Oh my goodness, if you haven’t experienced the bliss of chocolate peanut butter fudge, you’re in for a treat! This fudge is like a dreamy, creamy hug for your taste buds. I mean, who can resist the combination of rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter? It’s like a love story in dessert form! I remember the first time I made this—my kitchen smelled divine, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those moments when you need a little sweet pick-me-up or want to impress friends at a gathering. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked and dreaming of your next batch! So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make some magic happen!
Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chocolate peanut butter fudge a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup peanut butter: Use creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference! I love the smooth texture, but if you want a bit of crunch, go for the crunchy kind.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully here. They melt perfectly and give that rich, chocolatey flavor we crave!
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the fudge creamy and luscious! Just make sure to use the sweetened kind, as it adds that delightful sweetness to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aroma. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Now that you have everything ready, you’re just a few steps away from fudge heaven!
How to Prepare Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Getting your chocolate peanut butter fudge just right is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying this heavenly treat in no time. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that pan ready! Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges a bit. This little trick is a game changer! It helps you lift the fudge out easily once it’s set, so you won’t have to worry about any sticky mess. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Now, grab a saucepan and add your chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Turn the heat to low and watch the magic happen! Stir continuously as the chocolate melts, keeping a close eye on it. This is important—if the heat is too high, you risk burning the chocolate, and nobody wants that! Just let it melt slowly until it’s all smooth and creamy. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your chocolate mixture is nice and melted, it’s time to bring in the star of the show—peanut butter! Add it to the melted chocolate along with that lovely teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir, stir, stir until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. You want it to be creamy and luscious, like a warm hug in a bowl. If it’s not silky smooth, keep mixing; it’s worth the effort!
Step 4: Pour and Refrigerate
Now, pour that irresistible mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure to reach all the corners. Then, it’s time to pop it in the fridge! Let it chill for at least 2 hours until it’s firm. I know, the waiting is tough, but it’ll be so worth it when you finally get to indulge!
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is set, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares. I like to use a sharp knife for clean edges, but you can also use a pizza cutter for a fun twist! Serve it up as a sweet treat after dinner, or package some up as gifts—trust me, everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to beat.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this fudge in no time!
- No Baking Required: That’s right! You don’t have to turn on the oven, making it perfect for warm days or when you just want a no-fuss dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 squares, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or just to keep on hand for sweet cravings.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flair—endless possibilities!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike! Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds.
- Store and Enjoy: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for days, so you can savor the sweet goodness throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Getting that perfect batch of chocolate peanut butter fudge is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this fudge has such few ingredients, opt for high-quality chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: Low and slow is the name of the game when melting the chocolate. If it starts to bubble, reduce the heat immediately. You want a smooth melt, not a burnt disaster!
- Mix Well: Make sure to cream the peanut butter into the chocolate mixture thoroughly. If you see any streaks, keep stirring until it’s all one beautiful blend.
- Chill Longer for Firm Fudge: If you find your fudge is still a bit soft after the minimum refrigeration time, don’t hesitate to let it chill a little longer. It’ll be easier to cut into squares when it’s fully set!
- Cut with Care: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts if it gets sticky. A little kitchen hack that helps keep those fudge squares looking pretty!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of caramel for a fun twist on the classic fudge.
- Store Properly: Make sure to keep your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to a week if you can resist eating it all at once!
With these tips, you’re all set to create fudge that will impress everyone. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delightful square of your chocolate peanut butter fudge:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose. But hey, when it comes to fudge, who’s counting? Just enjoy this creamy, dreamy treat guilt-free!
FAQ About Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Got questions about chocolate peanut butter fudge? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up when making this decadent treat:
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works just fine, but keep in mind it can be a bit runnier. Just make sure to stir it well before adding it to the mixture for the best results!
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge is ready when it’s firm to the touch. If you gently press the center and it doesn’t leave a dent, you’re good to go! Refrigerating it for at least 2 hours usually does the trick.
Can I make this fudge vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, simply swap the chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate and use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk. There are some great options available that work just as well!
What if my fudge is too soft?
Don’t worry! If your fudge doesn’t firm up as expected, you can pop it back in the fridge for a bit longer. Alternatively, you could always melt it down again and try adding a touch more chocolate or peanut butter to thicken it up!
Can I add flavors or toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of caramel, or even some crushed nuts mixed in will elevate your fudge to a whole new level. The sky’s the limit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chocolate peanut butter fudge is super easy, and it’s a great way to keep that deliciousness fresh for later! To store, simply place the fudge squares in an airtight container, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pop that container in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for about a week. Trust me, it’s hard to resist, but if you can keep your hands off it, you can enjoy this treat for days!
If you find yourself with leftover fudge (though I can’t imagine that’ll be the case!), you can also freeze it! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a little piece of fudge bliss any time you need a sweet fix—just thaw it in the fridge for a few hours or leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging.
Reheating isn’t necessary for this fudge since it’s best enjoyed at cool temperatures. However, if you want to melt it down for drizzling over ice cream or for a topping, just pop it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s soft and gooey again. Just be careful—don’t overheat it! You want it smooth, not scorched. Now, go ahead and enjoy your fudge, whether fresh or from the fridge—it’s all delicious!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: 5 Steps to Blissful Indulgence
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and creamy chocolate peanut butter fudge
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter fudge
