What is the secret to good fudge?

Tips for Making Fudge Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ... Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ... Beat Thoroughly. Mar 8, 2023

What causes peanut butter fudge not to harden?

If you didn't reach the correct temperature during the cooking process, it might not set properly . Use a candy thermometer to ensure that you reach the recommended temperature. Overcooking or Undercooking:Solution: Cooking the fudge for too long or too short a time can affect its texture.

How long does homemade peanut butter fudge last in the refrigerator?

To keep peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week . Allow fudge to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze fudge for up to 2 months.

How do you keep fudge creamy?

So, the key to smooth yet firm fudge, pralines, and fondant is to first bring the mixture to a high enough concentration and then let it cool off somewhat before starting to stir. And once you do start to stir, stir fanatically and without stopping for the finest, creamiest texture.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty?

While you ultimately want crystals to form, it's important that they don't form too early. The key to successful, nongrainy fudge is in the cooling, not the cooking . The recipe calls for heating the ingredients to the soft-ball stage, or 234° F, then allowing it to cool undisturbed to approximately 110° F.

What to do if peanut butter fudge doesn t set?

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

What makes fudge softer?

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

How do you fix peanut butter fudge that is too soft?

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream . If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

What makes high quality fudge?

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize . Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Do you stir fudge while it is boiling?

Brush the sides of the pan with a wet brush at the beginning of cooking to dissolve sugar crystals stuck to the sides. Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again . The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

What gives fudge its firm texture?

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge?

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking . It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (2024)

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Delicious peanut butter fudge recipe would be a great idea to give as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors or a dessert for a Christmas party.

As a special treat for neighbors and friends make this creamy, delicious Peanut Butter Fudge recipe. It’s an easy idea for gifts and holiday entertaining.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (1)

I am a huge fan of peanut butter. I could easily eat it by the spoonful straight from the jar. In fact, I may or may not have done just that when I was making today’s recipe. I’m sure I’m not the only one who shares in this occasional indulgence, right? So what’s better than a spoon full of peanut butter? A huge pan of rich Peanut Butter Fudge!

I just knew it would be the perfect treat to share this month as part of the “Ideas for the Kitchen” exchange I do with Ashlyn from Belle of the Kitchen.

With Christmas just around the corner and holiday entertaining in abundance, we thought it would be fun to swapfestive holiday treat recipes in December. While I originally shared thiscreamy, richPeanut Butter Fudge recipe a few weeks ago on Belle of the Kitchen, Ashlyn was here with a delicious recipe for Chocolate Cake Balls.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (2)

Inspired by Mackinac Fudge

A few months ago, my husband, my boys and I had the opportunity to travel to Mackinac Island, Michigan with both sets of our parents. If you’ve never been there, let me tell you, Mackinac Island is known for two things.

First,it’s an island located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan accessible only by ferry boat. Cars and motorized vehicles are banned from the island except in emergencies so the only forms of transportation you’ll find once you’re on the island are bicycles, horses and your own two feet.It’s quaint and charming, like taking a step back in time.

Second, Mackinac Island is known for its delicious Mackinac Island fudge. You can hardly walk a few feet down the main street without a waft of sugary sweet goodness filling your senses. There’s literally a fudge shop on every block.

So what kind of tourists would we have been if we didn’t try several varieties of theisland’sworld-famous decadent treat? While we appreciated the traditional chocolate fudge and some of the creative add-ins the candy makers used, we all ooo-ed and aww-ed over the amazing Peanut Butter Fudge. I just knew I’d have to try making some myself when we got back to the mainland.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (3)

What you need to make peanut butter fudge:

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Ingredients Needed:

These are the ingredients you’ll need. All the exact amounts are in the printable card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

While I don’t know the super secret recipes used by the Mackinac Island fudgemakers, I’ve got to say my Peanut Butter Fudge recipe turned out pretty amazing too. It took me a few tries to get it right, but my husbandand boys all gave the final attempttwo thumbs up.

The recipeinvolves two kinds of sugar, milk, a little butter, a dash of vanilla and of course, rich creamy peanut butter.

You just boil the ingredients together on the stove, pour it into a dish, and then let it cool in the refrigerator. Yum!

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (4)

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (5)

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3.39 from 26 votes

Peanut Butter Fudge

Delicious peanut butter fudge recipe would be a great idea to give as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors or a dessert for a Christmas party.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter + a little more to grease the pan
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 tsp Vanilla

Instructions

Lightly grease a 8” x 8” glass pan with butter.
Combine powdered sugar, brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the sugars have dissolved.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then slowly boil for 5 minutes stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until blended.
Pour the Peanut Butter Fudge into the glass pan. Let cool. Once the Peanut Butter Fudge pan has reached room temperature, you can move it to a refrigerator to finish cooling.
Allow the Peanut Butter Fudge to cool for at least four hours. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram at @kenarryideas or leave us a comment rating below.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (6)

Suggestions for Giving Peanut Butter Fudge

While it’s going to be super tempting to keep the Peanut Butter Fudge all to yourself, it also makes a great gift to give to friends and family members. Here are some gift giving suggestions:

You can make multiple batches of the Peanut Butter Fudge recipe and package it in cute little containers. You could also place it on a festive plate and wrap with cellophane tied with red or green ribbons.
Make it a bigger gift by adding Peanut Butter Fudge to a full tray of holiday treats, including thePeppermint Mocha Chocolate Chunk CookiesandCranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies Ashlyn and I traded last December.
Use the print button you find on the Peanut Butter Fudge recipe here on this blog. It will open up a new window showing a cute little recipe card you can print from home on cardstock. Just cut around the dashed lines and attach it to the gift with ribbon.
Don’t limit yourself to friends and family members. Peanut Butter Fudge would also be a wonderful holiday treat to give to hostesses, neighbors, teachers, coaches, volunteers, postal workers, librarians, church leaders and other people you’re thankful for this year.
I would recommend keeping the Peanut Butter Fudgerefrigerated until you’re ready to presentit to your intended recipient.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (7)

What’s your favorite treat to make for holiday partiesor to give as presents to friends? Please comment below and share with us. Weare always looking for delicious new ideas for the kitchen.

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While you’re here, you should also check out our recipes for –

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake
New Year’s Eve OREO Cookie Balls
Chocolate Cake Balls
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

If you enjoyed this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe, please share it with your friends or pin it for later:

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: An Easy Holiday Idea (8)

Originally published December 2015. Updated April 2020.