Decadent Peanut Butter Fudge Bites Recipe

Rich Peanut Butter Fudge Bites: Your New Go-To Dessert!

Are you constantly searching for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? If so, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Decadent Peanut Butter Fudge Bites are an absolute dream for any peanut butter lover. Imagine a rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful fudge that just crumbles perfectly with every bite. We’re talking about that irresistible sweet and salty balance that makes peanut butter so universally loved. In a world often saturated with complicated dessert recipes, the appeal of a simple, yet profoundly delicious treat like this peanut butter fudge cannot be overstated. These bites are not just a dessert; they’re a little moment of pure joy, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Ingredients for Irresistible Peanut Butter Fudge Bites

Crafting these delightful fudge bites is all about balancing key ingredients for that perfect texture and taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups (400g) Granulated Sugar: The foundation of our fudge, providing sweetness and structure.
  • *Substitution: While granulated sugar is best for texture, you could experiment with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile, though it might affect the final color and consistency.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Evaporated Milk: Adds a creamy richness and helps to emulsify the fudge.
  • *Substitution: Regular milk can be used in a pinch, but evaporate milk provides a superiorly smooth and creamy texture. If using regular milk, you might need to cook the fudge slightly longer.
• 4 tablespoons (57g) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, a smooth mouthfeel, and helps prevent crystallization.
  • *Substitution: Salted butter can be used, but you may want to reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe. Margarine is not recommended as it can affect texture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle warmth.
  • *Substitution: Almond extract can provide a delightful nutty complement to the peanut butter.
• 1 1/2 cups (380g) Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
  • *Substitution: Natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well-stirred and doesn’t separate easily. Variations like honey-roasted peanut butter can offer a unique twist. Crunchy peanut butter will result in a different texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
  • *Note: Omit or adjust if using salted butter or very salty peanut butter.

Timing is Everything

Compared to many intricate desserts that can take hours from start to finish, these Peanut Butter Fudge Bites are wonderfully quick. The actual hands-on time for preparation and cooking is less than 30 minutes. The majority of the time involved is simply waiting for the fudge to set, which is a passive process, allowing you to focus on other things or simply relax. This makes it perfect for last-minute sweet cravings or when you need an impressive treat without a huge time commitment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

First things first, let’s get our pan ready. Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the fudge right out once it’s set. You can also lightly grease the pan if you don’t have parchment paper, but parchment paper is your best friend here for a clean release.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Grab a medium-sized saucepan and melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely until it’s shimmering and warm. Don’t let it brown – we just want it melted and ready.

Step 3: Add Sugar & Milk

To the melted butter in the saucepan, add the granulated sugar and the evaporated milk. Stir everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. A rolling boil is one that continues to bubble vigorously even when you stir it.

Step 5: Cook Slowly

Once you have a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady, gentle boil. Now, this is where patience is key! Let the mixture boil for precisely 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. This cooking time is crucial for reaching the soft-ball stage, which gives the fudge its characteristic texture.

Step 6: Beat in Peanut Butter

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the hot sugar mixture. Beat vigorously with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed until the fudge is smooth and well combined. The heat from the sugar mixture will help melt the peanut butter, creating a luscious, creamy base. Keep beating until all the streaks of peanut butter are gone and the mixture is uniformly glossy.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Pour the luscious peanut butter mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, or until completely set. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into small, bite-sized squares. Ta-da! Your decadent fudge bites are ready to be devoured!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per bite, assuming 25 bites)

• Calories: ~150-180 kcal
• Protein: ~3-4g
• Fat: ~8-10g
• Carbohydrates: ~18-22g
• Sugar: ~15-18g

*Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives & Swaps

While this recipe is a treat, we can make some adjustments for a slightly lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Reduced Sugar: Experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or xylitol (ensure to check for heat stability and taste compatibility, and be mindful of pet toxicity with xylitol). You might need to adjust cooking times.
• Nut Butter Variety: Opt for organic, unsweetened peanut butter. Consider almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutrient profile and flavor.
• Smaller Portions: Simply cutting them into smaller “bites” is the easiest way to manage portions!
• Add-ins: Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds with the peanut butter to add a boost of fiber and omega-3s.

Serving Suggestions

These fudge bites are incredibly versatile:

• Enjoy them as a simple after-dinner dessert.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
• Serve them alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• They make a fantastic addition to dessert platters or cookie boxes, especially during holidays.
• Wrap them individually in small squares of parchment or wax paper for easy gifting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Cooking Time/Temperature: Not cooking the mixture long enough or at the wrong temperature can result in fudge that is too soft and won’t set, or fudge that is too hard and crumbly. Using a candy thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve the correct consistency. For soft-ball stage, look for 235-240°F (113-116°C).
• Over-stirring after adding peanut butter: Once the peanut butter is added and the mixture is smooth, avoid excessive beating, which can sometimes lead to a grainy texture.
• Not stirring constantly: During the boiling stage, constant stirring is vital to prevent the sugar from crystallizing or the mixture from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
• Cutting too soon: Ensure the fudge is completely cooled and set before attempting to cut it. Trying to cut it while warm will result in a gooey mess.

Storing Your Delicious Fudge

Proper storage is key to keeping your peanut butter fudge bites fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layering squares between parchment paper can prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the fudge. However, refrigeration can sometimes make fudge a bit firmer than desired. Ensure it’s in an airtight container.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Enjoy Your Homemade Bliss!

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Decadent Peanut Butter Fudge Bites. These little squares of heaven are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself. The interplay of creamy peanut butter, sweet sugar, and rich butter creates a flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to fall in love with homemade fudge all over again. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Decadent Peanut Butter Fudge Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

These rich Peanut Butter Fudge Bites are a must-try dessert!

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cupunsalted butter
• 2 cupsgranulated sugar
• 1/2 cupwhole milk
• 3/4 cuppeanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 tspvanilla extract
• 1/4 tspsalt
• 2 cupspowdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your baking dish. Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang. This overhang will make it a breeze to lift the fudge out once it sets.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. It’s important to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. As the butter melts, add in the granulated sugar and whole milk. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved—this will create the necessary sweet base for the fudge.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for exactly two minutes; timing is crucial here, as this step is essential for achieving the right fudge consistency.
4. Once the two minutes are up, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creamy or chunky peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are smooth and creamy—your fudge base is coming together nicely!
5. Now it’s time to add the powdered sugar. Gradually whisk it in to avoid any lumps. This gradual addition helps ensure a silky, smooth fudge.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread across the bottom. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before moving it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least two hours or until firm—you want it to be set but still slightly soft for chewy bites.
7. When the fudge is firm, take it out of the fridge. Lift it out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Carefully slice into squares—the perfect bite-sized pieces to enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding the other ingredients for a smooth mixture. Pay attention to the boiling time; too long or too short can affect the fudge texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: 215 calories
• Protein: 3 g