Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (2024)

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Old fashioned fudge with peanut butter is creamy, rich, exquisite, and easy to make. If you’re a peanut butter lover, this is the recipe for you.

Once you get a taste of this family favorite, you will want to add it to your holiday season menu each year.

The real peanut butter fudge recipe is a hit at parties.

The Best Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (1)

Y’all are gonna love this old fashioned peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream.

Peanut butter fudge is always popular around the holidays, especially at Christmastime. And it’s one of those easy fudge recipes.

It’s delicious any time of year, and I will eat it any chance I get. The dessert is rich, decadent, and melts in your mouth.

We’ve made the recipe for a long time, and the whole family loves it.

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Is The Perfect Edible Gift

We love to give the creamy peanut butter fudge as a gift for teachers, friends, and neighbors.

It’s an easy peanut butter recipe to make, and a little bit goes a long way.You can make one batch, and you will be able to share it with several friends and family.

Watch How To Make Homemade Old Fashioned Fudge

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter

This old fashioned fudge recipe with peanut butter is just about as good as it gets when it comes to dessert. It is amazingly delicious.

Around here, I keep the fudge ingredients on hand in case we want to make some on the spur of the moment.

I’ve given away fudgefor the holidays to the kid’s teachers, the ladies in the office at school, and neighbors.

And, let me tell you, I am one popular girl for bringing them fudge. Trust me, and they will love you.

If you’re looking for more quick and easy fudge recipes, try this Tiger Butter Homemade Fudge–it’s a delicious treat and one of our favorite recipes.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

  • Butter
  • Evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk)
  • White granulated sugar
  • Marshmallow creme
  • Vanilla extract
  • Creamy peanut butter

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

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Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
  2. Add the evaporated milk and sugar. Stir and bring to a rolling boil. Place the thermometer in the pan.
  3. Boil until thermometer reaches 234 degrees.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and peanut butter.
  5. Pour the fudge into a casserole dish and cool for several hours.

This recipe is almost identical to my other peanut butter fudge recipe, with chips.

They are a bit amazing in their own right, but this recipe is a little more peanut buttery and traditional because you’re using the real thing, and it gives more of a peanut butter flavor.

The other recipe uses peanut butter chips and is a little sweeter, but it’s made with the same basic ingredients.

If you want to make fudge that really doesn’t take long, you can try 5-minute fudge recipe.

The great thing about these delicious fudge recipes is that you can change them easily. You can add Oreos, Reeses Pieces, or butterscotch chips. They are all really interchangeable and of course, to die for.

You can also double most of these recipes with ease. And, who doesn’t want to double a fudge recipe? Seriously, I’ll take it any time I can get it.

If you decide to double the recipe, make sure you have a large saucepan as it will expand as it cooks.

How To Make Peanut Butter Fudge – Step By Step Instructions

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Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan and let it melt on medium-high heat.

Pour the evaporated milk into the pan and stir it around together.

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Add the sugar and stir it together.

Once you get the sugar stirred into the mixture, you can add the thermometer.

I do recommend a thermometer. You’re going to have a better chance of the fudge setting up correctly. That has just been my experience.

I’ve had people ask why their fudge didn’t set up. There can be several reasons.

Altitude can have a lot to do with the fudge setting up properly, or not boiling the mixture long enough can be a problem, and that’s why a thermometer comes in handy.

Fudge is one of those things that can be a little fickle. But, whatever you do, don’t let anything stop you from making the fudge.

If it doesn’t set up, just keep it at home and eat it. It will still taste really good!

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Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil for 4 minutes or until the mixture reaches 234-degrees.

If you’re in a high-altitude area, Kraft suggests subtracting 2-degrees off for every 1,000 feet above sea level.

I’m in Florida, and we are literally two feet above sea level, so I am going to keep stirring and cooking until the thermometer gets to 234 degrees.

If you choose to time the fudge instead during your cooking process, just make sure it’s at a full rolling boil before you start the timer.You will time it for four minutes at that point.

To know if you have a full rolling boil, the mixture should still be boiling when stirring. The big bubbles (like the photo above) help create that rolling effect.

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Here’s a pic of my thermometer. I bought it on Amazon, and you’ll find the link below in the recipe card. It was only a few dollars.

If you have a good candy thermometer, you will be in good shape.

You will want to get your fudge to the soft ball stage.

This is a great thermometer for candy making, as well.

Note: Be sure not to let the candy thermometer touch the bottom of the pan, or you’ll get an incorrect reading.

If you know how you can do the cold water test to make sure your fudge is done. But, I am not very good at it, so I like to use a thermometer.

Once the temp reaches 234 degrees the sugar crystals should pretty well be smooth, and you won’t even know they are there, other than the wonderful taste.

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Once you reach the desired temperature or four minutes, remove the pan from the burner and stir in the marshmallow creme.

I always add the marshmallow creme before the peanut butter. You need all the heat you can get for the marshmallow to melt.

Stir until you don’t see any more lumps.

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Add the creamy peanut butter and stir.

For this recipe, I used creamy peanut butter. But, you can use chunky peanut butter if you like nuts in your fudge.

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Pour the fudge into a greased casserole dish.

I usually use a 9-inch x 9-inch square pan because I like my fudge super thick. But, you can use up to a 13-inch x 9-inch pan, as well.

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Let the fudge cool for several hours and set up.

This is the hardest part of the recipe – the waiting! I always want to dig into this perfect treat. But, I try to hold off and wait for it to set up.

That’s it! Fudge is a delicious dessert any time of year.

Making fudge should always be an easy process, and this recipe keeps it easy. And if you love peanut butter and fudge, you will love this recipe.

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (12)

More Candy Recipes

  • Turtle candy – this is one of those easy desserts that only requires three ingredients and turns out amazing.
  • Divinity candy – is a great recipe for giving as gifts. And, it’s just like your grandma made.
  • Rock candy – this is a fun recipe to make because the kids love it, and you can make different colors. Just sprinkle some powdered sugar (or called confectioners sugar) over the top, and you’ve got a pretty and tasty treat.
  • Creamy orange fudge from Southern Home Express – this is a fun recipe that is sweet and tart.
  • Crunchy peanut butter fudge – this is a little bit of a different recipe, and it’s made with crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. It’s wonderful fudge for those that love a little crunch.
  • Chocolate frosting microwave fudge recipe – this is a very quick two-ingredient recipe.
  • Butter pecan fudge – this recipe has been a huge hit on the blog. It’s made with brown sugar, powdered sugar, pecans, heavy whipping cream, and a few other ingredients for one amazing treat.
  • Easy Cookie Butter Fudge from Savory Nothings is a decadent recipe that everyone will love.
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How long will Peanut Butter Fudge last?

Peanut butter fudge will last about a week out on the counter and about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Should I put fudge in the fridge?

Fudge is fine on the counter and doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Some people like it cold, but we like it at room temperature around here.Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container.

I’ve actually covered mine with plastic wrap, which works great, but I have a little kitty that likes to get into things if he can smell it. So, we keep it in a sealed container.

Why is my fudge gritty?

Most of the time, when fudge is gritty, the sugar hasn’t dissolved all of the way. The next time you make the fudge, be sure to cook it long enough.

How long does it take for fudge to set?

It usually takes about three to four hours for fudge to set up all the way. Depending on the weather, it can take a little longer. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate the fudge, and it will set up faster.

How do you know when the old fashioned fudge recipe is ready?

There are a few different ways to test the doneness of fudge. First, when the temperature reaches 234-degrees, the fudge is done cooking.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can start timing the fudge for four minutes when it reaches a full-rolling boil.

Another way to test the fudge is to drop some in ice-cold water. If the fudge turns into a soft ball, it’s done.

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter

Dessert recipes are always fun to make around the holidays. Fudge is a treat that has been around for generations.

Be sure to get the ingredients and directions below and make some old fashioned peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme today.

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (14)

Old Fashioned Fudge with Peanut Butter

Yield: 18 pieces

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Rest Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Y'all are gonna love this old fashioned fudge recipe with peanut butter. Peanut butter fudge is always popular around the holidays, especially at Christmastime. But, it's delicious any time of year. Creamy peanut butter fudge is the perfect gift for teachers, office staff, friends, and neighbors.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 sticks butter
  • 5 oz. evaporated milk
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 - 7 oz. jar marshmallow creme
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Add the butter to a medium saucepan on medium high heat.
  2. Add the evaporated milk and sugar and stir together.
  3. Bring the ingredients to a full, rolling boil for four minutes, or until thermometer reaches 234-degrees. Stir often while boiling.
  4. Remove from heat and add marshmallow creme. Stir until all of the lumps are gone.
  5. Add the vanilla and peanut butter and stir until well blended.
  6. Pour into a greased 9" x 9" casserole dish, or a up to a 13" x 9" casserole dish.
  7. Cool for at least three hours.

Notes

Nutrition information is approximate.

According to Kraft, for every 1,000 feet above sea level, subtract 2-degrees off of the 234-degrees.

TIP: I will sometimes line the pan with parchment paper so that when the fudge sets up, I can easily lift it out and slice it.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 18Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 170Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 85mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 3g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Easy Chocolate Fudge

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (15)

Julie Pollitt( Blogger Behind Back To My Southern Roots )

Hi there! I’m Julie Pollitt from ‘Back To My Southern Roots.’ My love for cooking started way back on my grandparents’ farm in Tennessee. Those sunny days, the smell of biscuits in the oven, and all the family fun really sparked my passion for cooking. On my blog, I share more than just recipes – they’re like stories from my life, full of Southern warmth and homey goodness. The best part? Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, you’ll find my recipes super easy to whip up. So, come on, pull up a chair, and let’s make some delicious memories!

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe with Peanut Butter (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Paula Deen peanut butter fudge? ›

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt cheese and butter together, then add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and nuts. Empty confectioner's sugar into a large bowl and pour cheese mixture over sugar. Stir until completely mixed.

Why is my peanut butter fudge not hardening? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

Another key part of a successful fudge texture is when you stir the mixture. Stirring the sugar and milk during the initial stages of cooking allows the sugar to dissolve. However, once the mixture comes to a boil, it's time to put the spoon down.

Why is my peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control. If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

Why is my peanut butter fudge chewy? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

What ingredient makes fudge hard? ›

Too cooked

This fudge was cooked to a temperature of 118 °C (244 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge.

Can you fix grainy peanut butter fudge? ›

The solution? A fudge do-over. Even though it set up properly, I threw it back into a saucepan with about 1 1/2 cups of water and gently heated the mixture to dissolve the fudge into the water. From there, I pretty much re-did the whole cooking process.

Do you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›

Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the refrigerator, uncovered. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, about 2-3 hours (or overnight), before slicing and serving.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

What makes fudge so good? ›

The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals. The result is creamy and smooth with a distinctive semi-soft texture and just a hint of sugar crystals.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do you describe high quality fudge? ›

High-quality fudge tastes smooth and creamy because it contains small sugar crystals. It has a deep brown color and a satiny sheen. Poor-quality fudge tastes grainy because it contains large sugar crystals.

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