Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Homemade Christmas gifts are the best kind. I love getting handcrafted items for Christmas and homemade food gifts like this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

 While we don’t eat a lot of sweets, I do enjoy giving them as gifts over the holidays. Everyone loves homemade peanut butter fudge.

Years ago, before I started blogging, I had a crafts website. I did craft fairs every Christmas and my homemade fudge was one of my best selling items.   This is the recipe I used each year at my Christmas craft fairs.

The beauty of the recipe is that the flavor of fudge can be changed by changing the type of chips you use. Peanut butter chips = Peanut Butter Fudge. Chocolate chips = Chocolate Fudge. White chocolate chips = White Chocolate Fudge. The list goes on and on.

How long does it take peanut butter fudge to set?

A lot depends on the recipe. But, this peanut butter fudge recipe should be set in about an hour. Just put it in the refrigerator to help speed up the process. 

You may want to score the fudge after about 20 minutes to make it easier to cut. Just gently press the knife into the top of the fudge where you’ll be cutting it when it’s fully set.

Do you have to refrigerate peanut butter fudge?

You don’t have to refrigerate it as long as it isn’t too warm in your home. But, you can refrigerate it to keep it cold and firm. Just be aware that refrigerating a homemade fudge can dry it out.

So, be sure to keep it tightly covered to help it stay good as long as possible provided you don’t eat it all in one sitting.

How to gift your homemade fudge

There are so many different ways you can wrap and gift your homemade Christmas gifts. If you have a small box, you can line it with wax paper and layer the cut fudge in the box.

Or, you can use gift bags like I did and decorate the front. People that have tins from past Christmas cookies can gift the fudge in a tin. Try to use up what you have on hand to discourage Christmas waste.

Can you mix up the flavors?

You definitely can! Have you ever tried swirled fudge? Years ago, I saw it in a gift shop in our area. Basically, you make two different types of fudge. And, when you are pouring it in the pan to set, you alternate pouring two different flavors.

So, you could pour half of the peanut butter fudge recipe and half of a milk chocolate fudge recipe and then take a butter knife and make a swirl through the top before it sets.

When you cut it, there will be two different types of fudge in one piece. Yum! Try this gingerbread swirl fudge and see how you like it.

Layering the peanut butter fudge recipe

Layering fudge is similar to making a swirled fudge except you don’t mix it up. Simply pour the first layer of fudge in one flavor into the pan. And, immediately after that, pour on another layer of fudge on top.

Refrigerate immediately. Try chocolate and peanut butter. Or, you could try mint and chocolate.

Can I add things to the fudge?

You definitely can! After you pour the fudge into the pan to set, quickly stir in whatever extra ingredients you want to add. Consider chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruits, or mini marshmallows.

More homemade Christmas gifts ideas

This homemade peanut butter fudge recipe would make a fantastic choice if you’re searching for homemade Christmas gifts this year. But, if you want a few more ideas, you might want to make these.

Making homemade Christmas gifts is a wonderful way to keep your Christmas budget under control. And, it’s a fun family activity if you get the kids and your spouse involved in the process.

• Homemade popcorn seasonings with a free printable tag
• Mason jar candles
• Peppermint brownies gift mix in a jar
• Friendship soup gift mix in a jar
• Savory spiced pecans

More Christmas fun

• Buttercream Mint Candy Recipe
• Stretching Your Holiday Dollars
• Cranberry Stovetop Potpourri
• Natural peanut butter cookies