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- 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 These key ingredients create the rich and creamy base for your fudge. Creamy peanut butter adds smoothness, while chocolate chips bring sweetness. Cocoa powder gives depth, and sweetened condensed milk ensures a luscious, sticky texture. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. - Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish) Adding chopped nuts on top of your fudge gives a nice crunch. You can use walnuts, almonds, or peanuts. They add flavor and make your fudge look fancy. - Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free option. - Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer taste. - Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. These substitutions allow you to customize your fudge. They can help meet dietary needs or create new flavors. Just keep in mind that changes may affect the final texture or taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preparing your baking dish. Use an 8x8 inch square pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the edges hang over the sides. This helps lift the fudge out later. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Heat over low heat. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mix smooth and well blended. Once your peanut butter mix is smooth, add the chocolate chips. Pour in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts. The mix should be rich and creamy. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is mixed well. Carefully pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If you want a crunchy touch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Gently press them in to stick. Chill the fudge in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When it’s firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares for serving. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the best fudge texture, blend the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk well. Heat them over low heat. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes. This makes a smooth mix. When you add chocolate and cocoa, keep stirring until melted. This helps the fudge stay creamy and rich. One common mistake is not using low heat. High heat can burn the chocolate. It also makes the fudge grainy. Make sure to use a nice, heavy saucepan. This helps with even heat distribution. Also, don’t skip the salt. It enhances the flavors and makes the fudge taste better. When melting chocolate, use a double boiler if you can. If not, use a saucepan over low heat. Add chocolate chips to the mix only after the peanut butter is smooth. Stir until fully melted. This way, you avoid any lumps or clumps. If you notice any lumps, keep stirring. The heat will melt them down. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium semisweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor that elevates the overall taste of your fudge. Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother final texture. Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and give your fudge a unique twist. Proper Storage: Store your fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. {{image_4}} You can swap peanut butter for almond butter. Almond butter gives a nice twist. It adds a rich, nutty taste that works well with chocolate. Dark chocolate is another great option. It gives a deep, bold flavor. You can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet ones. This change makes the fudge less sweet and more intense. Adding extras can make your fudge unique. Chopped nuts are a classic choice. They add crunch and flavor. You can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Sea salt is another great addition. It balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. If you want a fun touch, try adding colorful sprinkles. They make the fudge look festive and appealing. For seasonal flair, add mint or pumpkin spice. Mint extract gives a fresh taste. It pairs well with chocolate and is great for the holidays. On the other hand, pumpkin spice is perfect for fall. Just add a teaspoon to the fudge mixture. This twist gives your fudge a warm, cozy flavor. Both options let you enjoy fudge in new ways throughout the year. To keep your chocolate peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking and keeps the texture nice. Place the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain its rich flavor. Freezing is a great option if you want to save fudge for later. First, let the fudge cool completely. Then, cut it into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze the fudge for up to three months. When stored properly, the fudge lasts about two weeks at room temperature. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to a month. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. Keeping the fudge sealed helps keep it soft and creamy. Enjoy your sweet treat while it’s at its best! Yes, you can make fudge without sweetened condensed milk. To replace it, use a mix of heavy cream and sugar. Heat one cup of heavy cream with one cup of sugar. Stir until smooth and use this in place of the condensed milk. This will keep your fudge sweet and creamy. To make your fudge creamier, add a little more peanut butter or a splash of cream. You can also try using more chocolate chips. This will help create a smoother texture. Mixing the fudge longer can also help it become creamier. Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use double the amounts for each ingredient. Make sure to use a larger pan to hold all the fudge. You will need to adjust the chilling time too. Keep an eye on it as it sets. You can store leftover fudge in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you have a lot, try sharing it with friends or family. You can also melt it down and use it as a topping for ice cream or pancakes. Using natural peanut butter is possible, but it may change the texture. Natural peanut butter can be runnier than creamy types. This might make your fudge softer. If you want a firmer fudge, stick to creamy peanut butter. This blog covered making delicious fudge with simple steps and tasty options. We discussed key ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations. You can now get creative with your fudge, like adding nuts or sea salt. Remember to store it right for freshness. Fudge is a fun treat you can share or enjoy at home. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy your sweet creations. Happy baking!

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 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
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
 

  • Start by preparing your baking pan: Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that the edges extend beyond the pan sides for easy lifting later. Set this aside.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. Heat them gently over low heat, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully blended together.
  • Once the peanut butter mix is homogeneous, introduce the semisweet chocolate chips and the cocoa powder into the saucepan. Keep stirring until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture transforms into a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
  • Carefully pour the luscious fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to evenly smooth out the surface.
  • If you wish to add a crunchy element, sprinkle chopped nuts over the fudge and gently press them in to ensure they adhere to the surface.
  • Place the fudge in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and set completely.
  • After chilling, utilize the overhanging edges of the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut it into squares for serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top and garnish with whole roasted peanuts or cocoa powder.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter