Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

$- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish) You can use natural peanut butter instead of creamy. Just know it may change the texture slightly. For chocolate chips, dark chocolate can work well too. If you want a sweeter fudge, use milk chocolate chips. You can also replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Chopped nuts add great crunch and flavor. You can use pecans, walnuts, or peanuts. For a fun twist, try sprinkling sea salt on top for a sweet and salty mix. A drizzle of melted chocolate also makes it look fancy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by lining an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the fudge out later. Set the pan aside for now. Take a medium saucepan and add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Place the pan on low heat. Stir the mix for about 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring until it is smooth and well combined. Now, add 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the peanut butter mix. Stir until the chocolate melts fully. The mixture should be rich and creamy. Once the chocolate is melted, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Then, pour the fudge mixture into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly. If you like, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top and gently press them into the fudge. Now, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the fudge set and become firm. After chilling, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares and enjoy! To make your fudge creamy, use smooth peanut butter. Stir the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Keep stirring until it is smooth and well mixed. This step is key to a creamy texture. Once you add chocolate chips and cocoa powder, keep stirring until everything melts together. Grainy fudge can happen if you heat it too fast. Always use low heat and stir gently. If you find your fudge is grainy, try reheating it slowly. Add a tiny bit more sweetened condensed milk to help smooth it out. This will bring back a nice, creamy feel. For serving, cut the fudge into neat squares. Place them on a pretty platter. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a touch of elegance. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or cocoa powder to make it look fancy. Adding a few whole peanuts can make it more inviting, too. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk to come to room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a creamier fudge. Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. The chocolate is a central ingredient, and using a premium brand will enhance the overall taste of your fudge. Don’t Overheat the Mixture: When melting the chocolate and peanut butter mixture, keep the heat low and stir continuously. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, leading to a grainy texture. Allow Proper Cooling Time: Be patient and let the fudge chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This ensures it sets properly and makes cutting easier, resulting in clean squares. {{image_2}} You can make this fudge vegan with a few simple swaps. Use plant-based milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Try coconut cream or almond cream for a creamy texture. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it completely vegan. The taste remains rich and delicious, perfect for everyone! To make this fudge gluten-free, just check your chocolate chips. Many brands are gluten-free. Also, ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the fudge without worry. The taste will still be spot on! For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter. These alternatives keep the fudge creamy and tasty. If you're on a low-carb diet, use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and sugar-free chocolate chips. You can enjoy this treat while sticking to your diet plan. To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. Place the fudge pieces in a single layer if possible. This helps prevent sticking. If you need to stack them, add parchment between layers. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat. You can freeze fudge for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fudge in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps out air and moisture. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. The fudge stays fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to two weeks. Check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. Always use clean utensils when serving to keep it fresh longer. Enjoy your sweet treat! Store your fudge in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for best results. It stays fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just cut it into squares and wrap each piece well. This way, you can enjoy it later! Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It will change the texture a bit. Natural peanut butter is more oily and less creamy. This may make your fudge softer. If you like, add a little more cocoa powder to balance the flavor. You can use coconut milk mixed with sugar as a substitute. Blend one cup of coconut milk with a half cup of sugar. This gives a similar sweetness and creaminess. You could also try a mix of milk and cream with sugar for a different taste. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add more cocoa powder. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet ones. For extra richness, try adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup. This will boost the chocolate taste and keep it creamy. This blog post covered all you need for making chocolate peanut butter fudge. We went over the key ingredients, step-by-step directions, tips for success, and tasty variations. You can even find storage tips to keep your fudge fresh. Remember, whether you want vegan options or want to adjust for different diets, there’s a way for everyone. Now, grab your ingredients and start creating this sweet treat. Enjoy every bite you make!$

Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge made with peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 2 4

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch salt
to taste chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the semisweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture. Continue to stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is rich and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top and gently press them into the fudge.
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours until it is firm and set.
Once set, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter and drizzle with additional melted chocolate for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a few whole roasted peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the visual appeal.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter