Dreamy Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge

Name: Dreamy Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 3 cups sugar; ¾ cup Butter ((not margarine)); ⅔ cup Evaporated Milk; 7 ounces Marshmallow CREME ((not Fluff!)); 1 cup Peanut Butter (we use Skippy); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This dreamy peanut butter fantasy fudge is remarkably simple to make and offers the perfect smooth creamy fudge that will melt in your mouth.

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Dreamy Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge is a delectable dessert featuring a rich and creamy fudge base infused with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter. It typically combines evaporated milk, butter, peanut butter, marshmallow creme and vanilla extract for a delightful, indulgent treat that’s adored by peanut butter enthusiasts.

This fudge is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge

Generally speaking, it’s easier to make this peanut butter fantasy fudge if you measure all of the ingredients ahead of time and have them ready to go. Candy is rather finicky and you need to be able to work fast.

In a medium saucepan combine the butter, evaporated milk and sugar over medium heat. I generally use (5) on my gas stove, stirring constantly.

Be aware that evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are not the same and are not interchangeable. If you make the mistake of using sweetened condensed milk your fudge will not set and will taste terrible.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and boil it for EXACTLY 5 minutes, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is when the “boil” doesn’t go away while you’re actively stirring!

b101-peanut-butter-fantasy-fudge-step by step

If you don’t make candy very often and you’re worried that your fudge won’t come out, the precise temperature is 234°F if you’re using REAL butter and 237°F-239°F if you’re using margarine.

In case you’re wondering why there’s a difference, margarine contains more water and the extra cooking time evaporates the liquid, concentrating the sugar. You can use a digital candy thermometer spatula to stir with to see the exact temperature if you’d like.

Immediately remove from the heat and add the entire jar of marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and the peanut butter . . .

Working quickly, stir constantly until the ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated.

Pour the fudge in a 9″x9″ buttered foil pan, or round cake pan if you want to cut the fudge into even-sized wedges instead.

This is handy if you want to decorate the wedges to look like reindeer for gift-giving. The pan below is actually a Christmas silicone mold for making 6 individual bars of fudge.

Set the pan on a cooling rack and leave it alone until cool (at least 2 hours). Try not to move it or touch it as this will make your fudge crack or develop sugar crystals, which will make the fudge gritty.

This recipe makes 3 lbs of dreamy peanut butter fantasy fudge. Sometimes we use small foil pans and make three individual one-pound pans of fudge instead for gift-giving.

Tips-n-Tricks Before you Start

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re making candy, the most important being don’t waste your time or ingredients cooking on rainy days. This is NOT a rainy day activity. High humidity has a tendency to cause candy recipes to fail or at the very least, to come out sticky and less than perfect.

If you’re planning on using a thermometer to ensure the candy reaches the perfect temperature, be sure to test it to ensure it’s working properly.

Like everything else, thermometers have a shelf life and they’re not always accurate. Candy isn’t cheap to make, the ingredients can be rather costly, so wasting them really isn’t an option.

Always use a heavy saucepan that has tall sides. Once the candy reaches a rolling boil, it becomes almost foamy and can easily boil over or splatter, causing serious burns.

Original Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge Recipe

You’ll Need:
3 c. sugar
3/4 c. Butter
2/3 c. Evaporated Milk
1 (7oz) Jar Marshmallow CREME (not Fluff!)
1 cup Peanut Butter (we use Skippy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 – 9″x9″ foil pan, lightly Buttered.

To easily butter a pan without a mess, slip a sandwich baggie over your hand, dip in some soft butter and wipe the pan with it.

In a medium saucepan combine margarine, evaporated milk and sugar over medium heat.
Bring it to a rolling boil and boil it for EXACTLY 5 minutes, stirring constantly (A rolling boil is when the “boil” doesn’t go away while your actively stirring!).
Immediately remove from the heat and add the entire jar of marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and peanut butter stirring constantly until smooth and fully incorporated.
Pour into a 9″x9″ buttered foil pan, or round cake pan if you want to cut the fudge into even-sized wedges instead.
Set on a cooling rack and leave it alone until cool (at least 2 hours). This makes 3 lbs of dreamy peanut butter fantasy fudge.

Budget101 Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge Gift Idea

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Dreamy Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge

What is Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge?

Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge is a delicious dessert made from a creamy fudge base infused with peanut butter, offering a sweet and nutty flavor combination.

Is Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.

What variations can I try with Fantasy Fudge?

Get creative with Fantasy Fudge by experimenting with different nuts, adding sea salt for a salty-sweet twist, or swirling in caramel for a delightful variation.

How should I store dreamy peanut butter fudge?

To store Dreamy Peanut Butter Fudge:

Cool Completely: Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature.

Cut and Wrap: Cut the fudge into squares or pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper.

Airtight Container: Place the wrapped pieces in an airtight container. You can also use a resealable plastic bag.

Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and texture.

Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the fudge within a week or two, storing it at room temperature in a cool, dry place is also fine.

By following these steps, you can keep your Dreamy Peanut Butter Fudge fresh and delicious for an extended period.

Can I use margarine in place of butter in the fudge?

Yes, you can typically substitute margarine for butter in fudge recipes. However, it’s important to note that margarine may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

You’ll also need to cook the fudge to a slightly higher temperature, as indicated in the recipe to account for the difference in water levels.

What are common mistakes to avoid when making fudge?

Common mistakes include overcooking, not using a thermometer, not stirring enough during boiling, and not properly preparing the pan.

How long should I let fudge cool before cutting it?

Allow fudge to cool at room temperature for a few hours. It is important not to move fudge until it has cooled completely.

Typically, it’s ready to cut within 2-4 hours.

Can I make fudge without a candy thermometer?

While a thermometer is recommended for accuracy, you can use the cold water test by dropping a small amount of the hot syrup into cold water to check for the soft-ball stage.

Alternatively, once it reaches a rolling boil, cook it for exactly 5 minutes.