Peanut butter fudge is a timeless treat, celebrated for its creamy richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Making the perfect batch involves just a few key ingredients and a little attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making three double batches of this indulgent dessert, ensuring consistent, delicious results every time.
Why Peanut Butter Fudge Is the Perfect Dessert
Peanut butter fudge is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavor. It pairs wonderfully with other desserts, makes an excellent gift, and can be customized with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or marshmallows. With our tried-and-tested recipe, you’ll be able to create smooth, creamy fudge effortlessly.
Ingredients for 3 Double Batches of Peanut Butter Fudge
To make three double batches of peanut butter fudge, you’ll need the following:
6 cups of sugar
3 cups of milk
6 cups of peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on your preference)
3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
This recipe doubles the standard single-batch ingredients to ensure you have plenty to share (or keep for yourself!).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Fudge
1. Prepare Your Cooking Space
Gather your tools:
A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (for even heating)
A sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring)
A greased 11×13-inch baking pan for each double batch (or a larger pan for combined batches)
2. Combine Sugar and Milk
In your saucepan, combine:
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of milk
Stir well to dissolve the sugar before applying heat.
3. Bring to a Rapid Boil
Set the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a rapid boil, allow it to cook for exactly 2 ½ minutes. Precision is key—overcooking can result in a grainy texture, while undercooking may leave your fudge too soft to set.
4. Add Vanilla and Peanut Butter
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in:
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 cups of peanut butter
Mix until the peanut butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour and Set
Pour the mixture into the prepared greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring a uniform thickness. Let the fudge cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until fully set, which typically takes 1–2 hours.
Scaling Up for Three Double Batches
When making three double batches simultaneously:
Use a large stockpot to accommodate the increased volume.
Double the greased pans or use a large baking tray if you prefer to combine all batches into one.
Mix each batch thoroughly to ensure consistency across the larger quantity.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your fudge will be influenced by the quality of your peanut butter and vanilla extract. Opt for natural or premium peanut butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Avoid Overcooking: A candy thermometer can help ensure the mixture doesn’t exceed the ideal temperature. The sweet spot for fudge is between 234°F and 240°F (soft-ball stage).
Customize Your Fudge: For a fun twist, consider adding mix-ins like:
Chocolate chips
Crushed pretzels
Mini marshmallows
Chopped nuts
Fold these into the mixture before pouring it into the pan.
Store Properly:
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