(WWTI) – With Thanksgiving in a few days it’s a perfect time to whip up the batch, it’s National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.
The origins of fudge come from a mistake, a delicious mistake, in the 1880s a European chef made a batch of caramel that went awry. The chef exclaimed “Oh, fudge!” and the name stuck. As the popularity of fudge grew many different flavors were made and the American peanut got involved. With over 75% of modern American households containing a jar — or more — of peanut butter, it really isn’t any wonder that peanut butter became a flavor of fudge.
Sally’s Baking Addiction has the recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt
- optional: 3/4 cup add-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanuts, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Directions:
- Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished fudge out.
- Melt the peanut butter and butter together in a large bowl. I prefer to slice the butter to make melting easier. Stop the microwave and stir the mixture every minute until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla using a large silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Add the salt if you prefer a salty/sweet fudge. Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and stir until completely combined. The mixture is very, very thick and resembles cookie dough. If using any add-ins, fold them into the fudge while it is still warm.
- Press the fudge into a prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula or spoon. The top will be somewhat oily. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and chill for at least 4 hours or until firm. Cut into pieces.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Happy National Peanut Butter Fudge Day!
