EASY PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge image

A simple peanut butter fudge. No thermometers needed, just a timer. The original recipe called for 2 cups of light brown sugar; I didn't have any, so I used part dark brown and part white. Do NOT try to use "natural," "organic," unsweetened or salt-free peanut butter for this, it will fail. If you like sweet-salty things (as I do), use salted peanuts on top; if you don't, unsalted will work fine. Adapted from CHOW - http://bit.ly/19a9OLj

Provided by DrGaellon

Categories Candy

Time 20m

Yield 64 1-inch squares, 64 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing the pan (1/2 stick)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar or 1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Steps:

Cut a 22" piece of parchment paper. Fold the long sides of the sheet in to make an 8" wide strip. Butter an 8"x8" square dish. Place the parchment paper into the dish with the folds underneath, creasing the corners well to make a clean edge. Butter the parchment lightly and set aside.
Melt 4 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When fully melted, add vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar and cream. Stir well. Bring to a full rolling boil. Once it boils, stir constantly for exactly two minutes (use a timer). Add the peanut butter and stir until melted and completely smooth. Remove from heat and let cool exactly 5 minutes (use a timer). It will form a skin; that's okay.
Scrape the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Start on medium-low (speed 2), and add the pre-sifted powdered sugar one large spoonful at a time. When it is all incorporated, the fudge should look slightly curdled.
Turn the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly over the top. Fold over the ends of the parchment, then use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press the peanuts into the fudge and form a layer of even thickness. Unfold the parchment and let cool to room temperature, at least 2 hours.
When cool, lift the ends of the parchment straight up to remove the fudge from the pan. Using a long knife, cut the fudge into 64 pieces (8 slices one way, then 8 the other way). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best flavor, return to room temperature before eating.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 85.5, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 4.5, Sodium 41.5, Carbohydrate 11.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 10.2, Protein 1.5