Our neighbor shared this sweet treat that they serve at weddings and gatherings. It is lighter than fudge but richer than frosting. Just 3 ingredients to make this addictive topping.

This 3-ingredient Amish peanut butter spread is the kind of sweet treat you’ll find on church basement tables at weddings, baby showers, and big family gatherings here in the Midwest. A neighbor first brought it over on a plate of soft white bread triangles, and I remember thinking it tasted like the best part of peanut butter fudge and frosting rolled into one—only lighter and silkier. It’s not the whipped marshmallow-style church spread some folks know, but a richer, candy-like topping that still spreads easily. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard, this is the kind of simple, old-fashioned recipe that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any afternoon snack.

Serve this spread generously on soft white sandwich bread, dinner rolls, or warm biscuits—it’s especially good when the bread is just slightly warm, so the spread relaxes and settles into a glossy layer. It also makes a lovely topping for plain pound cake, graham crackers, or sliced apples if you want something with a bit more crunch. At gatherings, I like to cut the bread into small squares or triangles, spread a thick layer of this peanut butter treat on top, and arrange them on a big platter so folks can nibble as they visit. A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee balances the sweetness nicely.

Servings: 10

1 cup creamy peanut butter

In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and brown sugar. Set the pan over low heat.

Stir slowly and steadily as the peanut butter softens and the brown sugar begins to melt. Keep the heat low so nothing scorches on the bottom.

When the mixture looks thick and mostly smooth, pour in the heavy cream a little at a time, stirring constantly. The mixture will loosen, then come together into a glossy, creamy spread.

Continue cooking over low heat, stirring, just until everything is fully blended and the texture is smooth and thick—about 2 to 3 minutes. It should be looser than fudge in the pan but thicker than a pourable sauce.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the spread cool until just warm. As it cools, it will thicken to a soft, fudge-like consistency that still spreads easily.

Once cooled to room temperature, spoon the spread into a jar or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so it can set up to a rich, spreadable texture.

To serve, let the spread sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly, then smear a generous layer over slices of soft white bread or your favorite rolls.

For a slightly deeper flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light, which will give the spread a hint of molasses and a darker caramel color. If you’d like it a touch lighter and fluffier, whisk in an extra tablespoon or two of heavy cream after it has cooled slightly, just until it reaches the texture you prefer—remember, it should still be thicker than frosting, leaning toward soft fudge. Crunchy peanut butter can be used if you like a bit of texture, though most Amish cooks I’ve known stick with creamy for that smooth, wedding-table look. This spread keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week; just let it warm a bit and give it a quick stir before serving. For gifting, spoon it into small jars, tie on a ribbon, and include a note suggesting it be spread thick on soft bread or dolloped on warm biscuits.