Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, especially when I crave something sweet yet indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a rich, creamy treat that melts in your mouth. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is irresistible, and making it at home allows me to adjust the sweetness to my liking. Plus, the process is quick and easy, which means I can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes!

Aubrey Collins

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:31:06.775Z

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge has become a cherished tradition for me. The first time I mixed chocolate chips with peanut butter and a splash of vanilla, I knew I stumbled upon something special. I love the way it sets up perfectly in the fridge, turning into a luscious treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to enhance the flavor. For instance, to avoid graininess, make sure to use high-quality chocolate and melt it at a low temperature. The result is a smoother texture, and paired with the nutty goodness of peanut butter, it’s pure bliss!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter.
  • Quick prep and minimal cooking time.
  • Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Making the Perfect Fudge Mix

The ratio of chocolate to peanut butter in this recipe creates a rich balance that contributes to a silky texture. Using semi-sweet chocolate chips yields a fudge that has just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate chips, but take care to maintain the balance as the bitterness could shift the taste more than desired. A quick tip is to monitor the melting process closely; stopping the microwave heat at intervals ensures a glossy, lump-free blend.

After you've melted the chocolate and peanut butter together, it's crucial to add the powdered sugar gradually. This not only prevents clumps but also allows for better incorporation into the mixture. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. If you find that it's too thick to work with, don’t hesitate to add an extra spoonful of peanut butter. This will help you achieve that creamy consistency while retaining the distinct nutty flavor that makes this fudge so appealing.

Storing and Serving Your Fudge

Once your fudge has set in the refrigerator, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy the fudge for a longer period, consider freezing it. Cut the fudge into squares and layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight for a perfectly delicious treat.

For those who want to elevate the presentation of their fudge, consider drizzling it with melted chocolate or topped with crushed nuts before setting it. Not only does this add an appealing visual element, but it enhances the flavor and texture too. You can also experiment with different flavor add-ins such as sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a little crunch. These small tweaks can transform your fudge experience and impress any dessert lover.

Ingredients

To make the fudge, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Once you have everything, you’re ready to start making delicious fudge!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your fudge:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and well blended.

Mix Ingredients

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix well until fully combined. If the mixture is too thick, you may add a little more peanut butter.

Set the Fudge

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.

Cut and Serve

Remove the fudge from the baking dish using the parchment paper, then cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious homemade fudge!

Once cut, keep the fudge stored in an airtight container. It lasts for about a week in the fridge!

Secondary image

Pro Tips

  • For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips before setting the fudge. This gives a delightful crunch that complements the creamy fudge well.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to substitute the peanut butter due to allergies or dietary preferences, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well as alternatives. Both options provide a similar creamy texture without compromising the overall indulgence of the fudge. Just remember that the flavor profile will slightly change; almond butter offers a more nutty essence while sunflower seed butter can impart a distinct earthiness.

When it comes to the chocolate aspect, you could also experiment with vegan chocolate chips if you're aiming for a dairy-free version of this fudge. Additionally, if you're in a pinch for powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar in a food processor until it's fine, although the texture may vary slightly.

Troubleshooting Your Fudge

If your fudge turns out too soft after refrigeration, it may not have enough powdered sugar, or it could be due to an excess of peanut butter. A quick fix is to melt the mixture again and add a little more powdered sugar, then pour it back into the dish to chill again. Another common issue is having a gritty texture, which can stem from not fully incorporating the sugar. Always ensure you mix well until completely smooth.

On the other hand, if your fudge is overly hard, it could have been chilled for too long or there was too much chocolate compared to other ingredients. If this happens, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting, and consider using a slightly lower chocolate ratio the next time you make it to achieve a creamier fudge.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives to peanut butter.

→ How should I store the fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

→ Can I freeze the fudge?

Absolutely! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for powdered sugar?

You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine if you don’t have powdered sugar on hand.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, especially when I crave something sweet yet indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a rich, creamy treat that melts in your mouth. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is irresistible, and making it at home allows me to adjust the sweetness to my liking. Plus, the process is quick and easy, which means I can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Collins

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 16 pieces

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  2. 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 1 cup powdered sugar
  5. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and well blended.

Step 02

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix well until fully combined. If the mixture is too thick, you may add a little more peanut butter.

Step 03

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.

Step 04

Remove the fudge from the baking dish using the parchment paper, then cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious homemade fudge!

Extra Tips

  1. For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips before setting the fudge. This gives a delightful crunch that complements the creamy fudge well.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g