When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, there's nothing quite like the decadent and velvety taste of homemade peanut butter fudge. If you've been on the hunt for the perfect recipe, look no further than the Pioneer Woman's peanut butter fudge. This delightful treat combines rich peanut butter flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you coming back for more.

Making the Pioneer Woman's peanut butter fudge is a breeze, and you'll only need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With a little time and a lot of love, you can create a luscious fudge that will impress your friends and family, leaving them begging for the recipe.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Pro Tips
Pioneer Woman’s Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe: Indulge in Creamy and Irresistible Goodness
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Pioneer Woman's peanut butter fudge recipe

Ingredients

Granulated sugar — 2 cups
Evaporated milk — 1 cup
Unsalted butter — ½ cup
Marshmallow creme — 7 ounces
Smooth peanut butter — 1 cup
Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is around 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the marshmallow creme, smooth peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it becomes firm, which should take about 2 hours.
Once the fudge has completely cooled and set, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper as handles. Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares.
Serve and enjoy the irresistible creaminess of Pioneer Woman's peanut butter fudge!

Substitutions

Marshmallow creme — If you don't have marshmallow creme on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mini marshmallows. Simply melt the marshmallows along with the other ingredients, stirring until smooth.

Smooth peanut butter — While smooth peanut butter is ideal for achieving a velvety texture, you can experiment with chunky peanut butter for added crunchiness. Keep in mind that the texture and appearance will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious!

Unsalted butter — If you only have salted butter, you can use it in this recipe. Just be mindful of the overall saltiness of the fudge and adjust accordingly.

Variations

Chocolate peanut butter fudge — For all the chocolate lovers out there, you can add a decadent twist to this recipe by incorporating some melted chocolate. Simply melt a cup of your favorite chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) and swirl it into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.

Crunchy peanut butter fudge — If you prefer some texture in your fudge, you can mix in a handful of chopped nuts, such as roasted peanuts or almonds, to give it a delightful crunch.

Salted caramel peanut butter fudge — Elevate the flavor profile of the fudge by drizzling some homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled fudge squares. The sweet and salty combination will take your taste buds on a delightful adventure.

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Candy thermometer
Spatula
Square baking dish
Parchment paper
Cutting board
Knife

Storage

If you happen to have any leftover fudge, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

The fudge will keep well for up to 2 weeks, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Pro Tips

Temperature control — When cooking the fudge mixture, ensure that you monitor the temperature closely using a candy thermometer. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency and prevent the fudge from becoming too soft or grainy.

Smooth pouring — To ensure a smooth and even layer of fudge in the baking dish, lightly grease it and line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper will make removing the fudge easier once it has been set.

Additions, not substitutions — While it's tempting to make substitutions for certain ingredients, it's best to experiment with additions rather than substitutions to maintain the recipe's integrity. This way, you can enjoy the original flavors while adding your own personal touch.

Gifts from the heart — Wrap individual pieces of fudge in wax paper and tie them with a colorful ribbon or place them in a decorative tin. These little treats make wonderful gifts for loved ones for special occasions or simply to show appreciation.