This Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fudge is a sweet treat that’s perfect for fall! With creamy peanut butter and rich pumpkin, it’s as tasty as it is simple to make. Everyone will love this combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granulated Sugar: This sugar is essential for sweetness and the fudge’s texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, like Stevia or erythritol.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree works beautifully. If you prefer, you can make your own by cooking and blending fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to keep the fudge balanced.
Creamy Peanut Butter: You can use natural peanut butter or any nut butter like almond or cashew. If you’re avoiding nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative or you can omit it entirely for a different fudge flavor.
Evaporated Milk: This adds creaminess; however, you can substitute it with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or regular milk for a lighter texture.
How Do I Ensure My Fudge Sets Properly?
The key to getting your fudge to set correctly is the boiling step. When you bring the sugar, butter, and milk to a boil, keep stirring to prevent burning:
- Once it reaches a full boil, let it continue for about 4-5 minutes. This helps to create a smooth texture and firm fudge.
- After removing from heat, add ingredients quickly. This keeps the mixture warm, ensuring a smooth mix.
- Let it cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate until fully set for the best texture.
With these tips, you’ll have lovely pumpkin peanut butter fudge that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fudge recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. You can also lightly grease the pan with a bit of butter if you prefer. This will make it easier to remove the fudge later.
2. Cook the Base Mixture:
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Boil the Mixture:
Once you see a full boil, continue to stir and let it boil for an additional 4-5 minutes. This step is important to ensure that the sugar is totally dissolved and helps create that smooth fudge texture!
4. Add the Flavorings:
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the fudge mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the Fudge Mixture:
Carefully pour the fudge into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan so it’s nice and flat. This will help it set evenly.
6. Chill the Fudge:
Let the fudge cool at room temperature until it’s set, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up completely. This chilling time is key to getting that perfect fudge consistency!
7. Cut the Fudge:
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fudge!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well in this recipe! Just be sure to stir it thoroughly before measuring, as the oil can separate. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Fudge Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Use a non-dairy milk, like almond milk or coconut milk, in place of evaporated milk, and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly.
How Long Does the Fudge Last?
This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage — just wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container!
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree. Both options will maintain similar flavors and textures in the fudge!
