Heavenly Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Decadent Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe for Treats

Pioneer Woman’s peanut butter fudge transforms ordinary ingredients into a sublime confectionery dream.

Silky swirls of creamy goodness promise an unparalleled sweet escape for dessert enthusiasts.

Decadent layers of rich flavor blend seamlessly, creating a mouthwatering sensation that lingers.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this classic treat that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Chocolate and peanut butter intertwine like passionate dance partners, sparking joy with every single bite.

Novice and expert bakers alike can master this irresistible recipe that turns simple ingredients into magic.

Grab your mixing bowl and unleash a dessert that will become your new obsession.

How to Whip Up Peanut Butter Fudge

How to Whip Up Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Prepare Delicious Canvas

Set up an 8-inch pan with parchment paper hanging over edges, giving a quick spray to ensure smooth release later.

  • Craft Sweet Mixture

Combine sugar, milk, and salt in a saucepan. Heat and stir constantly until mixture reaches a rolling boil. Cook until mixture hits the perfect creamy consistency, watching carefully for the right moment.

  • Blend Silky Perfection

Pull pan off heat and quickly whisk in peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy texture that promises delectable results.

  • Create Fudge Foundation

Pour the luscious mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let the fudge rest and set completely at room temperature, allowing it to firm up into a delightful treat.

  • Add Chocolate Finale

Melt chocolate chips in short microwave bursts, stirring between each interval until perfectly smooth. Elegantly drizzle melted chocolate over the set fudge, then sprinkle with crunchy peanut pieces for an extra layer of excitement.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Cut the fudge into tempting squares. Your homemade masterpiece is ready to delight taste buds and impress friends and family with its rich, creamy goodness.

Tips to Adjust Peanut Butter Fudge Texture

Experiment with different types of nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic recipe.

Fold in crushed pretzels or graham crackers before setting to add delightful crunch and unexpected layers of excitement to your fudge.

Use a digital candy thermometer for foolproof results, ensuring your fudge reaches the perfect soft ball stage without burning or undercooking.

Swap chocolate drizzle with caramel sauce or swap peanut butter for cookie butter to create signature variations that surprise and delight taste buds.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Fudge Squares

  • Serve Alongside Refreshing Beverages: Pair the rich peanut butter fudge with cold milk, creamy hot cocoa, or a steaming cup of coffee to balance the sweet intensity.
  • Create Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative plate with fresh strawberries, chocolate truffles, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Pack as Delightful Gift: Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper, tie with a cute ribbon, and present as a homemade treat for friends, family, or holiday gatherings – a personal touch that shows love and care.
  • Elevate with Gourmet Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, add crushed pretzels, or drizzle caramel sauce to transform the classic fudge into a more complex and exciting dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 15

Must-Haves for Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge

For Base Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Choose pure, fine-grained sugar for smooth texture.
  • Milk: Select whole milk for richer, creamier consistency.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.
For Fudge Core Ingredients:
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Pick natural, unsweetened variety for authentic nutty taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure extract over imitation for deeper flavor profile.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Chocolate Chips: Select high-quality dark or milk chocolate for luxurious drizzle.
  • Roasted Peanuts: Choose unsalted, freshly chopped nuts for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Tools for Smoothing Peanut Butter Fudge

  • 8-inch square pan: Perfect vessel for shaping and setting fudge.
  • Parchment paper: Creates easy release and clean removal of fudge.
  • Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures smooth surface and prevents sticking.
  • Medium saucepan: Essential for heating and mixing sugar mixture.
  • Candy thermometer: Helps monitor precise temperature for perfect fudge consistency.
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate chips evenly.
  • Sharp knife: Helps create clean, precise fudge squares.
  • Cutting board: Provides stable surface for slicing fudge.

Storage and Prep for Peanut Butter Fudge Bites

  • Preserve Fudge Freshness: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, keeping treats perfectly soft and delicious.
  • Chill for Extended Enjoyment: Refrigerate fudge in sealed container for 2-3 weeks, maintaining optimal texture and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Freeze for Long-Term Delight: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Fudge stays delectable for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
  • Strategic Serving Strategy: Allow refrigerated or frozen fudge to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, ensuring creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Heavenly Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Heavenly Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 15 1x

Description

Melissa Drummond’s classic peanut butter fudge delights family celebrations with rich creamy flavors. Sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter layers combine effortlessly for quick holiday dessert magic you’ll savor and share.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (237 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (118 ml) whole milk
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsps lightly salted roasted peanuts, chopped
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, creating a 2-inch overhang and lightly spraying with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal.
  2. Sugar Syrup Development: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, whole milk, and salt. Heat to a rolling boil, stirring continuously and monitoring with a candy thermometer until reaching the soft ball stage (234°F to 240°F), which takes approximately 2-2½ minutes.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Remove from heat and swiftly whisk in creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, uniform texture. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  4. Cooling and Setting: Allow the fudge to solidify at room temperature for 2 hours, creating a firm base for the chocolate topping.
  5. Chocolate and Garnish Finale: Melt milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Drizzle the melted chocolate across the set fudge, then sprinkle chopped peanuts over the surface. Let the chocolate harden completely for approximately 20 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Precise Pan Preparation: Line the baking pan meticulously with parchment paper and use nonstick spray to guarantee easy fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Temperature Mastery: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit the precise soft ball stage (234°F-240°F) for perfect fudge consistency, avoiding grainy or hard texture.
  • Smooth Mixing Technique: Whisk peanut butter and vanilla vigorously but briefly to create a silky, uniform mixture without overworking the ingredients.
  • Chocolate Drizzling Strategy: Melt chocolate gradually in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 15
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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