Triple Decker Maple Peanut Butter Pretzel Fudge Recipes

TRIPLE-DECKER PEANUT BUTTER AND PRETZEL FUDGE

Steps:

• 1. For the crust: Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan or casserole with aluminum foil, with long flaps hanging over each edge.
• 2. Pulse 15 of the pretzels in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. (You should have 1 cup.) Crush the remaining 10 pretzels into large chunks by hand and set aside for topping the fudge.
• 3. Put the chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer over medium to medium-low heat. Set the bowl over the saucepan but not touching the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter melt, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and egg and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until warm to the touch and slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the pretzel crumbs. Press firmly into the prepared pan. (Save the pan of water for melting the chocolate ganache.)
• 4. For the fudge: Combine the condensed milk with the peanut butter chips and a pinch of salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook until melted and smooth, stirring only occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon the peanut butter fudge on top of the crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• 5. For the ganache: While the fudge is chilling, combine the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl and set over the simmering water. Stir until melted, smooth, and shiny, about 3 minutes. Using an offset spatula, spread the glaze over the fudge and sprinkle with the large chunks of pretzel pieces. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or up to overnight. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares or into 1 1/2-by-3-inch candy bars.
• Gift Note: Enjoy these at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate and serve cold like a candy bar straight from the ice box.
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PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Steps:

• Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes on high. Stir and microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and confectioners¿ sugar to peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon. Pour into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan lined with waxed paper. Place a second piece of waxed paper on the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool. Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Steps:

• In a saucepan, stir together the sugars, salt, cocoa powder, milk, and heat until sugar is dissolved. Add the butter and cook to 238 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
• Pour out of the pan into a mixing bowl to cool slightly and with a paddle attachment, stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Continue beating to cool and stiffen the fudge until it starts to lighten and looses its gloss. Pour it into a greased pan and let it cool completely before cutting into 1 1/2-inch squares.