Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe – Perfect for Kids!
Hey there, fudge fans! Today, we’re going to make something super yummy and super easy. Have you ever tried peanut butter fudge? It’s like a peanut butter cup but softer and creamier.
And the best part? You can make it yourself with just a few ingredients and a microwave. No need to wait for the holidays or a trip to the candy store.
You can have this delicious treat anytime you want! So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
Before we jump into the recipe, here are some quick facts about this peanut butter fudge:
- Recipe Description: A quick and easy peanut butter fudge made with just four ingredients: peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. No cooking on the stove required!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours (this is when it sets in the fridge, no stove needed!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
- Type of Dish: Dessert, Candy
- Cuisine: American
- Quantity: Makes about 36 pieces
- Calories: Approximately 140 calories per piece
These details help you plan your fudge-making adventure. The recipe is simple and fast, perfect for a fun kitchen project. You’ll have a big batch to share with friends or enjoy yourself. Plus, it’s a sweet treat you can feel good about making at home. Let’s dive into what makes this fudge so awesome!
What is Fudge?
Fudge is a sweet candy that feels soft in your mouth. People make it with sugar, butter, and milk, then heat it up and cool it down. It turns out creamy and delicious. Peanut butter fudge adds peanut butter to give it a nutty taste.
This candy started in the United States a long time ago, back in the 1800s. People loved it because it was simple to make and tasted great. Now, fudge comes in lots of flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, but peanut butter is a favorite for many.
Making fudge is fun because it’s like a science experiment. You mix things together and watch them turn into something yummy. With this recipe, you don’t need a stove, just a microwave, so it’s super easy for kids like you!
Why Peanut Butter Fudge is Special
Peanut butter fudge mixes two amazing tastes: peanut butter and fudge. The peanut butter makes it rich and nutty, while the fudge keeps it sweet and smooth. This combo is so good, it’s hard to eat just one piece!
What makes this recipe special is how easy it is. You don’t need fancy tools or lots of time. With a microwave and four ingredients, you can make fudge that tastes like it’s from a candy shop. It’s perfect for kids or anyone new to cooking.
You can also change it up! Add chocolate chips or nuts if you want. Or keep it simple. Either way, it’s a treat everyone will love. Many people enjoy making it with friends or family—it’s a fun way to spend time together.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s what you need to make this yummy fudge:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (use brands like JIF or Skippy)
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups (460g) sifted confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
Get these ready before you start. It makes everything go faster.
The peanut butter gives the fudge its big flavor. Butter makes it creamy. Vanilla adds a little extra yum, and powdered sugar sweetens it up. Sift the sugar to avoid lumps—smooth fudge is the best kind! These simple things turn into something amazing when you mix them right.
Tools You’ll Need
You’ll need these tools to make your fudge:
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- An 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- A sifter for the sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons
Having these ready helps you work easily. If you only have a 9-inch pan, that’s okay—the fudge will just be thinner.
Check your microwave before you start. It melts the peanut butter and butter, so it needs to work well. You can test it with a cup of water—if it heats up in a minute, you’re set to go!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Fudge
Here’s how to make your fudge in easy steps:
- Line the pan: Put parchment paper or foil in your 8-inch pan. Leave some hanging over the sides to lift the fudge out later.
- Melt the mix: Put peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds, stir, then repeat until it’s smooth. It takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Add extras: Stir in the vanilla. Then add the sifted sugar little by little, mixing until it’s all smooth with no lumps.
- Pour it in: Put the mixture in the pan. Spread it flat with a spatula.
- Chill it: Put the pan in the fridge for 1-2 hours until the fudge is hard.
- Cut it up: Lift the fudge out and cut it into squares. Time to eat!
Stir well each time you microwave so it doesn’t burn. Add the sugar slowly to keep it smooth. This is so easy, you’ll feel like a candy pro!
Tips for Perfect Fudge
Try these tips to make your fudge awesome:
- Pick good peanut butter: Use creamy JIF or Skippy, not natural kinds that get oily.
- Sift the sugar: This stops lumps and keeps it smooth.
- Heat carefully: Microwave in short bursts and stir a lot.
- Wait to chill: Let it sit in the fridge long enough to get firm.
- Cut neatly: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts.
These tricks make your fudge taste and look great. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for a fun twist. Or mix in mini chocolate chips for extra yum!
Variations on Peanut Butter Fudge
Want to try something different? Check these out:
- Chocolate Fudge: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder for a chocolate taste.
- Nutty Fudge: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Swirl Fudge: Melt chocolate and swirl it in before chilling.
- Spicy Fudge: Add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
These ideas make your fudge your own. Stir extra stuff in gently after the sugar so it mixes well. Have fun trying new things!
Storing Your Fudge
Keep your fudge fresh like this:
- Room temp: Put it in a closed container for up to a week. Keep it cool and dry.
- Fridge: Store it in the fridge for two weeks. Let it warm up a bit before eating.
- Freezer: Wrap it in plastic and foil to freeze for three months. Thaw it in the fridge.
Good storage means more fudge to enjoy later. For gifts, wrap pieces in wax paper and put them in a cute box—it looks so nice!
Serving Suggestions
Fudge is great alone, but try these ideas:
- With ice cream: Crumble fudge on vanilla ice cream.
- In shakes: Blend a piece into a milkshake.
- On a tray: Put it with cookies and brownies for a party.
- As gifts: Pack it in a fun bag for friends.
You can cut it into shapes like stars with cookie cutters. It’s perfect for holidays or just because!
History of Fudge
Fudge started in the United States in the 1800s. Someone messed up caramels, called it “fudge,” and people loved it. It’s been a hit ever since, with tons of flavors like peanut butter.
Candy shops sell fudge, especially in fun places to visit. But making it at home is way cooler. You get to eat it fresh and share the story with your friends!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what’s in one piece of fudge (out of 36):
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
It’s a sweet treat, so eat it as a special snack. It’s okay to have fun with food sometimes!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If something goes wrong, try this:
- Too soft: Chill it longer in the fridge.
- Too hard: Don’t heat it too much next time.
- Grainy: Sift the sugar better and mix well.
- Oily: Use creamy peanut butter, not natural.
Mistakes happen, but you can fix them. Keep trying—you’ll get it right!
Fun Facts About Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is cool! Check these facts:
- A doctor made it in the 1890s for healthy eating.
- It takes 540 peanuts for a 12-ounce jar.
- Americans eat 3 pounds of it a year.
- It has protein and good fats.
It’s fun to know this while eating your fudge!
How to Gift Fudge
Fudge is a great gift. Here’s how:
- Use a box: Line it with wax paper and add fudge.
- Wrap pieces: Use wax paper for each square.
- Add a bow: Tie a ribbon or add a note.
It’s a sweet way to show you care!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Use creamy peanut butter like JIF or Skippy. Natural ones can make it oily.
Do I have to use a microwave?
You can use a stove with a double boiler. Be careful not to burn it.
How long does it chill?
It needs 1-2 hours in the fridge. Press it to see if it’s firm.
Can I add other flavors?
Yes! Try cocoa, nuts, or candy bits.
Why is my fudge soft?
Chill it more. Check your ingredient amounts too.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
