Creamy Peanut Butter Squares are the kind of snack that everyone loves to bite into, especially when you’re in the mood for something smooth, rich, and a little indulgent. This treat combines the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and a sweet, buttery base that melts in your mouth. Every bite feels like a mini celebration, and once you make them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try Creamy Peanut Butter Squares sooner. They’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of fuss, making them perfect for a quick treat or even for sharing with friends and family.
The Simple Ingredients
The beauty of Creamy Peanut Butter Squares lies in how simple the ingredients are. You’ll need just a few pantry staples, like peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and graham crackers. These come together to create a soft, crumbly base that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy peanut butter layer on top. No baking required—just a little mixing and chilling, and you’re good to go! The hardest part is waiting for them to set in the fridge while the flavors meld.
No-Bake Convenience
One of the best things about Creamy Peanut Butter Squares is that they don’t need to be baked. That means you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven or heating up the kitchen. The no-bake process is quick and simple, perfect for a last-minute treat or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just layer, chill, and cut into squares to enjoy!
Perfect for Sharing
Creamy Peanut Butter Squares are perfect for sharing with friends or family. They make a great addition to any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion. The rich, sweet flavor is sure to please everyone, and the bite-sized pieces make them easy to pass around. Plus, they keep well in the fridge, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Once you try them, Creamy Peanut Butter Squares will quickly become your go-to snack for any occasion!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Creamy Peanut Butter Squares
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, peanut butter, and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free fudge. This step helps the ingredients blend together more easily.
- Don’t Overheat the Sugar Mixture: When boiling the brown sugar, butter, and milk, let it simmer for about 2 minutes. If overcooked, the mixture may crystallize, affecting the texture of the fudge.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing prevents clumps and ensures a smooth fudge base. This step is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Optional Mix-ins: For an extra flavor boost, mix in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a balance of sweet and savory. These add-ins can also make the fudge feel more gourmet.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing it in the fridge. This helps set the fudge without creating condensation, which can affect the texture.
- Perfect Storage: For the best texture, store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you refrigerate it, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best mouthfeel.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters (e.g., almond or cashew) for a twist on the classic peanut butter flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate to make the fudge even more visually appealing when serving at parties or holiday gatherings.
Creamy Peanut Butter Squares
4
squares15
minutes5
minutes210
kcal1
hour1
hour20
minutesIndulge in the smooth and rich taste of our Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge, a must-try treat for any occasion! This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a melt-in-your-mouth delight that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet craving. Quick and straightforward, you can whip up this delectable fudge in no time, impressing friends and family alike with its irresistible flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this peanut butter fudge is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Get ready to experience pure fudgy bliss!
Ingredients
- Fudge Base
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon whole milk
- Flavoring
1.5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients
7 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Alternative Ingredients:
Butter: Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a replacement.
Milk: Replace with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Peanut Butter: Any nut butter such as cashew or almond butter can be used.
Vanilla Extract: Use vanilla bean or almond extract instead.
Powdered Sugar: Opt for gluten-free powdered sugar or alternative sweeteners if needed.
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients – Gather all necessary components to streamline the cooking process. Measure out 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk before beginning. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking experience. (5 minutes)
- Melt and Combine – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring continuously. Add the brown sugar and milk to the melted butter, mixing thoroughly. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, maintaining a steady stir to prevent burning, and let it boil for approximately 2 minutes. (7 minutes)
- Incorporate Flavorings – Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a creamy texture. Optionally, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. (3 minutes)
- Mix in Powdered Sugar – In a separate mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to avoid clumps. Gradually add the peanut butter mixture to the powdered sugar, beating continuously with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step should take about 3-5 minutes. (5 minutes)
- Set the Fudge – Pour the beaten mixture into a small, greased baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Allow the fudge to cool and set, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. (10 minutes + 60 minutes chilling)
- Serve and Store – Once set, cut the fudge into squares of your desired size. For best results, store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness. Optionally, decorate with toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle for added flavor and presentation. (5 minutes)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Creamy Peanut Butter Squares
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your fudge an added texture and a delightful crunch. Just make sure to stir well so the peanuts are evenly distributed.
How can I make this fudge dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with coconut oil or margarine, and use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk. Also, make sure to use dairy-free peanut butter and powdered sugar if needed.
Can I store this fudge in the freezer?
Yes, you can freeze the fudge. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. To serve, thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to cut the fudge into squares?
For clean cuts, chill the fudge until firm, then use a sharp knife to cut through the fudge. If you want perfect squares, measure and score the fudge before cutting it.
Can I use an alternative sweetener for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace powdered sugar with a powdered alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just make sure to check the conversion ratio as some sweeteners are much sweeter than regular sugar.
