Peanut butter fudge is a delicious, creamy candy made by melting together peanut butter, sugar, milk, and other ingredients. It has a soft, fudgy texture that makes it hard to resist! But if you’ve made a batch of peanut butter fudge, or have some leftover from a party or the holidays, you may be wondering – how long does peanut butter fudge last?
Quick Answer
Peanut butter fudge will generally last 1-2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, peanut butter fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How to Tell if Peanut Butter Fudge Has Gone Bad
So how can you tell if your peanut butter fudge has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat? Here are some signs that peanut butter fudge has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Moldy spots or fuzzy growth – This is an obvious sign the fudge has spoiled. Fudge will develop mold once it has gone bad.
- Dried out or crumbly texture – Fudge that has dried out and become crumbly has lost quality and freshness.
- Separation – If the oils start to separate out from the rest of the fudge mixture, that’s a sign it has gone bad.
- Sour or off smell – Fresh fudge has a creamy, peanut butter smell. If it starts smelling sour or off, it has spoiled.
- Change in color – The fudge may darken or look dull if it has gone bad.
How to Store Peanut Butter Fudge
Proper storage is key for preserving the shelf life of peanut butter fudge. Here are some tips on how to store fudge correctly:
- Keep fudge in an airtight container – A sealed container prevents moisture from getting in and keeps the fudge soft.
- Store in the refrigerator – The cold temperature of the fridge will prevent the fudge from spoiling and extend its shelf life. Fudge can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
- Wrap fudge tightly – If storing pieces individually, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a sealed container. This prevents it from drying out.
- Don’t let fudge sit out – Don’t leave fudge sitting out at room temperature, as this will drastically shorten its shelf life.
Shelf Life of Peanut Butter Fudge
So how long will peanut butter fudge last if you store it properly? Here’s a breakdown of the shelf life of peanut butter fudge:
- Room temperature – 1 week
- Refrigerator – 1-2 weeks
- Freezer – 2 to 3 months
At room temperature, the oils in peanut butter fudge can start to separate and the fudge dries out quickly. In the refrigerator, the cold environment slows down spoilage, extending the shelf life to 1-2 weeks. For longest viability, store peanut butter fudge in the freezer. Frozen fudge will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
How to Freeze Peanut Butter Fudge
Freezing is a great long-term storage method for peanut butter fudge. Here are some tips for successfully freezing fudge:
- Let fudge cool completely first – It needs to be completely set before freezing or it will stick together.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil – Make sure no air can get to the fudge to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped pieces in ziplock bag – Adds extra layer of protection and keeps freezer odors out.
- Squeeze out excess air from bag – Removing air prevents freezer burn.
- Label bag with date – So you know how long it’s been frozen.
- Freeze for up to 3 months – For best quality and freshness.
When ready to eat frozen fudge, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator until it reaches room temperature. Then enjoy!
How to Thaw Frozen Peanut Butter Fudge
It’s simple to thaw peanut butter fudge that’s been stored in the freezer:
- Place frozen fudge in the refrigerator overnight – Letting it thaw slowly prevents a mushy texture.
- Remove from wrapping once thawed – Unwrap the plastic wrap or foil.
- Check for ice crystals – If there are large ice crystals on the fudge, let it sit out for 30 mins to finish thawing.
- Eat within 2 days – For best taste and texture, eat fully thawed fudge within 2 days.
Avoid thawing frozen fudge out on the counter at room temperature. This can cause condensation and a mushy texture.
How to Store Homemade vs Store-Bought Peanut Butter Fudge
Whether homemade or store-bought, peanut butter fudge should be stored in the same manner. Follow these guidelines:
Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge
- Allow fudge to fully set, about 2-4 hours, before storing
- Wrap tightly or place in sealed container
- Refrigerate up to 2 weeks
- Freeze up to 3 months
Store-Bought Peanut Butter Fudge
- Keep fudge in original packaging if possible
- Seal package tightly or place in airtight container
- Refrigerate up to printed expiration date
- Freeze up to 3 months past expiration date
The main difference is that homemade fudge needs to fully set before storing. Otherwise, follow the same tips for optimal storage and shelf life.
Can You Refrigerate Peanut Butter Fudge That Has Been Frozen?
Yes, you can refrigerate peanut butter fudge after freezing it. The thawed fudge will keep for an additional 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
Follow these steps for refrigerating previously frozen peanut butter fudge:
- Thaw fudge completely in the refrigerator until no ice crystals remain.
- Check for any frost or ice build up and let sit at room temp if needed to finish thawing.
- Wrap thawed fudge tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped fudge in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
The fudge may have a slightly different texture after thawing and refrigerating again. But the taste should remain delicious!
Can You Freeze Thawed Peanut Butter Fudge?
Previously frozen peanut butter fudge that has been thawed can be safely frozen again if done properly. Here are some tips for freezing thawed fudge:
- Only re-freeze fudge that has been thawed in the refrigerator, not at room temp.
- Check that fudge still appears fresh and has no mold.
- Make sure no condensation has developed on the thawed fudge before re-freezing.
- Wrap the fudge tightly again before returning to freezer.
- Don’t thaw, refrigerate and re-freeze fudge more than 1-2 times. Quality will decline.
- Label with new freeze date and use within 1 month.
While you can extend the shelf life by re-freezing peanut butter fudge, its texture may become grainier and drier with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.
Does Peanut Butter Fudge Go Bad?
Yes, peanut butter fudge can go bad eventually. Like any food, peanut butter fudge has a limited shelf life. The high sugar content allows fudge to last 1-2 weeks refrigerated. But after that, peanut butter fudge is susceptible to mold growth, drying out, separation, and overall quality deterioration.
Storing peanut butter fudge properly by refrigerating in an airtight container and freezing for longer duration extends the shelf life. But it doesn’t last forever.
Signs that peanut butter fudge has gone bad and should be discarded include:
- Moldy spots or fuzz
- Hard, dried out texture
- Separation of oils
- Noticeable sour smell
- Off colors or dark discoloration
When kept frozen, peanut butter fudge will maintain best quality for about 3 months. After that, its texture and flavor can decline even when frozen.
Can You Get Sick from Eating Expired Peanut Butter Fudge?
It’s generally not advisable to eat peanut butter fudge that is past its prime. While the sugar acts as a preservative, once fudge expires mold can grow quickly, especially if improperly stored. Consuming moldy fudge could potentially make you sick.
Food poisoning symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
In healthy individuals, eating a small amount of expired fudge with benign mold likely won’t cause illness. But those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of adverse effects from eating moldy foods.
If peanut butter fudge develops a strange odor, flavor, appearance, or shows any mold spotting, it’s safest to discard it even before the printed expiration date.
Does Peanut Butter Fudge Need to Be Refrigerated?
It’s recommended to refrigerate peanut butter fudge to extend its shelf life. The cold temperature of the refrigerator will better preserve the fudge and slow down mold growth. Refrigerating peanut butter fudge can keep it fresh for 1-2 weeks past the date it was made.
Peanut butter fudge does not necessarily need to be refrigerated if you plan to eat it quickly. At room temperature, it will maintain best quality for about 1 week. But for any longer storage, refrigeration is a must.
Tips for refrigerating peanut butter fudge:
- Let fudge completely cool and set before refrigerating.
- Cover tightly or store in a sealed container.
- Use within 2 weeks for best texture and freshness.
- Allow refrigerated fudge to come to room temp before serving if desired.
Refrigeration prevents spoilage and keeps peanut butter fudge tasting great longer!
Can You Store Peanut Butter Fudge at Room Temperature?
Peanut butter fudge can be left out at room temperature for a short period of time, but refrigeration is best for long term storage. Here’s a breakdown of how long peanut butter fudge lasts at room temp:
- 1-2 days – Optimal quality if being eaten right away
- 3-5 days – Noticeable decline in freshness
- 1 week – Maximum room temperature storage time
The高 fat peanut butter and lack of preservatives means fudge doesn’t hold up well when left out too long. Within several days, you may notice drying, separation, color changes, and diminished flavor.
For food safety, peanut butter fudge should not be left at room temperature longer than 1 week. After that point, harmful bacteria can start growing rapidly.
To maintain fresh, moist fudge with the best taste, refrigerate it if you won’t be eating it within a day or two. Refrigeration is key for preserving homemade and store-bought peanut butter fudge.
Signs Your Peanut Butter Fudge Has Gone Bad
How can you tell if those leftovers of peanut butter fudge have spoiled and are no longer safe to eat? Here are the signs that peanut butter fudge has gone bad:
- Mold growth – Tiny fuzzy spots or cottony mold on the surface indicates spoilage.
- Texture changes – Very dried out, crumbly, grainy, or watery texture.
- Oil separation – Liquid oil leaking out of the fudge.
- Discoloration – Unnatural or streaky coloring.
- Strange smell – Foul, sour, or off odor instead of sweet smell.
Peanut butter fudge that displays any of these signs should be discarded. Don’t take chances trying to salvage fudge that has devloped mold or smells bad! Erring on the side of caution can prevent foodborne illness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Last Longer
Want your peanut butter fudge to maintain peak freshness as long as possible? Here are tips to make peanut butter fudge last longer:
- Store in an airtight container – Prevents moisture loss and oxidation.
- Refrigerate – Keeps fudge fresh for 1-2 weeks.
- Wrap tightly – Individual servings wrapped in plastic wrap stay soft.
- Freeze – Freezing for 2-3 months stops spoilage.
- Eat within 1 week – Consume quicker for best taste and texture.
- Keep cool while serving – Don’t let sit out more than 2 hours.
With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy smooth, creamy peanut butter fudge for longer!
Conclusion
Peanut butter fudge is a delicious sweet treat, but like with any confection it has a limited shelf life. Follow these guidelines on refrigerating and freezing to extend the life of your peanut butter fudge:
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
- Freeze fudge for longer duration of 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen fudge overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Watch for mold growth, drying, separation, or off odors as signs fudge has spoiled.
- Enjoy homemade or store-bought fudge within 1 week for best freshness.
With proper storage and handling, peanut butter fudge can stay fresh and delicious for you to enjoy in sweet moderation. Just be sure to consume any leftovers within a couple weeks and freeze if you can’t eat it right away. That will keep your peanut butter fudge safe and prevent waste of this tasty treat.