Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Rich, creamy peanut butter fudge with a smooth, sweet flavor, perfect for peanut lovers and ideal for sharing at holidays, parties, or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sugar into a heavy 3-quart pan and add milk.
- Stir until thoroughly mixed over medium heat.
- Keep stirring until the mixture bubbles.
- Cook to a soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat and add butter, salt, vanilla, and peanut butter.
- Beat with a wooden spoon until gloss is gone.
- Pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, make sure to stir continuously to avoid crystallization. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider substituting half of the peanut butter with almond butter. To test for the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should form a soft ball when ready. If you like variations, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter fudge is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Consider serving it alongside other sweet treats like Dorothy Bittner's 'He-Man' Cookies for a delightful dessert spread. It also makes a great gift when cut into bite-sized pieces and wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to three weeks. To enjoy it later, simply slice and serve directly from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer bite.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge contains roughly 63 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier, so you might need to adjust the quantity of butter in the recipe for the best consistency.
What can I do if my fudge is too soft?
If your fudge turned out too soft, it may not have reached the soft ball stage. You can try returning it to the heat and cooking for a few more minutes, testing again for the soft ball stage. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it to firm up before serving.
How do I know when my fudge is done cooking?
To ensure your fudge is done, use a candy thermometer to check that it reaches 234°F to 240°F, which is the soft ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball that holds its shape.
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).