Calling all peanut butter fudge lovers! This homemade peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth as it is made with evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk.
Regardless of whether you prefer creamy peanut butter or chunky peanut butter, this old fashioned fudge recipe will have you coming back for more. Trust us, it is seriously wonderful fudge!
How to make old fashioned peanut butter fudge
All you need to make this recipe is a medium sized saucepan, candy thermometer, a wooden spoon and a set of strong arms!
The combination of boiling sugar and milk that has been beaten vigorously along with the peanut butter and the rest of the ingredients at 234-237°F (112-114°C), will ensure that you have a crowd pleasing homemade treat.
At Call Me Fudge, we rate this recipe a level difficulty rating of 4/5. as this is one of the more difficult candy recipes.
Recommended Equipment (see Amazon ingredient prices via links):
- Medium sized saucepan
- Wooden mixing spoon
- Candy thermometer – when candy making, it is advised that you use a good candy thermometer to prevent sugar crystals from forming, which can make your fudge grainy.
- 20cm x 20cm baking pan/8×8 baking tray – having a prepared pan will make your life easier, and you should line the pan with baking paper, using a pastry brush to spread softened butter onto the paper lining.
- Pastry brush
- Heatproof mat
- Parchment paper
Old fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Category: Recipes
- Cuisine: Confectionary
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Calling all peanut butter fudge lovers! This homemade peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth as it is made with evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated white sugar (400g)
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk shake well before pouring (160ml)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter (210g)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces and softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Non stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Make sure to prepare your work surfaces and have your ingredients measured out and ready to go. This will prevent any kitchen mishaps such as your fudge going past the soft ball stage.
- Before your saucepan is placed on the stove, pour in the evaporated milk and granulated sugar, making sure that they don’t touch the walls of the saucepan.
- Next place the saucepan on a medium heat and stir occasionally using the wooden mixing spoon. Take care not to spill onto the walls of the saucepan (if sugar and milk do touch the sides you can use a damp pastry brush to wipe the sides clean before the mixture starts to boil).
- When the mixture reaches a boiling state and the sugar has dissolved (the flame should still be kept on medium heat to lessen the chance of burnt fudge) use the candy thermometer until you see a reading of 234-237°F (112-114°C) – also known as the soft ball stage.
- You can test this by taking a small bit of the fudge mixture from a toothpick and putting it into a clear glass of cold water. If the mixture is ready then a small ball of fudge should form. This is known as the cold water test.
- Upon reaching the required temperature, immediately remove the pan from the heat and place it onto a heatproof matt. Stir and combine all the other ingredients (peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and salt) being careful not to touch the side of the pot. Stir until the mixture is smooth (excusing the crushed peanuts depending on the peanut butter type chosen) and the butter and peanut butter has melted into the fudge mixture.
- Once combined, pour the fudge mixture into the prepared and lined baking tray and allow your old fashioned peanut butter fudge to cool at room temperature for 3 hours before moving it the refrigerator for a further 4 more hours to fully set. If you are feeling fancy, why add some tempered chocolate drizzle on top of the fudge.
- Finally, cut your fudge into the desired serving size and store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade old fashion peanut butter fudge last?
When it comes to storing fudge it really depends on how many hands are getting a piece to mouth.
With proper storage out at room temperature, the fudge can last for 2 weeks plus an additional week if kept in the refrigerator. See below for recommended storage solutions.
How to store peanut butter fudge
If you are planning on gift giving your fudge then wrap it tightly with cellophane or place in confectionary gift bags (we recommend using these). Prior to handing it out, make sure that you store in a large airtight container and advise your gift recipients to do the same.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on keeping a batch of fudge for yourself, then line an airtight container with parchment paper and place the peanut butter fudge in there.
You can either keep your fudge in the food cupboard or the refrigerator, depending on the your texture preference (peanut butter fudge will last longer in the fridge).
What makes peanut butter fudge too soft?
Make sure you have correctly measured the ingredients, as too much or too little of any component will alter the texture and setting point of the fudge.
Likewise, if you haven’t allowed the fudge to set for long enough then it will be soft in consistency.
Why is my peanut butter fudge not getting hard?
Your fudge mixture may not have boiled to the correct temperature (234-237°F /112-114°C) and this will result it failing to harden as it cools.
The thermometer should be placed in the middle well of the mixture, ensuring not to touch the base of the saucepan. During the preparation stage you can attach the thermometer to the saucepan according to the thermometer instructions.
Why is my peanut butter fudge dry and crumbly?
he sugar falling from the side walls of the pan. Thus, the sugar has not dissolved fully creating this dry and crumbling texture.
How can you tell if your fudge is at the soft ball stage?
Using the cold water method, take a toothpick and collect a tiny bit of fudge. Drop it into cold water and see if a ball of fudge forms. If a ball forms the fudge is ready to be taken off the heat.
How long should you boil fudge?
Ideally, you should boil your fudge up to the recommended temperature stated to be read from the thermometer. For this peanut butter flavor fudge recipe, you need a reading of 234-237°F /112-114°C.
What if I want my fudge to taste more peanut buttery?
If you love peanut butter and want even more of a kick be warned! Modifying the ingredients in our recipe provided will change the consistency and texture of the fudge.
Furthermore, the high oil contents in peanut butter will not allow the peanut butter fudge to set properly if you increase the amount. Therefore we recommend simply adding your favourite peanut butter chips into the set fudge mixture for more texture and flavour in every bite.
On the other hand, you could replace the vanilla extract with peanut butter flavour drops.
In Summary
So how did your peanut butter fudge turn out? You’ll see that preparation and and an accurate eye are key to a successful sweet treat outcome.
If you loved this great recipe, then why not check our one stop post about our favourite chocolate peanut butter fudge recipes Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: 10 Of The Most Delicious Recipes.
Or, if you are unfortunate enough to be allergic to peanut butter then don’t despair as we have plenty of other homemade fudge recipes: