Peanut Butter Butterscotch Fudge Recipe (2024)

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This is totally not related to the recipe– but it’s all-consuming me at the moment, so we’re just going to have to take a moment to discuss it:

Do you get into books? Like realllllly into books?

I do. To the point it’s been a real problem for me in life. Like, I become so maniacally involved in a plot, so obsessed with the story and the characters, that I truly struggle to function outside of the fictional world. And when I force myself to take care of the daily tasks that I must take care of, I find myself feeling….. weird. Out of place, almost. And usually pretty dejected that I’m not lost in the story at that very moment.

Anyway. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, I usually try to stay away from books. It’s a forced lifestyle I practiced while I was in college and then again when I started to blog seriously. Otherwise, it’s impossible for me to focus on anything else! Honestly. It’s the only way I’ve found to be productive in life.

But lately, I’ve been on a real reading jag– almost like a binge. But with books instead of food. I don’t know what happened… I can’t remember why I started reading the book I did (I think it may have been a road trip?). It wasn’t even that good, to be honest.

But it was like stretching my legs or taking a breath of fresh air. And I haven’t been able to stop reading. I’m up until 1 or 2 or 3 every morning, finishing a book a day at this rate. It’s insane.

I mean insane.

I’m not proud of it. You’d really be afraid for my well-being if you saw me in real life.

But it’s too late. I’ve decided just to go ahead and feed the beast and hopefully let this thing run its course.

So– I’m looking for book suggestions! I’m crazy about happy endings and Austen-eque books. I know there are tons of spin-offs and Austen-related novels, and I’m kind of enjoying reading my way through some of that cheesiness. It’s just nice and easy and relaxing, and I know some of you are bound to have some good recommendations for me!!

So let me know in the comments– what’s your favorite happily-ever-after book?

Ok. So outside of Regency-era fictional romance and trendy, pop juvenile fiction, I’m also pretty obsessed with the peanut butter + butterscotch combo.

I’ve made Butterscotch Butterfinger Rice Krispie Treats, Scotcheroo Banana Bread, and Scotcheroo Muddy Buddies— all personal favorites of mine. And today, I’m adding this fudge to the mix!

It’s truly phenomenal. And ridiculously easy to make. I almost always make two-ingredient fudge using sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips (see: Pralines and Cream Fudge, Dark Chocolate Mint Truffle Fudge, Reese’s Fudge, and Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge to name a few), because I love the simplicity of the recipe!

This recipe takes the simplicity of my favorite 2-ingredients fudge and tweaks it a bit (although it’s still simple and only 2 ingredients minus the optional chocolate drizzle!): I subbed peanut butter for the sweetened condensed milk in my fave recipe and used butterscotch chips instead of chocolate chips.

I couldn’t believe how beautifully it worked! I half expected it to never set quite right or maybe to be dry and crumbly. But just the opposite! This fudge is completely creamy and rich, cuts smooth as butter, and stays firm enough that it holds its shape and stands up to packaging just fine.

It’s quick and easy to make– just a few minutes at the stove! After that it’s just hands-off waiting time while it cools and hardens. I’ve made two batches so far; both times in the evening, and I didn’t try to cut it until the following morning (although I noted that it’s pretty firm after about 4 hours).

The chocolate drizzle is option and just for fun really, but I LOVE Scotcheroos, so I knew I wanted a little chocolate on mine. But that’s totally up to you :). I’m also thinking these would be awesome with Reese’s Piece’s sprinkled on top before it firms up!

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Fudge Recipe (3)

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Fudge

Yield: approximately 25-30 pieces

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 1/2 cups (2 packages) butterscotch morsels
  • optional: approximately 1/4 cup chocolate, melted for drizzling (I used chocolate candy melts, like Wilton's, so the drizzle would harden quickly)

Instructions

  1. Over low heat (must be LOW), melt the peanut butter in a medium sauce pan, stirring continuously.
  2. Add the butterscotch morsels and continue to stir until everything is melted and smooth.
  3. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper, and pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
  4. Allow to cool for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into 2-inch squares. You can drizzle with chocolate, if desired, before they are cut or after-- up to you. I drizzled after.

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Peanut Butter Butterscotch Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What causes peanut butter fudge not to harden? ›

If you didn't reach the correct temperature during the cooking process, it might not set properly. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that you reach the recommended temperature. Overcooking or Undercooking:Solution: Cooking the fudge for too long or too short a time can affect its texture.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Why did my peanut butter fudge turn out crumbly? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

How do you fix peanut butter fudge that is too soft? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

Why is my peanut butter fudge so soft? ›

If your fudge fails to harden in the fridge, it means that you probably didn't cook it to the right temperature. Fudge is a candy, and that means it is extremely picky about temperature - fudge must be cooked to precisely 237–239 degrees Fahrenheit so that sugar forms the desired consistency when cooled.

Can you fix grainy peanut butter fudge? ›

If you discover that your mixture is grainy, some quick thinking will save the entire batch. Pour the fudge back into your pan, and add about a cup of water to it, along with a tablespoon or two of evaporated milk, whipping cream, or whatever cream you're using.

Why did my fudge turn out like caramel? ›

Fudge can turn into caramel due to overcooking or undercooking, incorrect temperatures, or wrong ingredients.

Why does my fudge crack when I cut it? ›

There are 2 reasons that fudge will crumble: overcooking & having an undissolved sugar crystal in the mixture. That undissolved crystal will cause the dissolved sugar to recrystalize (think rock candy).

Can you over whisk fudge? ›

The longer you beat once it starts to thicken then the more crumbly the final fudge will be. If you like it smooth - beat it only until comes away from the sides of the pan and sticks well to the spoon.

Should you stir fudge constantly? ›

Stir Constantly: Stir the fudge mixture continuously, especially during the melting process, to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Use Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess to fudge, creating a smooth texture.

Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

Brush the sides of the pan with a wet brush at the beginning of cooking to dissolve sugar crystals stuck to the sides. Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How can I firm up my fudge? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

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