Buttermilk Peanut Butter Fudge
Creamy, rich buttermilk peanut butter fudge combines sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for peanut lovers and those craving a nostalgic treat with a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a large plate and set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, buttermilk, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, removing from heat immediately when a candy thermometer registers 234 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add vanilla and peanut butter, stirring with a wooden spoon to blend.
- Beat energetically with the spoon until the fudge begins to lose its gloss and starts to thicken.
- Pour the mixture quickly onto the prepared plate.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before cutting into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent the sugar from burning. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. For a twist, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Stir continuously during the cooking process to achieve a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For an added touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or use it as a topping for desserts like brownies or cakes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. If you prefer to enjoy it warm, microwave a piece for a few seconds until slightly soft, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Peanut Butter Fudge contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the soft ball stage, and how can I tell when my fudge has reached it?
The soft ball stage is when a small amount of the mixture dropped into cold water forms a soft, pliable ball. You can also use a candy thermometer; the temperature should reach 234 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, the cold water test is a great alternative!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
How can I make this fudge less sweet? You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. Additionally, using dark chocolate peanut butter can provide a richer flavor that counters the sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).