INTRODUCTION
Best Peanut Butter Fudge is simple and rich. This no-fuss treat mixes creamy peanut butter with sweet white chocolate and a can of sweetened condensed milk. You only need a few items and a small pan. You can make it in about ten minutes of hands-on time and then chill until firm. If you like sweet, nutty, and smooth desserts, this fudge will make you smile. For another quick peanut butter snack that is also tasty and easy, try the recipe for no-bake peanut butter banana energy bites as a simple companion to this fudge.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and forgiving. The ingredients are common and easy to find. The texture is creamy and melts in your mouth. The recipe also lets you add candy pieces on top for crunch and color. It is a no-bake recipe, so you do not need an oven or special skills. The flavors are familiar and crowd-pleasing, making it great for family gatherings, school events, or quick gifts. If you want to pair it with a spoonful of ice cream, the peanut butter flavor will work well with a recipe like peanut butter sundae bliss for a richer dessert board.
HOW TO MAKE Best Peanut Butter Fudge
This fudge uses a simple stovetop method. You heat the sweetened condensed milk, melt in white chocolate and peanut butter, then press into a pan with peanut butter cup pieces. Work with low heat and stir until smooth. Do not boil the milk. After the mixture cools for a few minutes, stir in some chopped peanut butter cups, then spread into a pan. Top with candies and chill until firm. Clean up is easy because everything goes into one pot and one pan.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Knife and cutting board for chopping candies
- Cooking spray
- Scissors (optional, to trim parchment for a better fit)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
3 cups white chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups peanut butter, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 1/2 cups mini or regular peanut butter cups, chopped (or chocolate chips and chopped peanuts will work in a pinch), 1/2 cup Reeses Pieces, chopped
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Please prepare all of your ingredients.
Prepare an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray and parchment paper. Set aside. I trim the edges of the parment with scissors so the pan fits better into my fridge.
In a saucepan, over medium low heat, pour in sweetened condensed milk and heat until hot but NOT boiling.
Add white chocolate and peanut butter to the pot, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
Let stand for a few minutes to cool a bit, stirring occasionally.
Stir in 1 cup of chopped peanut butter cups, and only stir once or twice so they do not totally melt.
Pour immediately into your prepared pan.
Top with chopped peanut butter cups and chopped Reese’s pieces.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, remove from pan using parchment to hold on to.
Cut into squares, Serve as desired. Enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Best Peanut Butter Fudge
Serve the fudge in small squares on a simple platter. The pieces are rich, so a small square goes a long way. You can place a paper liner under each piece for a tidy look. For a party, arrange the squares with other small sweets and cookies. If you want a nut-free option on the same table, put the fudge in a separate area and label it. Pairing these squares with a warm drink is nice — for a sweet breakfast table, try coffee recipes like those in this list of 10 best homemade coffee recipes to serve guests.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Best Peanut Butter Fudge
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to two weeks when kept cold. Place parchment paper between layers to stop pieces from sticking. You can also freeze fudge for longer storage. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Fudge will keep well for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a rich dessert.
- Pair single squares with coffee or milk for an afternoon treat. For a holiday platter, put these fudge squares next to some cut cookie bars for variety, like the ones in this guide to best Christmas cookie bars.
- Add fresh fruit on the side to balance the sweetness. Apple slices and pear slices work well.
- Make small gift boxes of fudge squares for neighbors or friends. Use decorative paper and a bow for a quick present.
VARIATIONS
You can change the mix-ins and toppings to suit your taste. Simple swaps make new textures and flavors.
- Chocolate and peanut mix: Replace white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer color and deeper taste.
- Nut swap: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a different nut flavor. Note that texture and flavor will change.
- Extra crunch: Instead of or in addition to chopped peanut butter cups, stir in chopped roasted peanuts or pretzels. If you want a drink pairing, try a floral cold drink idea from these best lavender drinks recipes to offer a light counterpoint to this rich fudge.
- Candy options: Use chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if you do not have peanut butter cups; both work in a pinch.
- Salted top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Darker fudge: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the melted mix if you want a light chocolate tone.
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yes. Natural peanut butter will work, but the texture may be a bit softer and oilier. Stir well before measuring.
Q: Do I need to cool the mixture before adding peanut butter cups?
A: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to lower the heat so the candy pieces do not melt fully. Stir only once or twice when you add them.
Q: Can I make this without white chocolate chips?
A: You can use milk or dark chocolate chips. The final color and taste will change, but the method stays the same.
Q: How do I cut clean squares?
A: Chill the fudge well, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat edges.
Q: What if my fudge turns out too soft?
A: Chill it longer. If it still stays soft, freeze it for a short time to firm up, then store in the fridge.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Best Peanut Butter Fudge
Make the fudge up to two weeks ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. For gifts, freeze wrapped squares and thaw in the fridge the day before you need them. If you expect to travel with the fudge, keep it chilled in an insulated bag with ice packs to avoid melting. If you want to prepare the toppings ahead of time, chop your peanut butter cups and Reese’s pieces a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Best Peanut Butter Fudge
A simple and rich no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter with sweet white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups mini or regular peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients.
- Prepare an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray and parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium low heat, pour in sweetened condensed milk and heat until hot but NOT boiling.
- Add white chocolate and peanut butter to the pot, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
- Let stand for a few minutes to cool a bit, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped peanut butter cups, and stir only once or twice to avoid total melting.
- Pour immediately into your prepared pan.
- Top with chopped peanut butter cups and chopped Reese’s Pieces.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then remove from pan using parchment to hold on to.
- Cut into squares and serve as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter fudge, no-bake dessert, chocolate, sweet treat, easy recipe
