Easy Peanut Butter Fudge: A Simple Version of Granny’s Christmas Candy

Christmas wasn’t Christmas without Granny’s peanut butter fudge. Each year I’d wait for that first bite of creamy, nostalgic goodness. Others went for the chocolate fudge or divinity, but I thought her peanut butter fudge the best fudge ever.

A few years after we lost my grandmother, I found out that my mom had Granny’s Peanut Butter Fudge recipe. After the first (and only time) I made it, all I could say was bless Granny’s heart for making it all those years! That was some task!

An Easier Way

Her recipe required a candy thermometer and used the term “soft ball stage.” I wasn’t interested in making a recipe that was that in depth. I knew there had to be an easier way.

With a little experimenting and a lot of tasting, I created a simpler version that delivers the same rich flavor and creamy texture, but there is no candy thermometer required. If you’re craving classic homemade peanut butter fudge with minimal fuss, this easy peanut butter fudge version is for you.

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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: Simple Ingredients and Quick Prep

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Simple Ingredients

You only need three basic ingredients to make this easy recipe. All of these items are things you can keep on hand so you can throw it together quickly and as needed.

When I threw this simple little recipe together over 30 years ago, I added vanilla, because vanilla makes just about everything better. After all this time, I finally tried it without the vanilla, and it is so much better. I guess it is a matter of preference.

Instructions

Have you ever messed up making your own recipe? When I made this and took pictures, I didn’t look at the recipe. I’ve made it a million times, so who needs to look – ME!

If you notice, the instructions say to add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in after microwaving the peanut butter mixture. You can see from the pictures that the sweetened condensed milk went in the microwave as well.

It still turned out, so I guess it works both ways. However, I would suggest adding it to the peanut butter mixture after the microwave, just like the recipe card says.

This easy peanut butter fudge recipe makes the perfect treat for gift giving during the Christmas holiday season. In fact, it is one of my go-to recipes for homemade gifts.

It has to be the easiest peanut butter fudge ever. The best part is that it only takes 5 active minutes to prepare.

Helpful Item

I love this measuring cup any time I am working with peanut butter. No more scraping the measuring cup to get it all out! It works to measure other things as well, but I usually just use mine for peanut butter.

Here is a link for this measuring cup.

Other Additional Tips and Notes (FAQs)

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
  • You can use creamy peanut butter or the crunchy version. It is totally a preference.
• Can I use natural peanut butter?
  • I have never tried this easy recipe with natural peanut butter. If you want to try it, be sure to stir thoroughly before mixing. (Natural peanut butter can separate.)
• Want a chocolate peanut butter version?
  • Use chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips to make a chocolate and peanut butter fudge. You could also try white chocolate chips.
• No candy thermometer, no problem!
  • This version skips the “soft-ball stage” candy-making steps, making it ideal for quick holiday treats or first-time fudge makers.
• Do I need to spray the pan before making the fudge?
  • There is no need to have a prepared pan for this recipe. Just pour the peanut butter mixture in the dish or pan without spraying it.
• After the fudge is set:
  • Keep at room temperature.
  • Store in an airtight container. (In a pinch, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.)
• Best for Gifts:
  • This fudge makes a delicious homemade gift. Store it in an airtight container or festive tin.

Did anyone else’s grandmother use this type of Tupperware airtight container for their Christmas candy? This one is actually Jay’s grandmother’s, but Granny had one also.

• Give the fudge as gifts for neighbors or coworkers.
• Use parchment paper or plastic wrap to keep fudge fresh in the gift containers.
• Top with melted chocolate before refrigerating to make peanut butter cups.
• It is easier to cut the fudge into small squares if you cut it before it is fully set, after about 30 minutes.

Other Helpful Items

• Baking Dish Carrier
• Storage Containers for Food (Gifts)

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Recipe Card – My Easy Version of Granny’s Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you are like me and like your recipes printed, here is a full printable recipe.

Easy Version of Granny's Peanut Butter Fudge

Print

This is an easy version of my grandmother's peanut butter fudge.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ Cups Smooth or Crunchy Peanut Butter
• 1 Bag Peanut Butter Chips (Reese’s – on the baking aisle)
• 1 Can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 t. Vanilla Extract, Optional

Instructions

• In a microwave safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and the peanut butter chips and melt by cooking in the microwave on high for 3 minutes.
• Remove and stir well.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
• Pour into a 9X13 baking dish and flatten with a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.
• Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.

The next time you need a quick and easy dessert for the peanut butter lover in your life, give this new version of old fashioned peanut butter fudge a try. With just three simple ingredients and no need for a candy thermometer, it may just be the easiest homemade peanut butter fudge recipe you will ever try.

Related Posts

Granny Grace’s Easy and Delicious Chess Cake Recipe
Granny’s Old Fashioned Pineapple Chess Pie Recipe

Until next time,

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“How sweet Your Word is to my taste – sweeter than honey in my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103