The History of Peanut Butter Fudge

In honor of National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, we are taking a look at the history behind this popular treat. It’s widely believed that fudge was created by accident in the 1800s. A chef was trying to make a batch of caramels, and they didn’t turn out quite right. At the time, the word “fudge” was commonly used to mean “cheat” or “hoax,” so it makes sense that the term would be applied to something that didn’t turn out the way it was meant to. Another origin story has American college women making fudge as a fun group activity that gave them an excuse to stay up late. The origins of peanut butter fudge are even more unclear – it’s not currently known when the peanut butter variety was first made, but it’s believed to have been a result of experimenting with peanut butter in the kitchen. And what a delicious experiment that must have been! Today, peanut butter fudge is a beloved variety and also one of the easiest types of fudge to make at home.