Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

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I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with chocolate, caramel, and yes, peanut butter. But it wasn’t until I introduced the fluffy magic of JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme into the mix that I truly unlocked the pinnacle of fudge perfection. With a few simple ingredients and a penchant for indulgence, I’ve made a step-by-step guide to creating this creamy Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s a recipe that has seen my family through holiday gatherings, potluck parties, and many a midnight snack craving. I’m excited to share with you not just another recipe but a bite of joy, a sliver of celebration, and the secret to what might just be the epitome of peanut butter nirvana.

How to make Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge

Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge is a type of no-bake dessert made using Jet-Puffed marshmallows, peanut butter, and other ingredients like sugar and butter. It’s a creamy, rich, and sweet treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter and marshmallows, often with a slightly chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar: This is the base of your fudge, providing the sweetness and structure.
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine: Butter is a key ingredient that adds to the creaminess of the fudge.
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk: This contributes to the fudge’s texture and rich flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme: This is essential for a smooth consistency and sets the fudge as it cools.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: For that irresistible peanut butter taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavors in sweet treats.
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts: For an extra crunch and peanut flavor.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, with the ends extending over the sides. Lightly grease the foil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Heat the base: Combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a heavy 2 1/2-quart saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Cook the mixture: Continue boiling for 5 minutes on medium heat or until a candy thermometer reaches 234°F, continuing to stir. It’s crucial to keep the mixture moving to prevent scorching.
4. Add the peanut butter: Remove from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and marshmallow creme until well blended. Now is also the time to add the vanilla extract. If you’re including chopped peanuts, fold these in as well.
5. Set your fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread to cover the bottom of the pan evenly.
6. Cool down: Let the fudge cool at room temperature to set. Do not refrigerate, as it can cause the fudge to become too hard.
7. Cut the fudge: Once the fudge has set, use the foil overhangs to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares.

Tips:

• Use a candy thermometer: Ensuring the right temperature will help your fudge to set without crystallizing.
• Constant stirring: Keep the mixture moving to avoid burning, which can give the fudge a scorched taste.
• Quality ingredients: Use good-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
• Setting the fudge: Don’t rush the cooling process; the fudge needs time to set properly at room temperature.
• Cutting the fudge: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.

What to serve with

Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge is a delightful treat on its own, but pairing it with complementary accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights of deliciousness.

Beverages:

• Milk: A classic pairing. A cold glass of milk perfectly balances the richness of the fudge.
• Coffee: Serve your fudge with a hot cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweet flavors of the fudge.
• Tea: A warm cup of black tea or an herbal infusion can make for a cozy accompaniment.
• Dessert wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a sweet dessert wine, such as port or sherry, can complement the flavors in the fudge.

Dessert Combinations:

• Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream served with peanut butter fudge can be a heavenly match, creating a sundae-like experience.
• Cheese and Fruit Platter: A platter with sharp cheeses and fresh fruits like apples or grapes can balance the sweetness of the fudge with a savory contrast.
• Whipped Cream and Berries: Top a slice of fudge with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries for a delightful mini dessert.

Snack Pairings:

• Salted Nuts: A bowl of salted almonds, pistachios, or cashews can provide a crunchy, salty counterpoint to the sweet creaminess of the fudge.
• Pretzels: For a sweet and salty combination, pretzels offer a delightful texture contrast.
• Graham Crackers: Serve your fudge with graham crackers for a bit of crunch and honeyed flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge allows for some creativity, especially when you find yourself needing substitutes for traditional ingredients.

Peanut Butter:

• Almond Butter: A straight swap for peanut butter, almond butter offers a similar texture and a slightly sweeter, nutty flavor.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: This butter is great for those with nut allergies. It provides a creamy texture and a distinct yet pleasant flavor.
• Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini can be used for a nut-free option, though it has a more robust flavor that might slightly alter the fudge’s taste.

Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: Offers a lower glycemic index and a rich, caramel-like flavor, making it a healthier substitute for white sugar.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: For a more natural sweetener option, these can be used, but they will alter the texture, potentially making the fudge softer or stickier.

Butter:

• Vegan Butter: A good substitute for dairy butter if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
• Coconut Oil: Another dairy-free alternative, coconut oil provides a slightly different texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

Marshmallow Cream (Jet Puffed):

• Homemade Marshmallow Cream: If you prefer a more natural approach or can’t find store-bought, you can make a homemade version using egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup.
• Aquafaba: This is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and, when whipped, it offers a vegan alternative to marshmallow cream. It requires sugar to sweeten and stabilize it.

Vanilla Extract:

• Almond Extract: Use half as much almond extract for a different, nuttier flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: In a pinch, Maple syrup can add sweetness and an interesting flavor note, although it won’t replicate the vanilla taste.

Milk:

• Almond Milk or Coconut Milk: These can be used as dairy-free alternatives. They might slightly change the flavor profile, with coconut milk adding a subtle coconut flavor.
• Soy Milk: Another great dairy-free alternative, soy milk is closer to dairy milk in terms of consistency.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your homemade Jet Puffed Peanut Butter Fudge as a treat after dinner, a sweet gift for friends and family, or a reward for yourself after a long day.

More Fudge Recipes:

• Fudge with Condensed Milk and Chocolate Chips