This recipe provides instructions for making a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible Classic Peanut Butter Fudge. This decadent treat combines the smooth sweetness of chocolate with the salty, nutty flavor of peanut butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth confection that is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or gifting to loved ones. This particular recipe appears to be a “swirled” or layered fudge, where melted chocolate and a peanut butter mixture are combined in a way that creates a beautiful marbled effect, rather than being fully blended. The base of many fudge recipes involves a cooked sugar syrup, often with butter and milk or cream, which is then combined with chocolate and other flavorings. However, simpler versions, like this one seems to be, often utilize melted chocolate chips or other forms of chocolate combined with sweetened condensed milk for a smoother and quicker result. The peanut butter component is typically creamy or chunky peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar to create a firmer, moldable consistency that can be swirled into the chocolate base. The key to achieving a smooth and creamy fudge texture is often in the temperature control during the melting and setting process. Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize, while not allowing the fudge to set properly can result in a soft, unmanageable mess. Once the chocolate and peanut butter mixtures are swirled together in a lined baking dish, the fudge is chilled in the refrigerator until firm enough to cut into squares. The resulting fudge offers a delightful contrast in both color and flavor, with streaks of rich chocolate running through the creamy peanut butter base. It’s a classic combination that appeals to a wide range of palates and is relatively easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for homemade candy. The image shows a pile of roughly cut squares of peanut butter fudge on a wooden surface. The fudge has a marbled appearance with swirls of dark chocolate and a lighter peanut butter base. Some pieces show visible chunks of peanuts, suggesting the use of chunky peanut butter. The top of the fudge has a slightly glossy finish.
The texture of Classic Peanut Butter Fudge is typically rich, smooth, and creamy, melting in your mouth with a slight firmness that allows it to be cut into squares. This swirled version maintains that creaminess with the added texture of any peanuts present in the peanut butter.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of sweet and rich chocolate with the distinctively salty and nutty taste of peanut butter. The swirling creates pockets of intense chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors in each bite.
Classic Peanut Butter Fudge is a sweet confection made by combining chocolate and peanut butter into a rich and creamy treat, often swirled together for visual appeal and a layered flavor experience.
The preparation involves melting chocolate, combining peanut butter with other ingredients (often powdered sugar), swirling the two mixtures together, setting in a cool place, and then cutting into squares.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (about 9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on preference)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch square baking dish
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining the dish)
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out later for cutting.
- Make the Chocolate Base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour about half of this chocolate mixture into a separate mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: To the remaining chocolate mixture in the saucepan, add the peanut butter. Stir until well combined and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the peanut butter-chocolate mixture, stirring until a thick, moldable dough forms. You may need to use your hands (lightly greased) to fully incorporate the powdered sugar.
- Swirl the Fudge: Take the reserved plain chocolate mixture in the bowl. You now have two separate mixtures: a darker chocolate-peanut butter mixture and a lighter plain chocolate mixture. Drop spoonfuls of each mixture alternately into the prepared baking dish. Once all the mixture is in the dish, use a knife or a skewer to swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want to maintain distinct streaks of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chill to Set: Once swirled, gently level the top of the fudge with a spatula. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm to the touch.
- Cut into Squares: Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the baking dish using the foil or parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares of your desired size. You can use a warm, clean knife for easier cutting.
- Store: Store the Classic Peanut Butter Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Enjoy this rich and delicious swirled peanut butter fudge! It’s a perfect homemade treat to share or savor.
Tips for Success:
- Chocolate Choice: You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness and intensity.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: Creamy peanut butter will result in a smoother swirl, while chunky peanut butter will add bits of peanuts for extra texture.
- Sifting Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smoother peanut butter mixture.
- Low Heat Melting: Melt the chocolate and butter over low heat to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning. Stir constantly.
- Don’t Over-Swirl: Swirling too much can blend the two mixtures together, losing the marbled effect. A few gentle swirls are all you need.
- Firmness: If your fudge seems too soft after the initial chilling, return it to the refrigerator for a longer period.
- Cutting: Using a warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe it dry) can help you achieve cleaner cuts.
This Classic Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is a simple way to create a decadent and flavorful treat that combines two beloved flavors in a visually appealing way. Enjoy!