For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying sweet treats can be a challenge. Traditional fudge, loaded with sugar and carbs, is typically off-limits. However, this easy keto peanut butter fudge recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative. It captures the rich, creamy texture and sweet-salty flavor of traditional fudge while remaining entirely sugar-free and low in carbs.
Why Keto Peanut Butter Fudge?
Traditional peanut butter fudge recipes often contain an abundance of refined white sugar, sometimes as much as 2-3 cups! This translates to a high carb count, with a single serving potentially containing around 23 grams of carbs, a significant portion of which is sugar. Keto peanut butter fudge, on the other hand, uses low-carb sweeteners and natural peanut butter to create a guilt-free indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Keto Peanut Butter Fudge
This recipe typically calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry:
- Natural Low Carb Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Be sure to choose a peanut butter that doesn't have added sugar, corn syrup, or hydrogenated oils. The best options are those with only one or two ingredients: peanuts and perhaps a touch of salt. Homemade keto peanut butter is also a great option, as long as it's not too runny.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the fudge. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or dairy-free butter can be used as a substitute.
- Powdered Erythritol Sweetener: This sugar-free sweetener provides the necessary sweetness and also helps to thicken the fudge. Powdered sweeteners, also known as confectioners-style sweeteners, mix more evenly into the batter. If you don't have powdered erythritol, you can try using Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit or Powdered Allulose.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the fudge.
- Flaky Salt (Optional): A sprinkle of flaky salt on top adds a delightful contrast of sweet and salty.
- Coconut Flour: Acts as a stabilizer and thickener, similar to powdered sugar in traditional fudge recipes. Almond flour can be used as a substitute.
- Dark Chocolate (Optional): Melted dark chocolate can be drizzled on the fudge after it sets for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are a few variations of the recipe.
Recipe 1
- Prepare the Pan: Line a loaf pan (8x4 inch or 5x9 inch) with parchment paper.
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely.
- Dissolve the Sweetener: Add the powdered erythritol sweetener to the melted butter and whisk well to ensure it dissolves completely. Microwave in 30-second intervals, whisking in between, until the sweetener is melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until fully set.
- Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is set, carefully slice it into 14 pieces.
Recipe 2
- Prepare the Pan: Line a square 8-inch pan (or a similar capacity rectangular pan) with wax paper.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, salt, and stevia. Whisk with a fork until smooth.
- Thicken the Mixture: Remove from the heat and whisk in the coconut flour.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Cover and place in the freezer until set, at least 1 hour and preferably 90 minutes.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the fudge into 25 squares and serve straight from the fridge or freezer.
Recipe 3
- Line Pan: Line an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Combine Butter and Peanut Butter: Add the butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. Add peanut butter to the bowl, covering the butter.
- Microwave: Microwave at full power for 30 seconds. Remove and stir with a whisk. If butter is not completely melted, microwave for 30 more seconds and whisk again.
- Add Sweetener: Add the powdered erythritol to the peanut butter mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
- Microwave Again: Place batter back into microwave and cook for 1 minute. Remove and whisk until smooth. Microwave for 1 more minute and whisk until smooth.
- Freeze: Spread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Freeze for about 1 hour or until fudge is cooled and set.
- Cut and Serve: Let fudge soften for a few minutes and then cut with a sharp knife into 1 inch squares.
Recipe 4 (3 ingredients)
- Melt Butter and Sweetener: Heat a medium size sauce pan over medium heat. Melt butter, then add brown sugar Swerve.
- Stir to Caramel: Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and it begins to simmer and a thick brown caramel begins to form. This usually takes 6-8 minutes .
- Add Peanut Butter: When the sauce is thickened slightly and looks like caramel, remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract (if using) until melted.
- Freeze: Line a loaf pan with wax paper and carefully pour the fudge into the pan. Freeze 30 minutes or until completely set.
- Slice: Peel the wax paper away from the fudge and slice.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Peanut Butter Fudge
- Use Thick Peanut Butter: Runny peanut butter can result in a batter that doesn't set properly.
- Powdered Sweetener is Key: A powdered sweetener ensures a smooth, non-gritty texture.
- Don't Overheat: When melting the butter and sweetener, microwave in short intervals to prevent burning.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the fudge mixture before refrigerating and add more sweetener if desired.
- Salt Enhances Flavor: Don't be afraid to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Collagen Powder (Optional): Adding collagen powder allows you to reduce the sweetener while still getting a wonderful creamy fudge texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to customize your keto peanut butter fudge:
Read also: Creamy Keto Dessert
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and increase the sweetener to 4 tablespoons (or ¾ teaspoon of stevia glycerite).
- Tahini Fudge: Replace the peanut butter with sesame butter (tahini) for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt four large squares of dark chocolate in the microwave (plus a teaspoon of avocado or coconut oil) and drizzle on the fudge after it's set.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Stir in sugar-free chocolate chips for added chocolatey goodness.
Storage Instructions
Keto peanut butter fudge stores best in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to three months.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, this keto peanut butter fudge is generally very low in carbs and high in fat, making it a perfect keto-friendly treat.
Read also: Decadent Keto Dessert
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers