½cupwhole milk (or evaporated milk for a richer flavor)
½cupunsalted butter, cut into pieces
1cupcreamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)
1tsppure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
Chopped peanuts (for crunch)
Flaky sea salt (for a sweet-salty finish)
Chocolate chips (for a peanut butter-chocolate combo)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Lightly grease the paper with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Fudge Base
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine: 2 cups granulated sugar, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup unsalted butter
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Continue boiling until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage—about 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of the mixture into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball when ready.
Add Peanut Butter & Flavor
Remove the pan from heat immediately after reaching the desired temperature.
Quickly stir in: 1 cup peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth, thick, and glossy.
Pour & Set
Quickly pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top.
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until fully set.
Slice & Serve
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper.