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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the fudge to solidify at room temperature for 2 hours, creating a firm base for the chocolate topping.
- 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