Craving a delicious and easy dessert that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This peanut butter marshmallow fudge recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a simple, homemade treat that's guaranteed to impress, whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dessert, or for a fun weekend baking project. It’s a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and fluffy marshmallows, creating a rich and irresistible fudge that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package marshmallows (mini or regular)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, enhances the peanut butter flavor)
Instructions:
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Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and measure them out beforehand. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out later.
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Melt the Butter and Chocolate: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy. This step requires patience and low heat to prevent burning.
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Add Marshmallows and Peanut Butter: Once the chocolate is melted, gently stir in the marshmallows and peanut butter. Continue to stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is well combined. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture.
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Season and Pour: If using, stir in the salt. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Chill and Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it's firm enough to cut into squares. This allows the fudge to fully set and develop its rich texture.
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Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter marshmallow fudge!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fudge:
- Low and Slow: Use low heat throughout the melting process to prevent burning the chocolate and marshmallows. Constant stirring is key!
- Smooth Operator: For an extra smooth fudge, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture after all ingredients are combined. This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Customize Your Crunch: Add chopped nuts, pretzels, or chocolate chips to the fudge for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Variations:
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the fudge before chilling for an extra layer of flavor.
- White Chocolate Wonder: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a lighter, sweeter fudge.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific brands used. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use an online nutrition calculator and input your ingredient details. Expect a high calorie, high sugar, and high fat content due to the nature of the ingredients. This recipe is best enjoyed in moderation.
This peanut butter marshmallow fudge recipe is a fantastic choice for quick dinner ideas, satisfying a sweet craving quickly and efficiently. The simple instructions and easily accessible ingredients make it perfect for even the busiest schedules. Enjoy this delicious treat!