This easy Reese's Peanut Butter Fudge recipe will take only minutes to make and will be a hit with everyone. It is the perfect Halloween treat for any party or special event.
Top with sprinkles or chopped peanuts for a fun and festive look. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
For more sweet Trick or Treats we have Mummy Brownies, Mummy Pigs in a Blanket, Halloween Snack Mix, Monster Cookie Truffles, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies. Your party guest will have a spooky time at your Halloween table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Reese's peanut butter fudge is a delicious and easy-to-make treat. It only requires eight ingredients and takes about fifteen minutes to make. This old fashioned peanut butter fudge can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it the perfect no-fuss treat. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or a festive dessert, this Reese's Pieces peanut butter fudge is sure to satisfy.
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Ingredients
You can use Halloween themed M&M's or Reese's Pieces candies, the difference is whether you want chocolate or peanut butter candies in the fudge.
- White granulated sugar
- Unsalted Butter, cubed
- Evaporated Milk (or Heavy Cream)
- Salt
- Peanut Butter, crunchy or creamy - your preference.
- 7 oz Jar of Marshmallow Fluff, or make your own with my sister's Marshmallow Fluff recipe.
- Vanilla extract
- Halloween M&M's Peanut Candies or Reese's Pieces Candies
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Reese's Fudge
Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray with non stick spray and set to the side.
Clear some space in your refrigerator if you plan to cool your fudge faster in the refrigerator. Too many times I forget this until I have the fridge open, my hand full with the pan of fudge, and have to stop and clear space at the last minute.
Step 1. Combine Fudge Ingredients
Use a heavy bottom pot that has some width. I usually use a stainless steel dutch oven that is about 3 quarts, but you can also use an enameled cast iron dutch oven. These pots disperse the heat and get the ingredients to the candy stage quicker with less risk of scorching the milk. A whisk works really well to keep the milk and sugar mixture moving.
Combine the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt in a heavy 3 saucepan.
Bring to a full boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and continue to stir for 5 minutes.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Add the Peanut Butter & the Fluff
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in peanut butter until fully melted. Add the vanilla and the marshmallow fluff, mix until fully blended.
Beat the fudge until the peanut butter and fluff are fully blended in, with no streaks remaining. Fold in the M&M or Reese's Pieces Candies.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Pour into Pan to Set Up
Spread the peanut butter fudge into the parchment paper lined 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread so that the layer is even.
Cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, or place in the refrigerator to cool for 1 to 2 hours. Cut when cooled and set up.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned peanut butter fudge is all dressed up with Halloween M&M's or Reese's Pieces. However, you can also serve it without the decorative candies anytime you are craving old fashioned peanut butter fudge.
Serve it during Halloween, or any other holiday.
For more sweet Trick or Treats we have Mummy Brownies, Mummy Pigs in a Blanket, Halloween Snack Mix, Monster Cookie Truffles, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies. Your party guest will have a spooky time at your Halloween table!
Substitutions
If you have loved ones with peanut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter for almond butter. Use a peanut free candy to decorate with, or just top the Reese's peanut butter fudge with holiday cookie decorating sprinkles.
Variations
Remove a portion (about 2 cups) of the hot peanut butter fudge into a small bowl and stir in semi sweet chocolate chip morsels until they are melted. Pour the regular peanut butter fudge into the 9 x 13 inch pan, then pour the chocolate flavored. Swirl with the back of a spoon. Chill and cut your Peanut Butter & Chocolate Swirl Fudge!
Equipment
Storage
Once cooled, but the peanut butter fudge and store stacked in an air tight plastic container at room temperature or refrigerated. You can also freeze the fudge for later.
Tips for Success
- Use a clean water dipped spatula to scrape down the sides of the milk & sugar mixture when it's boiling. Wash the spatula each time you scrape. This will help keep sugar crystals from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evaporated milk is milk that has been cooked to reduce its water content. It is more stable than regular milk and it can be cooked at high temperatures without curdling, a real benefit to fudge.
If you don't beat for long enough, it won't set, and your fudge will be soft.
You use cream of tartar to help set the fudge. The cream of tartar helps the fudge to set by breaking the sugar's sucrose into glucose and fructose, thereby making crystallization of the fudge less possible. This helps the fudge remain soft and chewy.
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for evaporated milk! Half and half's thicker consistency is similar to evaporated milk, and can easily be used as a substitute in recipes.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Reese's Peanut Butter Fudge
Equipment
- 3 qt Saucepan heavy bottomed
Ingredients
- 2½ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cubed
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cup Peanut Butter crunchy or creamy, any brand
- 7 oz jar of Marshmallow Fluff
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups Halloween M&M's or Reese's Pieces candies
Instructions
- Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, cream of tartar, and salt in a heavy 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a full boil over high heat, stirring constantly.2½ cup white granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsalted butter, ⅔ cup evaporated milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook and stir for 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
- To prevent crystallization of the sugar, scrape the sides of the pan with a water-dipped silicone spatula.
- Stir in the peanut butter and stir until melted. Add Vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff, beating until both are well blended and the fluff leaves to tendrils.1½ cup Peanut Butter, 7 oz jar of Marshmallow Fluff, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fold in the M&M Peanut Candies (or use Reese's Pieces Candies). Spread fudge in the prepared 9 x 13 baking pan.1½ cups Halloween M&M's or Reese's Pieces candies
- Cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until set up. Or, cool for 1 - 2 hours in the refrigerator. Slice when cool. Store in a plastic container.
Notes
- Use cream of tartar to help set the fudge. The cream of tartar helps the fudge to set by breaking the sugar's sucrose into glucose and fructose, thereby making crystallization of the fudge less possible.
Nutrition
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