Peanut Butter Fudge
from Scratch
By Kids
Cooking Activities
A classic
peanut butter fudge cooked to the soft-ball stage for a
smooth, creamy texture. This from-scratch recipe is great for
holidays and makes a fun learning lesson for older kid chefs
(with adult supervision). Includes easy variation ideas to
customize your batch!
- Category: Dessert
- Stovetop Candy Recipe
- Skill Level:
Intermediate
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook:
10-15 minutes | Cool: 2-3 hours | Yield:
24-30 squares
Ingredients
Cook First
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 tablespoons corn syrup
Stir In After Cooking
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×11-inch pan
with foil (or parchment) and set aside.
- In a large saucepan,
combine sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and corn
syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring
frequently.
- Reduce heat to medium and
continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture
reaches the soft-ball stage (238°F on a candy
thermometer).
- Remove from heat.
Immediately stir in marshmallows, peanut butter, and
vanilla until melted and smooth.
- Using a hand mixer (adult
help), beat for a few minutes until the mixture looks
smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Stir in any mix-ins (nuts
or candy) if using.
- Pour into prepared pan
and spread evenly. Refrigerate until firm, then cut into
squares.
Kid-Friendly Tips
- This is a hot candy recipe- adults should handle boiling
sugar
- Kids can measure ingredients and help stir in
marshmallows/peanut butter off heat
- Use a candy thermometer to teach temperature stages
- Line the pan so kids can lift the fudge out easily for
cutting
Fun Variations to Try
Peanut Butter Candy Bar Fudge
Add 1 cup chopped M&M's
right before pouring into the pan. For an easy kid job:
place M&M's in a sealed bag and gently tap with a
kitchen mallet to break into 2-3 pieces each.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Drizzle Fudge
After pouring fudge into the pan,
drizzle with melted chocolate. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top
if desired, then chill until firm.
Notes
For the smoothest texture, stir
frequently while cooking and measure temperature carefully.
Store fudge in the refrigerator for best texture and clean
slices.