Here’s a detailed guide for making Peanut Butter Fudge (for 3 double batches), including the ingredients, construction steps, variations, and tips.
Ingredients (for 3 double batches):
Since you’re doubling the ingredients and making 3 batches, the total ingredients will be as follows:
- 6 cups of sugar
- 3 cups of milk
- 6 cups of peanut butter
- 3 tsp of vanilla extract
Construction (Instructions):
- Combine sugar and milk: In a large saucepan or cooker, combine the sugar and milk. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil: Once the sugar and milk mixture reaches a rapid boil, let it continue to boil for 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the peanut butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Pour into greased pan: Grease a large 11×13-inch pan (or a similar size) with butter or cooking spray. Pour the fudge mixture into the pan.
- Let it cool: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for a few hours. Once it’s fully set, you can cut it into squares.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips (or use chocolate fudge topping) to the peanut butter mixture for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels for added texture and crunch.
- Swirled Fudge: Melt some chocolate or butterscotch chips separately and swirl them into the peanut butter fudge before it sets for a marbled effect.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Fudge: Add a layer of grape or strawberry jelly on top of the fudge before it sets, creating a peanut butter and jelly flavor combination.
Tips:
- Stir constantly: While heating the sugar and milk, it’s important to stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure the sugar dissolves properly.
- Ensure it’s at a rolling boil: To get the right texture, make sure the sugar and milk mixture boils vigorously for the full 2 ½ minutes.
- Proper cooling time: Be patient and allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature. Chilling it in the fridge can make it too firm.
- Use smooth peanut butter: For the creamiest texture, use smooth peanut butter, but you can try chunky for more texture.
- Be mindful of pan size: If you use a smaller pan, the fudge may be thicker, so adjust the cooling time accordingly.
These tips and variations should help make your peanut butter fudge even more delicious!