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- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (divided) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (divided) - 1/4 teaspoon salt (divided) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) - Additional chocolate chips or melted chocolate for topping The key to a rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Fudge lies in the balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role. The creamy peanut butter gives that classic taste. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk brings it all together with a smooth texture. You can use vanilla extract for extra flavor. A pinch of salt enhances all the sweetness. You can customize the fudge with optional ingredients. If you love crunch, add walnuts or almonds. Want more chocolate? Extra chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top will do the trick. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results. Trust me, it makes a difference! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preparing your baking dish. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift out the fudge later. It also makes for easy clean-up. Next, measure all your ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts. This makes your fudge taste just right. Now it’s time to melt the chocolate. In a medium saucepan, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Set the heat to low. Stir the mixture continuously. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and stay smooth. Once melted, take the pan off the heat. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This step adds great flavor to your fudge. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining creamy peanut butter, the other 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, another 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it’s creamy and well-mixed. This will create that rich peanut butter flavor. Let’s layer the fudge! Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, scoop the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Smooth it out evenly. Finally, dollop the rest of the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. To create the swirl effect, take a toothpick or skewer. Gently swirl the layers together. Be careful not to mix them too much. You want to keep the layers visible for a pretty look. Now it’s time to chill the fudge. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This will let the fudge set and become firm. Once set, lift the fudge out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut it into squares or rectangles. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts for even pieces. Enjoy your delicious fudge! Chilling time is key for great fudge. You need at least three hours in the fridge. This helps the fudge set perfectly. If you rush this step, your fudge may be soft. To avoid graininess in your chocolate, melt it slowly over low heat. Stir constantly to keep it smooth. Adding a little salt enhances the flavor while helping to keep the texture creamy. When serving, arrange the fudge squares neatly on a plate. Use a decorative dish to make it look fancy. You can drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter sauce over the top for extra flair. A few whole nuts make a nice garnish and add crunch. If your fudge is too soft, it may need more chilling time. You can also return it to the fridge for a bit longer. If it’s still soft, consider adding more melted chocolate to help it set. If your chocolate isn’t melting well, check the heat. Low and slow is the best way. If it clumps, add a splash of sweetened condensed milk to smooth it out. Stir until it becomes silky and smooth. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: Choosing good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your fudge, making it richer and more indulgent. Don’t Overmix the Swirl: When creating the swirl effect, be gentle and avoid overmixing to maintain distinct layers and a beautiful marbled appearance. Chill Overnight for Best Results: For the best texture and flavor, consider chilling the fudge overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extracts like almond or coconut to the peanut butter mixture for a unique twist on this classic treat. {{image_4}} You can make this fudge even more special by adding extracts. Almond extract gives a nutty twist, while coffee extract adds depth. Just a few drops can change the taste. You can also switch up the chocolate. Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or use white chocolate for a sweet contrast. Each type brings its own charm to the fudge. If you need gluten-free options, this fudge is already safe! For a vegan version, swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips. Need to avoid nuts? Just leave out the peanut butter and use sun butter instead. This way, everyone can enjoy a piece. Add fun mix-ins to surprise your taste buds. Chopped fruits like dried cherries or diced apples can add sweetness. You might also enjoy adding seeds like chia or pumpkin for crunch. For toppings, try crushed pretzels for a salty kick or shredded coconut for a tropical flair. These little changes can make a big difference! To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying it out. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. If you do not have one, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap. You can store fudge at room temperature, but refrigeration is best for longer freshness. If you choose room temperature, keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. Fudge can last a few days this way. However, refrigeration can extend its life. In the refrigerator, your fudge lasts about two weeks. It will stay fresh and tasty if stored well. Look out for signs that your fudge has gone bad. If it develops a dry or hard texture, it may not taste good. Also, check for any off smells or discoloration. These signs mean it’s time to toss it out. Freezing is a great option if you want to keep fudge longer. Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for best results. When you want to enjoy your frozen fudge, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will keep the texture nice. Once thawed, cut and serve as you wish. Frozen fudge usually maintains its flavor and texture quite well! To make this fudge vegan, you need to swap out the dairy items. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich, creamy texture. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors without any animal products. Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter! It will change the texture of the fudge, making it a bit more textured and chewy. The flavor will still shine through, but you'll get little bits of peanut in each bite, adding more character and fun to the fudge. Serve this fudge on a nice plate for a special treat. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty contrast. Drizzle some melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for an extra touch. Adding fresh fruit, like strawberries, can also balance the rich flavors. Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking dish, like a 9x13 inch. Keep the cooking times the same, but check for firmness. You want the fudge to set well. If it’s not firm after chilling, give it a bit more time in the fridge. Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute. These alternatives will give you a similar creamy texture. You can also try using a mix of maple syrup and nut butter. This will add sweetness and keep the fudge soft and tasty. This blog post guides you to make delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Fudge. You learned about essential ingredients, like creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips. The step-by-step instructions help you prepare, melt, and layer the fudge perfectly. I shared tips for the best texture and how to troubleshoot common issues. With storage info and fun variations, you'll keep things fresh. Remember, the right mix-ins and toppings can make your fudge unique. Enjoy your fudge-making journey and share it with friends and family!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Fudge

A deliciously rich and creamy fudge with a delightful swirl of peanut butter and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) - optional
  • additional amount chocolate chips or melted chocolate for topping - optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Allow some overhang on the sides; this will help you lift the fudge out later and make for easy clean-up.
  • Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with 1/2 cup of the sweetened condensed milk. Set over low heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
  • Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the remaining creamy peanut butter, the other 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and another pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is completely combined and has a creamy consistency.
  • Layering the Fudge: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, scoop the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer, smoothing it out evenly. Finally, dollop the remaining chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
  • Create the Swirl Effect: With a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect. Be cautious not to mix too thoroughly, as you want to maintain distinct layers for visual appeal.
  • Incorporate Nuts (if desired): If you’re adding nuts for additional texture and crunch, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the fudge at this stage.
  • Chill the Mixture: Transfer the fudge to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until it has fully set and reached a firm texture.
  • Cut & Serve the Fudge: Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut it into squares or rectangles based on your preference.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or peanut butter sauce over the top and garnish with whole nuts.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter