There’s something so nostalgic about fudge. As a kid, I loved fudge shops. You could watch the candymakers create huge batches of fudge on the marble countertop, then walk away with a heavy bag filled with thick slabs of tasty treats. Thankfully, you don’t need a fudge shop to enjoy this delicious dessert. Our recipe for peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme takes only five ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time.
Fudge is one of our favorite kid-friendly recipes for kitchen time with your little ones. It’s also super adaptable, with an array of topping ideas. Enjoy this easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream at home (it will disappear fast), or make it a holiday food gift idea for loved ones.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme
- Butter: Use butter to grease the aluminum-lined pan in which you’ll shape the fudge. If you don’t have butter, you can use spray oil instead.
- Sugar: While peanut butter and marshmallow creme already contain sugar, you need granulated sugar for the base. Make sure to heat it for the full three minutes so the sugar melts.
- Whole milk: Use whole milk for the richest results.
- Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a creamy fudge, and chunky if you prefer some texture. Any of the best peanut butter brands will do.
- Marshmallow creme: Many fudge recipes call for powdered sugar, but this one uses marshmallow creme to bring it all together. Make sure to get marshmallow creme and not marshmallow fluff, as the creme contains cream of tartar, which helps the fudge set properly. Use up any extra in our favorite recipes with marshmallow creme.
- Optional toppings: Melted white chocolate and graham cracker crumbs make for an extra-sweet topping.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Line an 8-inch square pan with foil. Grease the pan thoroughly with butter, including all the edges and corners where the fudge could stick.
Step 2: Make the base
In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for three minutes while continuing to stir constantly. Remove from heat immediately so it doesn’t continue to cook.
Step 3: Add peanut butter and marshmallow creme
Stir in the peanut butter and marshmallow creme, and mix well until fully blended. Immediately spread into the prepared pan, using a rubber spatula to even out the top. Allow to cool slightly in the pan.
Step 4: Let the fudge set
Refrigerate the fudge until it’s firm. Using the foil lining, lift the fudge out of the pan in one piece. Remove the foil from the fudge.
Step 5: Cut the fudge
If desired, drizzle the top with melted white chocolate, and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Cut into squares. Store your fudge between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme Variations
- Add nuts: In Step 3, add chopped nuts to give your fudge some texture. You can use chopped peanuts, cashews, walnuts or any nut you prefer.
- Try different toppings: Fudge can be topped with so many different things, so it’s fun to get creative. Use mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels or chopped peanut butter cups.
- Make it salty: I love salted sweets, particularly when peanut butter is involved. Flake salt is my favorite type of salt for that perfect sweet-salty combo. Add it to Step 3 and another sprinkle to the top of the fudge before it sets.
How long will peanut butter fudge last?
Thankfully, fudge lasts quite a while, even at room temperature! Store cut fudge layered with parchment or waxed paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If it becomes excessively hard or gooey, it’s past its prime.
Can you freeze peanut butter fudge?
To freeze this fudge, layer it with waxed paper, and store it in the freezer in an airtight container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme Tips
What’s the best peanut butter to use for making fudge?
For this easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme, we recommend using commercial peanut butter. It’s smoother than natural peanut butter, and it doesn’t separate like natural peanut butter.
Why didn’t my peanut butter fudge set?
If your fudge doesn’t set correctly, it probably didn’t get hot enough when you cooked the sugar and milk. See these common fudge mistakes to help make the best batch possible.
Why is my peanut butter fudge crumbly?
If your fudge is crumbly, you may have overcooked the sugar, which would prevent the fudge from taking in enough water and result in a crumbly texture. It might take more than one try to get the perfect consistency, so follow the cooking times in the recipe.
