanut butter. Use about 1.5 cups of peanut butter. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix well. You might want to add vanilla for flavor. The best way to cut fudge is to chill it first. Once it is firm, use a sharp knife. Lightly grease the knife with oil to help it glide. Cut into even squares for a nice look. Use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out, which makes cutting easier. In this blog post, we explored how to make peanut butter fudge. We covered essential ingredients, helpful tips, and creative variations. You learned how to mix and set your fudge perfectly, avoiding common mistakes. Remember, storing your fudge correctly keeps it fresh. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite. Making fudge is fun and easy; enjoy each sweet moment with your creations!

Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge made with peanut butter and cocoa, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch salt
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) optional
  • to taste sea salt flakes for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir until well blended.
  • Add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
  • If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.
  • Line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  • Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  • If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top for an extra flavor kick.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm.
  • Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into squares.

Notes

Serve the fudge squares on a decorative platter, optionally dusted with cocoa powder or paired with fresh berries for a pop of color.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter