Ingredients
Makes 16 squares (8x8 pan)
1 (16 oz) container vanilla frosting (full-fat, like Betty Crocker or Pillsbury—avoid “lite”)
1 (16 oz) jar creamy peanut butter (not “natural”—needs stabilizers to set firm!)
✅ Joye’s Optional Upgrades (Because You Love Depth & Crunch!)
½ tsp pure vanilla extract (stirred in after melting—deepens flavor)
Pinch of fine sea salt (balances sweetness—your signature touch!)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts (folded in before chilling)
Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top before chilling (elegant finish!)
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use creamy peanut butter—not crunchy—for ultra-smooth fudge. Save the crunch for the topping!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt with Care
→ In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine frosting and peanut butter.
→ Microwave on medium (50%) power in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy (~1.5–2 minutes total).
✅ Don’t rush—high heat can cause separation. Stir until fully blended.
2. Customize (If You Like!)
→ Stir in vanilla extract, sea salt, or mix-ins (chocolate chips, etc.) until evenly distributed.
3. Press & Set
→ Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides (for easy lifting!).
→ Pour mixture into pan.
→ Smooth the top with a greased spatula or offset knife.
→ Optional: Sprinkle with extra peanuts or flaky salt.
4. Chill to Perfection
→ Refrigerate 1–3 hours, or until firm and sliceable.
→ For faster set: Freeze 45–60 minutes (but fridge = creamier texture).
5. Slice & Shine
→ Lift slab out using parchment overhang.
→ Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade with hot water between cuts for clean edges).
Tips for Perfect Fudge (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Use full-fat, shelf-stable brands. “Natural” or low-fat versions contain oils/water that prevent firm setting.
🔸 Stir well after each microwave burst. Smooth = no grainy pockets.
🔸 Chill fully. Soft fudge = messy slices. Patience pays.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make sweets sweeter.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chocolate Swirl
Swirl ¼ cup melted chocolate into fudge before chilling
Rich, marbled,
so
giftable
S’More Fudge
Fold in ½ cup mini marshmallows + ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
Nostalgic, campfire magic
Salted Caramel
Swirl 2 tbsp thick caramel sauce into fudge before chilling
Your love of sweet-salty depth—
so
Kentucky
Nut-Free Joy
Use sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) + vanilla frosting
Safe, creamy, still deeply satisfying
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge (covered): Up to 2 weeks in airtight container (layer with parchment).
Freezer: Up to 2 months! Freeze in single layer, then bag. Thaw at room temp 15 mins.
Double batch? Yes! Use a 9x13 pan—same chilling time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade frosting?
A: Not recommended—homemade frosting lacks the stabilizers needed for firm fudge. Stick with store-bought.
Q: Why is my fudge too soft?
A: Likely low-fat ingredients or under-chilled. Next time: use full-fat brands + chill 3 hours.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free vanilla frosting (like Miss Jones) and peanut butter verified DF.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
A: Yes—if using GF-certified frosting and peanut butter (most are, but check labels).
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes—for textured fudge! But it won’t be as smooth. Great with extra peanuts on top.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (frosting), peanuts
Gluten-free option: Yes—with GF-certified ingredients
Nut-free? No (peanut butter)
⚠️ Always verify labels for cross-contact.
Nutrition Facts (Per Square — 16 servings)
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by brands.
Final Thought
This fudge doesn’t shout.
It sits quietly in its parchment wrapper—smooth, golden-brown, flecked with peanut—until the first bite.
Then comes the melt. The rich sigh. The “Oh my goodness, how is this so simple and so good?!”
It tastes like childhood. Like care packages. Like love, pressed into something you can hold.
That’s the power of simple ingredients, made with care:
They don’t just feed the body.
They feed the memory.
