Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

$To make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, you need: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - A pinch of salt Each ingredient plays a key role. The creamy peanut butter adds richness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips give a nice balance of sweet and cocoa. Sweetened condensed milk acts as a creamy base. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps with texture. A pinch of salt brings everything together. You can customize your fudge with these optional ingredients: - Chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds - Mini marshmallows for extra texture - Flavored extracts, like almond or mint These additions can make your fudge even more exciting. Nuts add crunch, while marshmallows give a chewy bite. Flavored extracts can change the taste profile. You might want to swap some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Use natural peanut butter instead of creamy for a different texture. - Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a richer taste. - Coconut milk can stand in for sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option. These swaps can help you tailor the fudge to your taste or dietary needs. Always remember to adjust the sweetness if you change the chocolate type. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prep your baking dish. Grab an 8x8-inch dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This step helps you lift the fudge out later. It makes cutting easier too. Next, we will melt the chocolate. In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Set the heat to low. Stir the mix gently until everything melts and becomes smooth. This may take a few minutes. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This adds a nice flavor to your fudge. Now, let’s make the peanut butter layer. In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Use a spatula or spoon to mix them. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is key to getting a nice, creamy texture in your fudge. It’s time to layer the fudge. Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Now, take spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture and dollop them over the chocolate layer. Use a knife to gently swirl it together. This creates a marbled look that’s both pretty and tasty. Finally, pour the rest of the chocolate mixture on top. Smooth it out with a spatula. Your fudge is now ready for the fridge! To melt chocolate well, keep it low and slow. Use low heat to avoid burning. I like to use a medium saucepan. Add chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly as it heats. Remove from heat when smooth. This keeps the chocolate creamy and shiny. The right texture makes fudge fun to eat. Aim for a thick, creamy mix. When you stir in the peanut butter, blend it well with powdered sugar. This helps it stay smooth. Let the fudge cool in the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling helps it set just right. One big mistake is not measuring your ingredients. Too much peanut butter can make it oily. Too little chocolate can lead to a dry fudge. Another mistake is rushing the cooling time. If you cut it too early, the fudge will be messy. Always wait for it to set properly before slicing. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing with powdered sugar. Choose Quality Chocolate: Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your fudge significantly. Don't Overheat the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat to avoid burning, which can ruin the texture and flavor. Cut with a Warm Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry for cleaner cuts when slicing the fudge. {{image_2}} You can make your fudge more fun by adding nuts. Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and flavor. Toss in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts. You can mix them in with the peanut butter layer or sprinkle them on top. You can also try adding other mix-ins. Mini marshmallows or crispy rice cereal give a new texture. Just remember to keep the mix-ins small, so they blend well. Adding different flavors can change your fudge game. To make mint fudge, add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to the chocolate mixture. This gives it a fresh twist. If you love sea salt, sprinkle a tiny pinch on top before the fudge sets. The salt balances the sweetness, making each bite special. You can also try other extracts like almond or coconut for a unique taste. Just adjust the amount to avoid overpowering the fudge. You can easily make this fudge vegan or dairy-free. Swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk or a dairy-free version. Use vegan chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones. For the peanut butter, ensure it's free of any added oils or sugars. This way, you get a clean, tasty treat that's still rich and creamy. Making these swaps keeps the fudge delicious and allows everyone to enjoy it. To keep your chocolate peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This fudge can last up to one week at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, it's best to store it in the fridge. The cold helps keep it firm and tasty. If you want to save your fudge for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the fudge into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat some, just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours. The best containers for storing fudge are glass or plastic, with tight lids. Glass containers are great because they don’t trap moisture. Plastic containers work well too, just make sure they seal tightly. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the fudge and change the taste. Chocolate peanut butter fudge lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It will change the texture a bit. Natural peanut butter is runnier and less sweet. You may want to add a little more powdered sugar. This will help keep the fudge firm and sweet. You can use coconut milk or evaporated milk. These options work well, but they will change the flavor. You can also make your own sweetened condensed milk. Just mix one cup of milk with a cup of sugar and simmer until thick. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. We went through the key ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips for great results. Don’t forget the variations to try different flavors and mix-ins. Proper storage will keep your fudge fresh longer. With these simple steps, you can enjoy this sweet treat anytime. Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy baking!$

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup powdered sugar
a pinch salt

Instructions

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well mixed. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Dollop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Pour the remaining chocolate mixture on top of the peanut butter layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until completely set.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Make sure to let the fudge set completely before cutting for clean squares.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter