Mary'S Peanut Butter Fudge
Creamy, rich peanut butter fudge with smooth texture and sweet flavor, perfect for peanut butter lovers and ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put milk, sugar, Karo syrup, vanilla, and salt in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Over medium to high heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once ingredients begin to boil, continue stirring frequently.
- After about 15 to 20 minutes, check a small amount of mixture in cold water until it forms a soft ball.
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Add peanut butter, margarine, and nuts if desired; mix until smooth.
- Pour into a greased pan or dish.
- Refrigerate until the fudge is hard.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure to mix the peanut butter and margarine thoroughly until fully incorporated. If you're out of margarine, butter can be used as a substitute for a richer flavor. To prevent crystallization, stir consistently during the boiling process. If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon or use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. This fudge pairs beautifully with Sam'S Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fudge as a sweet treat after meals or as a dessert at gatherings. It pairs well with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For added flair, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside slices of Nighty Nights for a delightful dessert spread. Cut into small squares for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the fudge, which will keep it fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it warm, microwave a piece for a few seconds until slightly softened, being careful not to melt it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Peanut Butter Fudge contains roughly 632 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 706mg per serving (31% 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
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may affect the texture of the fudge. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and may require additional mixing to achieve a smooth consistency. Ensure it is well-stirred to avoid separation.
How do I know when the fudge is done cooking?
The fudge is ready when it reaches the soft ball stage, which you can test by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape, it's done. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes of boiling, so keep a close eye on it as it cooks.
Can I add other ingredients to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can customize this fudge by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even crushed cookies for added flavor and texture. Just make sure any additional ingredients are mixed in after removing the fudge from heat to prevent burning.
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).