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This Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge only requires 5 simple ingredients and can be made without much effort. The results are perfect fudge every time and so creamy and delicious.
Have I mentioned how much we love fudge? Our family goes crazy over fudge. We all seriously love this bake goods treat. If you are thinking you don’t like chocolate fudge because its too chocolatey, then I have something a little different for you to try.
Friends and family will love this delicious dessert recipe and no candy thermometer or cocoa powder is needed. This peanut butter chocolate chip fudge recipe is so easy to make. This is perfect to include in our 25 days of Christmas cookie exchange recipes.
Why This Recipe Works
It is one of our favorite recipes and I just know you will love it as well. It is so easy and does not call for sweetened condensed milk.
Each bite is so creamy, delicious that it melts in your mouth and satisfies your holiday sweet tooth. It is super easy to make and SO delicious.
I love making this fudge to give as gifts to friends and family. Everyone loves homemade fudge and it is not hard to make. I think fudge would also be a great party favor.
Make sure you check our post on the 5 tips to making amazing fudge. These tips will also work when making this easy peanut butter fudge. Once you start to make fudge, you will see how easy it is.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Add Candy – You could do anything you want such as M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces.
- Peanut Butter Variation – Try using crunchy peanut butter or natural peanut butters for a change.
- Other Chocolate Chips – Peanut butter chips would add even more peanut butter flavor. You can also mix in milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
- Chopped Nuts – If you love nuts in your fudge, we recommend adding in chopped pecans or walnuts.
It is very easy to change based on what you have on hand or prefer. Let us know if you have any add ins you love in fudge.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
- Step 1 – First you will melt the butter, vanilla extract and peanut butter until combined. Stir until smooth in a saucepan. You can also melt in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Step 2 – Then mix in the powdered sugar into the soft ball. Swirl in your additional ingredient – we did ½ cup mini chocolate chips and I left them swirled because they look prettier.
- Step 3 – Next, pour the peanut butter layer into the prepared 8-inch pan. Let the fudge set. I normally put it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.
- Step 4 — Cut the peanut butter chocolate fudge into squares, top with sea salt and enjoy. Since the fudge is so rich, I like to cut the fudge into small pieces. A little truly goes a long way.
Expert Tips
- Prepare Baking Dish – We recommend line the square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to easily remove the fudge from the pan. This also helps to make cleanup a breeze.
- Combining Ingredients – You will combine ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. You do not want to bring to boil.
- Set Fudge – Before serving, the fudge needs at least 2 hours to set. This makes it the perfect fudge to make ahead of time.
How to Store Leftover Fudge
Store the fudge inside an airtight container 3 to 5 days at room temperature. It is best to use a layer of parchment paper in between the fudge.
You can also leave in pan and cover with plastic wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peanut butter fridge will last longer if refrigerated. Just keep in an air tight container and it should last up to a week in the fridge. I would take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving. It is best at room temperature.
If you need it to last longer, you can freeze it. Place the fudge inside an airtight container and put in the freezer. I also like to use the wax paper in between the layers when freezing. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let the fudge thaw overnight in the fridge. See can you freeze fudge for more tips.
This is perfect around the holiday season when you do a lot of baking. You can make this in advance and save time for recipes that need to be made the day of the event.
I also like being able to grab a square or two from the freezer when I want something sweet. It is so convenient and delicious.
If you prefer fudge to be a harder consistency, put it in the fridge or even the freezer for about 30 minutes. However, it is best room temperature so be sure to take it out a few minutes before serving.
You fudge could turn out gritty because the sugar has not completely dissolved when combining with the peanut butter mixture. Make sure to continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
In this fudge recipe, we used creamy peanut butter but you can try using crunchy peanut for a delicious variation. We have not tried natural peanut butters, but it should also work in this recipe. If you try it, let us know by leaving a comment.
More Easy Fudge Recipes
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Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe {3 Minute Fudge}
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Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Easy Dessert
Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe
If you make this easy chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line 8″ X 8″ baking pan with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place butter, peanut butter and vanilla in medium sauce pan and heat over low/medium heat until thoroughly combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, ½ cup to 1 cup at a time. Continue until all powdered sugar is incorporated.
- If you are adding in any additional ingredients (I added mini chocolate chips) do it now.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan.
- Chill for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Remove waxed paper from baking pan and cut fudge into small squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Step one needs to change from foil to wax paper
Made this fudge today. LOVE how easy it is to make! All the other fudge I make takes a long cooking time and a candy thermometer. I added toasted walnuts and poured the mid size reeses peanut butter cups in the bottom of the dish before putting the fudge in. The PB cups worked right into the fudge perfectly! Gave it a beautiful look. I lined my 8×8 glass dish with parchment paper. I’ll be making more of this fudge soon for holiday parties. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
So simple and delicious!!!!
Carrie, thank you for your receipts. I’ve had success with the three that I’ve tried.
sorry Lana – you can use either one. I’ll get that fixed. I’ve made it both ways.
First you say line with foil, then you say with wax paper, which is it????