Keto Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
This Keto Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is rich, smooth, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying within your carb limits. With just a few tweaks, this classic treat can be transformed into a keto-friendly dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated erythritol or allulose (a keto-friendly sweetener)
- 5 ounces heavy cream (instead of half & half for a higher fat content)
- 1 cup sugar-free creamy peanut butter (ensure it has no added sugars)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered erythritol (or use powdered monk fruit sweetener as an alternative)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set this aside. The parchment paper prevents the fudge from sticking and allows for effortless cleanup.
Step 2: Set Up the Sweetener
Add the powdered erythritol to a large mixing bowl and set aside. This step ensures that everything is ready once you need to mix in the peanut butter mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Butter, Sweetener, and Cream
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted, stir in the granulated erythritol and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sweetener.
Once it reaches a boil, let it continue to cook untouched for exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds. This timing is crucial for achieving the right texture without overcooking the mixture. The heat will combine the butter and sweetener into a smooth base for the fudge.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sugar-free creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. The peanut butter will melt into the warm mixture, creating a velvety texture.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Immediately pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the powdered erythritol. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is completely smooth and all lumps are dissolved. This process helps incorporate the sweetener evenly and ensures a smooth fudge texture.
Step 6: Transfer to the Pan
Once the mixture is fully combined, quickly pour it into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Allow the fudge to sit at room temperature until it is completely cooled and set, which may take about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into small squares. Enjoy these keto-friendly peanut butter fudge bites as a delicious, low-carb treat!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Tips for Success:
- Choosing the Sweetener: Erythritol and allulose are the best options for keto fudge because they mimic sugar’s sweetness without spiking blood sugar. If you use powdered monk fruit or stevia blends, make sure they are 1:1 replacements for sugar to maintain the right consistency.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Always use sugar-free, natural peanut butter for keto recipes. Check the label to ensure there’s no added sugar or hydrogenated oils. Creamy peanut butter gives this fudge a smooth, rich texture.
- Cooling: Allow the fudge to set completely before slicing, as it will be too soft to cut while still warm. You can refrigerate or even freeze it for a faster set.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Nut Butter Variations: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute it with other keto-friendly nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Just ensure that these are sugar-free for a true low-carb option.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: For a chocolate twist, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture. This will create a delicious peanut butter chocolate fudge with minimal added carbs.
- Crunchy Fudge: If you prefer a bit of texture in your fudge, you can stir in some chopped sugar-free peanuts or pecans before transferring the mixture to the pan.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: You can store the fudge at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the fudge in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Freezing: This fudge freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, wrap individual squares in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let the fudge thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
This Keto Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The combination of sugar-free peanut butter and low-carb sweeteners gives you a classic fudge taste without the sugar crash. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to fit your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a holiday treat or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this fudge is sure to become a favorite keto dessert!