Ingredients for Simple Joy

• Unsalted Butter: Provides essential richness and smooth texture. Using unsalted gives precise control over saltiness. Opt for quality butter.
• Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetener and crucial base for fudge structure. Dissolves for smooth, creamy consistency. Don’t reduce for best results.
• Light Brown Sugar, packed: Adds deeper molasses flavor and wonderfully chewy texture. Ensure it’s firmly packed for accurate measurement.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy foundation, providing essential sweetness and velvety smooth base. It helps the fudge set perfectly.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star flavor alongside chocolate, delivering luscious creaminess. Use a classic, stir-free brand for best consistency.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The core of rich chocolate flavor, melting beautifully for a smooth texture. Quality chips make all the difference.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Crucial for soft, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It helps prevent a grainy fudge.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deepens chocolate intensity, ensuring rich chocolate flavor truly shines. Sift it to avoid any lumps.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Helps fudge set quickly and contributes to silky, non-gritty texture. Sift thoroughly before adding for best results.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all other flavors, adding warmth and depth to the profile. Pure vanilla extract is always worth the investment.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and truly elevates chocolate and peanut butter flavors. An essential ingredient for depth.
• Espresso Powder: A secret weapon! Intensifies chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. Just a tiny amount works wonders.
• Chopped Roasted Peanuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor, complementing the peanut butter. Roast lightly for best taste.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A beautiful finishing touch, providing textural contrast and a pop of savory flavor. Sprinkle just before setting.

How to Make Simple Joy

Melt Base:

Combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and condensed milk in a large saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring until sugars dissolve. Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. This creamy base is crucial for your Simple Joy.

Add Flavors:

Remove the boiling sugar mixture from heat. Immediately stir in peanut butter, chocolate chips, marshmallow fluff, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, and espresso powder. Stir vigorously until everything is fully melted and smooth.

Beat Smooth:

Continue beating the mixture with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer until it’s perfectly smooth and glossy. Ensure no lumps remain, achieving a beautiful, even consistency. This guarantees the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture for your Simple Joy.

Pour & Set:

Quickly pour the hot fudge into a greased and parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and flaky sea salt. This creates a delightful crust for your Simple Joy.

Chill Fudge:

Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for several hours, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm. Once set, lift the parchment paper to remove the fudge. Cut into 16 squares.

Serve & Enjoy:

Arrange your delicious Simple Joy squares on a platter and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Get ready for pure happiness with every bite of this Simple Joy.

How to Store Simple Joy

To keep your Simple Joy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Refrigerating without proper sealing can dry it out, losing its creamy texture – don’t do what I did! Check for hard spots or a changed smell as spoilage signs.

This fudge is great for making ahead. Store the entire batch up to a week in advance at room temperature; an airtight container ensures it stays delicious. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

What to Serve with Simple Joy

Serve your Simple Joy by cutting into delightful squares and arranging on a platter. For special occasions, a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts or flaky sea salt offers a perfect presentation. Enjoy it at room temperature to fully appreciate its creamy texture. These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

I personally love to serve Simple Joy slightly chilled, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool ice cream perfectly complements the rich fudge, creating a wonderful contrast. This is my favorite way to enjoy pure indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need sweetened condensed milk for Simple Joy, can I use evaporated milk instead?

No, you absolutely must use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated. Evaporated milk will prevent your fudge from setting properly, resulting in a runny mess, trust me on this failure. It’s vital for the correct creamy consistency.

→ How do I prevent my Simple Joy fudge base from scorching or becoming grainy?

Stir constantly during the 5-minute boil to prevent scorching, a mistake I learned from often. For a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, beat the mixture vigorously until perfectly glossy with no lumps.

→ How long can I store Simple Joy fudge, and what’s the best way to keep it fresh?

Store Simple Joy in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or up to a week if made ahead. Refrigerating without proper sealing can dry it out, losing its creamy texture.

→ Can I make Simple Joy fudge ahead of time, and how long does it last refrigerated?

Yes, you can make Simple Joy a week in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks; just bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

→ What if I don’t have a candy thermometer to make perfect Simple Joy?

While a candy thermometer (238°F, soft-ball stage) guarantees consistency, you can test by dropping a small amount into cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball. Without it, I’ve had less consistent results.