Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy gatherings, and the incredible aromas wafting through the kitchen—it all just fills my heart with joy! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this time is my Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so indulgent, making it the perfect sweet treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, when you bite into a piece, it’s like a little piece of heaven on earth! Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities. So, let’s get started on making this delightful fudge that’ll definitely steal the show at your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients for Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
How to Prepare Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making that delicious Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll be so proud once you see it come together. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of creamy fudge ready to impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of milk. Place it over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. This is where the magic begins! Once you see those bubbles, let it boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. Trust me, this step is crucial for that perfect fudge texture.
- After the time is up, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s all nice and smooth.
- Next, gently mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar until fully combined. It’ll get a bit thick, but that’s just what we want!
- Pour the fudge mixture into a greased 8×8 inch pan and spread it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature until set, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.
- Once it’s firm, cut it into squares and get ready to enjoy your homemade treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly rich and creamy, making every bite a delight!
- Super simple to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
- Versatile—feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist!
- Always a crowd-pleaser, this fudge is sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge turns out perfectly every time! First, be patient while boiling the sugar mixture—this is key to achieving that smooth texture. If you don’t let it boil long enough, the fudge might end up too soft. Also, don’t skip the stirring while it’s heating up; it helps to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning.
Make sure to use a good quality peanut butter; it really makes a difference in flavor! And remember, if you want to add chocolate chips, fold them in just before pouring into the pan for a delightful surprise. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to taste along the way!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s chat about the ingredients for your Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge! First off, for granulated sugar, it’s essential for that sweet base, but if you’re looking to cut back on refined sugar, you could try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute—just keep in mind the texture might change a bit.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce any added salt in the recipe. As for the peanut butter, I always recommend using creamy for that luscious texture, but crunchy can work too if you want a little extra bite. And lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique flavor twist!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each piece of your delightful Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge. Each serving contains about 120 calories, with 7g of fat, 10g of sugar, and 2g of protein. It’s important to note that these numbers can vary slightly depending on the brands of ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your sweet treat in moderation!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter can have a different texture. You might want to stir it well before measuring to ensure it blends smoothly into the fudge.
How do I know when my fudge is ready?
The fudge is ready when it has cooled and set firmly in the pan, usually after about 1-2 hours. If it’s still too soft, it may need a little more cooking time next time around!
Can I add extras like chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips or nuts is a fantastic way to customize your fudge. Just fold them in right before pouring the mixture into the pan.
How should I store my fudge?
Keep your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it to maintain its freshness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge is super easy! Just place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can pop it in the fridge, where it can last for about two weeks. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for that perfect texture!
Reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you’d like to warm it up slightly, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might lose that lovely creamy consistency!
Christmas Peanut Butter Fudge: 5 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy peanut butter fudge perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Pour into a greased 8×8 inch pan and let cool.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time for the holidays.
- Add chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas, Peanut Butter, Fudge, Holiday Treat