Are you craving something sweet, yet mindful of the ingredients you consume? Imagine satisfying your sweet tooth with an easy, mouth-watering fudge that’s also gluten-free. Let’s dive into a delightful recipe that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter into an irresistible gluten-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, diced
- ½ cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- A pinch of salt
- Gluten-free cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with gluten-free cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Cream: Gradually add in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, and let it cook for about 7 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (234-240°F / 112-115°C).
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, peanut butter, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add Chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips until they are fully melted. The mixture should be glossy and smooth.
- Pour and Set: Pour the fudge into your prepared pan. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to cool and set. You can also refrigerate it to speed up this process.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into squares and enjoy.
⏳ Note: The fudge might take longer to set at room temperature if the weather is warm; consider refrigerating it for better results.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sugar | To sweeten and give structure to the fudge |
| Heavy Cream | Provides creaminess and richness |
| Butter | Ensures smoothness and helps to prevent sugar crystallization |
| Peanut Butter | The star ingredient that gives the fudge its distinctive flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances flavor |
| Chocolate Chips | Creates a rich chocolate base for the fudge |
This simple yet delicious gluten-free chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for those looking for an indulgence that's also accommodating to dietary restrictions. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures a rich taste and smooth texture that everyone, not just those on a gluten-free diet, will love.
In our journey to create this delectable treat, the following insights are worth noting:
Gluten-Free Considerations: Always double-check the labels for gluten-free status, especially with products like chocolate chips and peanut butter, which might sometimes contain unexpected gluten from additives or cross-contamination.
Peanut Butter Quality: Natural, smooth peanut butter works best for this recipe, but any high-quality brand without added sugars or oils can be used.
Storage: This fudge can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator.
This gluten-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge not only serves as a sweet treat but also showcases that dietary restrictions don’t have to limit your culinary adventures. By adjusting a few ingredients, we’ve crafted a dessert that’s accessible to all while maintaining the scrumptious flavor profile of traditional fudge.
By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a dessert that’s not only a testament to the joys of gluten-free cooking but also a testament to the versatility of chocolate and peanut butter. Enjoy this as a treat for yourself, or share it with friends and family, knowing that you’ve created something truly special with a blend of classic flavors.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
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Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
How do I know when the fudge has reached the soft-ball stage?
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Drop a small amount of the boiling mixture into a cup of ice-cold water. If it forms a soft ball you can pick up and roll with your fingers, it’s ready.
Is there a vegan version of this fudge recipe?
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Yes, replace the butter with a vegan alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose vegan chocolate chips or melt down dark chocolate for the chocolate component.
