Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is the ultimate treat for dessert lovers — smooth, decadent, and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a creamy texture that feels luxurious in every bite.

This fudge is ideal for holiday gifting, parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth after a long day. You don’t need any special candy-making skills or thermometers — just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple, no-fuss, and always crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and comforting, yet elegant enough to serve on special occasions. The chocolate and peanut butter layers perfectly complement each other — one rich and velvety, the other nutty and slightly salty.

Plus, it stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day! Whether you’re sharing it or keeping it all to yourself, every bite feels like a sweet little luxury.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This fudge is a must-try because:

• It requires no baking and minimal effort.
• The texture is silky-smooth, with a perfect balance of chocolate richness and peanut butter creaminess.
• It’s versatile — you can easily adapt it with add-ins like nuts, sea salt, or caramel swirls.
• It makes for an excellent gift — elegant, homemade, and always appreciated.

Whether you’re new to making fudge or a seasoned dessert lover, this one will never disappoint!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Cooling/Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 16 squares
• Calories per serving: ~210 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Sweet Treat / Candy

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

(Optional Toppings: crushed peanuts, sea salt flakes, or mini chocolate chips)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the chocolate layer by melting chocolate chips with butter and condensed milk until smooth.
3. Pour and spread it evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Prepare the peanut butter layer by melting white chocolate chips with peanut butter and condensed milk until smooth.
5. Spread it over the chocolate layer evenly.
6. Chill for 2 hours, then slice and serve!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Layer

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk.
• Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
• Add vanilla extract and stir well.
• Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Layer

• In another bowl, combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk.
• Microwave until melted and smooth, stirring often to prevent scorching.
• Add vanilla extract and stir.
• Pour over the chocolate layer and spread evenly.

Step 4: Chill

• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

• Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper.
• Cut into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.
• Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature on a dessert platter.
It pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a hot chocolate.

For a festive touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Avoid overheating the chocolate to prevent it from seizing.
• Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; chunky peanut butter adds crunch.
• For clean cuts, warm your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then slice.
• If the fudge is too soft, chill longer before cutting.
• You can make this up to a week in advance for parties or gifting.

Recipe Variations

1. Crunchy Fudge: Add chopped peanuts or almonds between layers.
2. Sea Salt Fudge: Sprinkle sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet-salty combo.
3. Swirled Fudge: Instead of layering, swirl both mixtures for a marbled look.
4. Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper flavor.
5. Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut condensed milk, and almond butter.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Tip: Layer parchment paper between fudge pieces to prevent sticking.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (microwave-safe)
• Silicone spatula or spoon
• Sharp knife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A1: Yes, but make sure to stir it well — natural peanut butter can be runny and may change the texture slightly.

Q2: Can I make it without a microwave?
A2: Absolutely! You can melt the ingredients using a double boiler over low heat on the stove.

Q3: Why is my fudge grainy?
A3: Overheating chocolate or not stirring enough can cause graininess. Always melt slowly and stir frequently.

Q4: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
A4: Yes! Dark chocolate gives a more intense flavor — just reduce the peanut butter slightly for balance.

Q5: How do I gift this fudge?
A5: Place squares in mini cupcake liners or wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. They make perfect homemade gifts!

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is the perfect example of comfort and indulgence wrapped into one irresistible bite. It’s easy, impressive, and tastes like something straight from a gourmet confectionery shop. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or to gift someone special, it’s guaranteed to spread joy.