Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. It’s perfectly sweet, with the right balance of chocolate and peanut butter. This no-bake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and it’s made with only a few ingredients. The texture is rich and creamy, and it’s a great treat to keep on hand for snacking or to give as homemade gifts. Plus, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a winner!

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, depending on preference)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream (for the chocolate layer)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:

Melt the peanut butter and butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter and butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until completely smooth and combined.
Add the powdered sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture will be thick.
Set the peanut butter layer: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the chocolate layer.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer:

Melt the chocolate and cream: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and cream over a double boiler on the stovetop.
Spread the chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Chill the fudge: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, the fudge should be easy to slice into squares.

Serve:

Slice and serve: Once the fudge has set, remove it from the refrigerator and lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Slice it into small squares or rectangles, and enjoy!
Enjoy: Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is ready to be enjoyed—rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16-20 squares (depending on size)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add a swirl: For a fun twist, swirl some melted chocolate into the peanut butter layer before refrigerating.
Add nuts: Top the fudge with chopped peanuts or sprinkle them into the peanut butter layer for a little crunch.
Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, swap the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
Marshmallow swirl: Add a swirl of marshmallow fluff to the peanut butter layer for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be kept at room temperature for a day or two if you plan to serve it quickly.
Freezing: Fudge freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture and crunch. It will make the fudge slightly more textured, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this fudge without butter?

If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. The texture may differ slightly, but the fudge will still be creamy.

3. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it tends to be runnier than regular peanut butter, which may affect the consistency of the fudge. If using natural peanut butter, you might need to reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly to achieve a firmer texture.

4. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate, depending on your preferences. Each type of chocolate will give a slightly different flavor to the fudge.

5. How do I prevent the fudge from being too soft?

Make sure to chill the fudge long enough to let it firm up completely. If your fudge is too soft, it might not have set properly, so be sure to leave it in the fridge for the full 2 hours (or longer if necessary).

6. Can I add other flavorings to the fudge?

Yes, you can experiment with adding other flavors like vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is a decadent, easy-to-make treat that combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can make these irresistible fudge squares for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family, giving them as gifts, or keeping them for yourself, these fudge pieces will be a hit with everyone who loves the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter. Enjoy!