Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use a jar of your favorite brand. You can substitute smooth peanut butter if you prefer a different texture.
- 16 oz White Cake Frosting: You’ll need a full-sized container. Any brand will work, but ensure it’s the standard white frosting, not a whipped or light version.
- 1 Box Reese’s Pieces: This is typically an 8 oz box. Adjust the amount if you like more or fewer toppings.
Equipment:
- Microwave-Safe Bowls: Use two separate bowls to melt the peanut butter and frosting.
- Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Square Casserole Dish: A standard 8×8 inch dish is ideal, but other similar-sized dishes will work too.
- Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: This helps with easy removal of the fudge. Wax paper is preferable if available.
- Refrigerator: For chilling the fudge.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dish:
- Line the Dish: Cut a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to fit the bottom of the square casserole dish. Press the paper into the corners and sides of the dish, leaving a bit of an overhang to make it easier to lift the fudge out later.
- Melt the Ingredients:
- Microwave Peanut Butter:
- Container: Place the crunchy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heating: Microwave on high for 1 minute and 50 seconds.
- Stirring: Carefully stir the peanut butter. It should be warm and slightly runny. If it’s not fully melted, heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Microwave Frosting:
- Container: Transfer the white cake frosting to a separate microwave-safe bowl.
- Heating: Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Stirring: Stir the frosting until it’s smooth and warm. It should be pourable but not too hot.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Mix: Pour the melted frosting into the bowl with the melted peanut butter.
- Stir: Use a spatula or spoon to mix the two ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, uniform mixture. Ensure there are no lumps or streaks of uncombined frosting or peanut butter.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Spread Evenly: Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top.
- Add Toppings:
- Scatter Reese’s Pieces: Evenly sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the top of the fudge mixture.
- Press Down: Gently press the Reese’s Pieces into the surface of the fudge using your fingertips or the back of a spoon. This helps them stick better to the fudge.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate: Place the dish in the refrigerator. Chill for 1 hour or until the fudge is firm and set. The cooling time helps the fudge solidify properly.
- Cut and Serve:
- Remove from Dish: After the fudge has set, lift it out of the dish using the overhanging wax paper.
- Cut into Pieces: Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars. The size is up to you, but typically 1-inch squares are standard.
Additional Tips:
- Peanut Butter Consistency: If your peanut butter is very thick, you might need a little extra time in the microwave or to stir in a bit more to reach the right consistency.
- Frosting Variations: If you prefer, you can use flavored frosting, such as cream cheese or vanilla, for a different taste.
- Decorating: For a fun twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before adding Reese’s Pieces, or mix in some mini chocolate chips for added texture.
This step-by-step guide should help make your Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge as smooth and delicious as possible. Enjoy making and sharing your treat!