
This fudge delivers the creamiest texture you’ve ever tasted, blending rich peanut butter with fluffy marshmallow creme for an irresistible treat. I perfected this method after years of holiday baking, ensuring every batch turns out smooth and decadent.
The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and precise timing. Peanut butter provides depth, while marshmallow creme adds an airy lightness that melts in your mouth. It’s a combination that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make.
You’ll end up with squares so velvety they dissolve on the tongue, leaving behind the perfect interplay of sweetness and nutty flavor. The result is consistently impressive, whether for gifts or family gatherings.
Ready in under an hour, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Here’s how to achieve it.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe with Marshmallow Creme
Rich peanut butter and fluffy marshmallow creme create these decadent melt-away squares with minimal effort.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter 🥜 | 1 ½ cups | Natural or commercial, well-stirred |
| Marshmallow Creme 🍬 | 1 jar | 7 oz container, about 2 cups |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | 1 stick, cut into pieces |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | 3 ½ cups | Sifted for smooth texture |
| Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 1 tsp | Pure extract preferred |
| Sea Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Fine grain for even distribution |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Optional for extra creaminess |
| Granulated Sugar 🍬 | ½ cup | For balancing sweetness |
The peanut butter is non-negotiable here. Jif or Skippy work perfectly for their consistent texture and sweetness level. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oil unless you’re committed to stirring it perfectly smooth. Costco’s Kirkland brand is a great budget option for larger batches. For the marshmallow creme, Kraft Jet-Puffed is the standard, but store brands work in a pinch.
No marshmallow creme? Mini marshmallows melted with a splash of cream can substitute in a 1:1 ratio. Out of powdered sugar? Granulated sugar pulsed in a blender works, but texture may be slightly grainier. For a dairy-free version, vegan butter and coconut cream maintain the richness. The vanilla extract can be swapped for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
This fudge sets up quickly at room temperature—about 2 hours—but can be sped up in the fridge (30-40 minutes). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months. Cut into squares only after fully set to prevent crumbling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Magic: I just melt, mix, and set—no oven, no fuss, just creamy peanut butter and marshmallow creme doing all the work.
- Holiday MVP: I bring this to potlucks and suddenly I’m everyone’s favorite person—birthdays, cookie swaps, you name it.
- Stays Fresh: Leftovers keep for a week in the fridge, but between us, they’ve never lasted that long in my house.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Fudge With Marshmallow Creme
Follow this precise method for fudge so smooth it dissolves on the tongue.
Step 1: Melt and Combine the Base Ingredients
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces), 1.5 cups Creamy Peanut Butter, and 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
This foundation creates the rich, nutty base of your fudge. I maintain the heat at medium-low to prevent scorching—peanut butter can burn quickly if exposed to high heat. The mixture is ready when it resembles a glossy, liquid caramel with no visible sugar granules.
Step 2: Incorporate the Marshmallow Creme
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the 1 jar Marshmallow Creme. Stir vigorously until the marshmallow creme is completely incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color and texture.
The marshmallow creme adds that signature cloud-like creaminess and helps stabilize the fudge’s texture. At this stage, the mixture should be thick but still pourable. Ensure no streaks of marshmallow remain—full integration is key to a consistent final product.
Step 3: Mix in Powdered Sugar and Flavorings
Gradually add the 3.5 cups Powdered Sugar, about 1 cup at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Once fully incorporated, mix in the 1 tsp Vanilla Extract and 0.25 tsp Sea Salt. The vanilla enhances the peanut butter’s depth, while the sea salt balances the sweetness.
If the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, add the 0.25 cup Heavy Cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. This step ensures the fudge remains ultra-creamy rather than dry or crumbly.
Step 4: Press into Pan and Set
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Transfer the fudge mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, smoothing the top until it’s even.
Let the fudge set at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for 1 hour if you’re short on time. The fudge is ready when the top is firm to the touch and holds its shape when lightly pressed. Resist the urge to cut it too soon—patience ensures clean, melt-in-your-mouth squares.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut the fudge into 1-inch squares. For the cleanest cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Each square should deliver a velvety texture that dissolves effortlessly, with a perfect balance of sweetness and salty peanut butter richness.
Pro Tips For Making Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe With Marshmallow Creme
- Melt Butter Slowly: Use low heat when melting the butter with peanut butter—cranking it too high can cause the mixture to separate or seize up. I learned this the hard way after ruining a batch with burnt, grainy fudge.
- Sift the Sugar: Powdered sugar clumps faster than you’d think, especially in humid weather. Sift it first to guarantee silky-smooth fudge without those annoying little lumps.
- Skip the Microwave: Resist the urge to melt the marshmallow creme in the microwave—it heats unevenly and can turn rubbery. A double boiler or gentle stovetop heat keeps it creamy and easy to mix.
- Chill Before Cutting: After pressing the fudge into the pan, give it at least 2 hours in the fridge. Cutting too soon makes a sticky mess, and the pieces won’t hold their shape.
Perfect Pairings for peanut butter fudge recipe with marshmallow creme
Beverage Pairings
I love serving this fudge with a cold glass of whole milk—the creaminess mirrors the fudge’s texture. For adults, a chilled stout beer like Guinness offers a delightful contrast with its roasted, slightly bitter notes. The richness of both creates a perfect harmony. 🍺
Coffee and Tea
A bold espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully. The bitterness balances the sugar, making each bite taste even more luxurious. For tea lovers, a strong black tea like Earl Grey adds a citrusy depth that complements the peanut butter.
Fruit Pairings
Fresh sliced apples or bananas add a refreshing contrast to the rich fudge. The natural acidity in apples cleanses the palate, while bananas enhance the nutty flavors. I often arrange a small fruit platter alongside for a balanced dessert spread.
Dessert Wine
A glass of Moscato d’Asti or Port wine elevates this treat to gourmet status. The wine’s honeyed sweetness pairs seamlessly with the marshmallow creme, while its acidity prevents the combination from feeling overly heavy. 🍷
Ice Cream Combo
For an over-the-top experience, serve warm fudge over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot-cold contrast is irresistible. I also like crumbling a piece of fudge on top of a sundae for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. For best results, stick with creamy to achieve that melt-away consistency.
Why does my fudge turn out grainy?
This usually happens if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved. Ensure you stir constantly over medium-low heat until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.
How long can I store this fudge?
It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
What can I use instead of marshmallow creme?
Melt 2 cups mini marshmallows with 1 tablespoon cream for a perfect substitute. The texture will be very similar.
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