Why We Love Peanut Butter Candy
We love to visit the quaint “old-timey” towns dotted throughout the nearby Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. They typically have all kinds of family-friendly attractions like photo booths with period dress-up clothes, interactive museums, and the best of all, candy shops! At these shops (or, shoppes as they are often called) you find bags and boxes of yummy classic confections, from saltwater taffy to fruit-filled bonbons. But we always head straight for the cases of old-fashioned fudge! Row after row of soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candy goodness in a dizzying array of flavors… While they are all delicious, hands-down Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is our absolute favorite!
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
I mean, let’s be honest: There’s just nothing quite so enticing as peanut butter fudge. It’s smooth, creamy, rich, and sweet, with a soft yet firm texture that just begs to be bitten. And peanut butter fudge is dangerously easy to make! Simply microwave a handful of ingredients, spread it into a baking pan. Then chill and serve. Want to get even more decadent? This easy old-fashioned Chocolate and Peanut Butter Candy recipe can be made with a thin layer of chocolate fudge swirled on top. Or make as straight peanut butter, for the purists. Either way, it makes marvelous edible gifts or simple party treats… If you feel like sharing. No judgment.
Ingredients You Need
To make the classic Peanut Butter Fudge:
Peanut butter Salted butter Vanilla extract Salt Powdered sugar
For the (optional) Chocolate Swirl topping:
Chocolate chips – semi sweet or dark Butter – salted or unsalted Powdered sugar – AKA confectioners sugar Milk – whole milk is best
How to Make Peanut Butter Candy with Chocolate
Set out a large and small microwave-safe bowl. Set out an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. For the peanut butter fudge, place the peanut butter, salted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in the larger bowl. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and thin. Add the powdered sugar to the bowl, bit by bit. Stir in the powdered sugar a little at a time to form a smooth fudgy base. Move the peanut butter fudge mixture to the prepared pan. Press into an even layer. Use a butter knife to cut ridges/gashes on top of the peanut butter fudge to create a swirly layer with the chocolate fudge. If you are making pure old-fashioned peanut butter fudge, simply add the mixture to the pan and press gently to make it even across the top. For the chocolate swirl layer: In the smaller bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk. If the mixture is too thick to spread stir in the second teaspoon of milk. Pour the mixture over the top of the peanut butter fudge spread and press to work the chocolate fudge down into the crevices of the peanut butter fudge. Chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. Then lift the fudge out of the pan by the edges of the paper. Cut into 1-inch squares. Pro Tip: It’s best to cut the fudge while it is cold. However, the fudgy texture is best at room temperature. So I recommend that you slice the chilled fudge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to enjoy it.
How to Store Homemade Fudge
Place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap the fudge tightly in foil, then a layer of plastic wrap, to help retain the moisture, before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Looking For More Delicious Candies? Be Sure To Also Try These Easy Recipes:
Strawberry Lemonade Fudge Potato Chip Cookie Bars with Fudge Topping Peppermint Fudge No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeye Candy) Fluffy Divinity Candy
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