Are you ready to treat yourself to something truly delicious? This Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is rich, creamy, and super easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that satisfies all your sweet cravings. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, share tips for perfecting your fudge, and show you how to store it. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– A pinch of sea salt
Ingredient Substitutions
Alternatives for chocolate chips
If you want a different taste, you can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate. Both will give you a sweet treat, but the flavor will change slightly.
Options for nut butter replacements
You can swap creamy peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. These will give your fudge a new flavor and texture.
How to make it dairy-free
To make this fudge dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. This keeps the taste creamy without any dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. Set the dish aside.
– Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.
Combining Ingredients
– Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Flavor
Stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Mix until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of peanut butter.
– Step 4: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Sift ½ cup of powdered sugar into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture to avoid lumps. Gently fold it in until fully incorporated. This gives the fudge a rich, smooth texture.
Final Steps
– Step 5: Season and Combine
Add a pinch of sea salt. Mix again for a well-balanced sweet flavor.
– Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer.
– Step 7: Chill and Slice
Place the fudge in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. It should firm up nicely. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the dish. Cut into squares as large or small as you prefer.
For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Fudge
To make the best chocolate peanut butter fudge, avoid common mistakes. First, always melt your chocolate slowly. High heat can burn it and ruin your fudge. Use low heat and stir often to keep it smooth.
Next, pay attention to the texture. The right fudge should be creamy and not too soft. If your fudge is too soft after chilling, it likely needs more powdered sugar. This helps firm it up.
Serving Suggestions
When serving fudge, presentation matters. Use a nice platter or a decorative box. Garnish with crushed peanuts on top. A drizzle of melted chocolate adds flair, too.
For pairing ideas, enjoy your fudge with a glass of cold milk or coffee. The rich flavors work well together. You can even serve it with fresh fruit for a tasty contrast.
For the complete instructions, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your fudge in fun ways. Adding nuts or chocolate chunks gives it more texture and flavor. I love using chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch that pairs well with the creamy fudge. You can also sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips. They melt slightly and create little pockets of rich chocolate.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out peanut butter for other nut butters. Almond butter or cashew butter works great too. Each nut butter brings its own unique taste. You might find that a mix of nut butters is your new favorite.
Dietary Variations
If you’re on a keto diet, you can still enjoy this fudge. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a low-carb nut butter. This way, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the carbs. Just make sure the sweeteners you choose fit your diet.
For a vegan option, replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips. This makes it easy to enjoy the creamy fudge while sticking to a vegan diet. It’s just as rich and tasty, and your friends won’t even notice the difference!
You can find the full recipe at the beginning of the article to get started on your fudge journey!
Storage Info
How to Store Fudge
To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help retain its rich, creamy texture. You can keep it at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm area, the fridge is a better option. It will last about two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid drying out.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze chocolate peanut butter fudge for long-term storage. Cut it into squares and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Add wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. The fudge can stay frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, take out only what you need. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. For the best taste, avoid thawing it at room temperature. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long does chocolate peanut butter fudge last?
Chocolate peanut butter fudge lasts about two weeks at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it can last up to a month. For best taste, eat it fresh!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds fun texture and a nutty bite. Just make sure it mixes well with the chocolate for a smooth fudge.
How do I know when the fudge is fully set?
The fudge is set when it feels firm to the touch. It should not stick to your fingers. If it’s still soft, give it more time in the fridge.
Troubleshooting Tips
What to do if fudge doesn’t set properly?
If your fudge doesn’t set, it may need more time in the fridge. If it’s still soft after a few hours, you can reheat it gently and add more powdered sugar, then cool it again.
How to fix a grainy texture?
A grainy texture often comes from not melting the chocolate enough. To fix this, briefly heat the fudge mixture over low heat. Stir until smooth, then cool again.
Nutritional Information
Caloric content and nutrition breakdown per serving
Each square of fudge has around 150 calories. It includes fat, carbs, and some protein from the peanut butter. For a richer view, check nutrition labels for exact details.
Allergens and dietary considerations
This fudge contains peanuts and dairy. If you have allergies, look for nut-free or dairy-free options. Always check ingredient labels before cooking.
This blog post showed you how to make tasty chocolate peanut butter fudge. You learned about key ingredients, how to swap them, and step-by-step instructions. I also shared tips to avoid mistakes and offered serving ideas. You can even find variations for different diets and how to store or freeze your fudge.
In short, making fudge is fun and easy. With practice, you’ll impress everyone with your delicious treats. Enjoy sharing your creations!
