Penuche Fudge (Easy Peanut Butter Fudge) is so smooth and full of peanut butter goodness. The best part of this recipe is that it only takes 4 ingredients.
If you love this fudge recipe, you’ll definitely want to try my Cocoa Fudge Recipe and this Salted Caramel Fudge.
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Why this Penuche Fudge Recipe is a Keeper
I love easy peanut butter fudge recipes because they’re the perfect quick and easy sweet treat for my family. Not to mention, it recipe takes just 4 ingredients.
- 4 Simple ingredients: No chocolate or fancy add-ins required. Just pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla.
- Quick to make: Comes together faster than many candies, with minimal equipment.
- Perfect for gifting: Slice into squares, wrap, and share during holidays. Great for gift giving.
Why Does My Penuche Candy Turn Grainy?
If you have grainy fudge, it may be because of melted sugar mixture splashing onto the sides of the pan, turning it back into large sugar crystals. To avoid fudge grainy, swirl instead of stirring fudge in the pan with a wooden spoon.
Pro Tip – Stirring in Pecans
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture. You can also add coconut or even coated candies.
Ingredient Notes to Make Penuche Recipe
Sugar and a few easy pantry staples are all you need. Just throw in a saucepan and you are ready.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Light Brown Sugar: This fudge is made with brown sugar instead of white sugar or granulated sugar. You could even use dark brown sugar.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter to make this softer fudge.
- Milk: I like to use whole milk, but you can use whatever you have. Be sure you’re not using heavy cream.
Variations for Plain Penuche Candy Recipe
Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or experiment with flavors. Traditional penuche can also be used as penuche frosting on cakes such as butterscotch cake.
- Flavorings: Swap vanilla for maple extract or rum extract for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
- Mix-ins: Stir in dried fruit or coconut flakes for a twist
Special Equipment Needed for Brown Sugar Fudge
A specific piece of equipment can sometimes make all the difference in an easy peanut butter fudge recipe.
- Candy Thermometer: Essential for hitting the soft ball stage (235–240°F).
- Parchment Paper: When you line the pan, it will prevent the fudge from sticking and allows you to lift the fudge out of the pan.
How to Make Old Fashioned Penuche Fudge Recipe
This fudge is also known as praline fudge or brown sugar fudge candy. comes together in just 2 easy to follow steps. This fudge mixture is so easy and delicious, I come back to them again and again.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Fudge: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, boil the sugar and milk, stirring consistently. Boil for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until it’s smooth with no lumps.
- Let Chill: Quickly pour the fudge into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Let it come to room temperature then let chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make this Penuche
To streamline your cooking process, there are some ways you can prep this fudge in advance.
- Measure: Have all the ingredients measured and ready to go.
- Prepared Pan: Line your pan with parchment paper ahead of time for easy removal.
- Add-Ins: Chop nuts or add-ins before cooking so they’re ready to stir in.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Smooth and Creamy Penuche
This recipe is best on the stove, but there are a few ways to switch it up.
- Candy Made in the Microwave: Some cooks adapt the caramel flavor penuche by melting sugar and butter in the microwave, though texture may differ.
- Double Boiler Start: Dissolve the sugar and butter gently before transferring to direct heat to reduce risk of scorching.
How to Store Penuche Fudge and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator or on the counter for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerator: Extends freshness to about 3 weeks, but may firm texture.
- Freezer: Cool the fudge, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Leftovers: Chop and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt. Crumble into cookie dough or brownie batter. Melt slightly and drizzle over pancakes or waffles
Common Questions About This Brown Sugar Fudge Recipe
Make fudge softer by simply not letting it get as hot or cooking it for as long.
Penuche fudge is almost like caramel brown sugar fudge candy, while chocolate fudge uses cocoa powder to get the chocolate flavor.
Expert Tips for Making Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Stir Sugar: Don’t stir once sugar dissolves, this prevents sugar crystallization.
- Always: Use a candy thermometer for precision; guessing often leads to grainy or too-soft fudge.
- Beat: Beat until thickened before pouring into the pan; this ensures smooth texture.
- Chill: Cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Humidity matters: Make candy on a dry day if possible, as excess moisture can affect texture.
- Serve With: Serve with Homemade Peanut Butter Cups, Grinch Fudge or Crispy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Penuche Fudge (Easy Peanut Butter Fudge)
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup Milk
- ¾ cup Peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by spraying an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
- Add the sugar and milk to a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium-low heat.
- Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until fully combined and the mixture is smooth with no clumps.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into 16 even squares and serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Warm Knife: Using a warm sharp knife will help you easily slice into the fudge when cutting. Simply fill a glass up with hot water and allow your knife to sit in the hot water for 30 seconds to a minutes, remove wipe off the water and slice the fudge. Tip out the fudge out on a cutting board and let the fudge sit out at room temperature.
- Even Fudge Slices: To get the perfect even squares, start by cutting in half vertically, then those halves in half, repeat on horizontally and you will have 16 perfect 2×2 inch fudge squares.
- Grease Edges Well: Ensure you grease the edges of pan down well so the chocolate fudge will slide right out of the pan.
- High Altitude Directions: If you live at a higher altitude, for the best fudge results, you should lower the temperature when cooking. To be more precise, reduce the temperature 2 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Penuche is not Peanut Butter. It is brown sugar with a touch of vanilla. No other flavors are added. Penuche means “raw sugar”.
Traditional penuche is made as you described. However, like all recipes they are open to change and additions.Peanut butter penuche is a variation of the classic fudge, where peanut butter is added to the mixture.The addition of peanut butter enhances the flavor profile, giving it a more complex, nutty taste, reminiscent of caramel and peanut butter.