Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (2024)

HomeRecipe ListCandyChocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Posted by Aimee 41 comments
Published: Dec 05, 2021 Last Updated: Sep 27, 2023

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A layer of creamy chocolate fudge swirled with a creamy peanut butter fudge layer is a treat no one will turn down! Make this classic Chocolate Peanut Butter fudge to enjoy with those you love.

If you LOVE making homemade candy, you’ll want all the tips and tricks in my tutorial on how to make fudge. Looking for something even easier? Make a batch of tiger butter instead!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (1)

Why this recipe works

What’s the only thing better than chocolate fudge? Chocolate fudge with peanut butter on top!

My mom gave me this recipe years and years ago for Fannie May Fudge, aka the BEST fudge in the world. I’ve been using it as a base for all kinds of fudgy creations.

This recipe makes fudge that’s just as good, if not better, than the fudge you buy by the pound at the fancy candy stores. If you love peanut butter fudge, then you MUST try this!

  • No candy thermometer or special equipment needed.
  • Velvety soft texture (but not TOO soft) thanks to an ideal ratio of butter, cream, and chocolate.
  • Marshmallows melted in with the chocolate help the fudge stay smooth as it solidifies instead of getting crumbly like other recipes.

This recipe makes a TON of fudge, so you’ll have plenty to go around (or freeze for later).

Still looking for more? I have a dozens of homemade candy recipes I think you’ll love!

Love chocolate and peanut butter? Be sure to try our buckeyes. Homemade peanut butter balls are always a hit. Or give our no bake peanut butter pie a try next.

Ingredient Notes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (2)
  • Butter & Sugar- the duo that starts the base for this perfect fudge.
  • Chocolate- A combination of milk and semi-sweet chocolate morsels is used, as well as unsweetened baking chocolate.
  • Peanut Butter layer- Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk in the peanut butter fudge layer.

PRO TIP- We love making our own homemade vanilla extract, but if using store bought, be sure it’s pure extract, not imitation (for best flavor).

Step by Step Instructions

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (3)

STEP 1. Make the chocolate fudge

Add marshmallows, both kinds of chocolate morsels and baking chocolate to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring the sugar, milk, and butter to a boil over medium high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat. Add vanilla extract.

Immediately pour the hot butter mixture over marshmallows and chocolate. Using an electric mixer, beat with whisk attachment until all the chocolate is melted and smooth. This may take a few minutes.

Pour into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

STEP 2. Make the peanut butter fudge.

Heat the butter and condensed milk in a small saucepan until the butter is melted. Add in peanut butter morsels and whisk by hand until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

STEP 3. Let set

Pour the peanut butter layer over the chocolate layer in the pan. Swirl with a knife until combined with chocolate layer. Let the fudge set for about 2 hours or until firm.

Cut into bite sized squares and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (4)

Tips & Tricks

  • How to store: No need to refrigerate this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge! Keep cut fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, keep this fudge in the freezer in freezer safe bags. Let thaw at room temperature or in the fridge over night, any time a fudge craving strikes. I love having fudge in the freezer in case of unexpected company or emergency chocolate cravings!
  • This can be made without the peanut butter layer for a straight up decadent chocolate fudge.
  • I used a 15 x 10 inch baking pan with a 1 inch rim for this fudge. You could also make it in two smaller 8 x 8 square pans if necessary.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (5)

Recipe FAQs

What is the secret to making creamy fudge?

Good quality chocolate is important when making fudge. As well as boiling the butter and sugar mixture for a full 2 minutes.

Why is my fudge too soft?

If your fudge isn’t cooked long enough it will turn out too soft. Be sure to start the timer when the fudge begins to boil, meaning there are bubbles on the surface.

Can I use margarine in fudge instead of butter?

Do not substitute margarine for butter in fudge. The water content is too high, and therefore your fudge may fail to properly set up.

More Fudge Recipes

  • Cinnabon Fudge– fudge that tastes like a cinnamon roll. You’re welcome.
  • Strawberry Swirl Fudge– otherwise referred to as strawberries and cream fudge. Delish.
  • Peppermint Fudge– gorgeous and perfect for your Christmas tray!
  • Cadbury Egg Fudge– perfect for Easter
  • Rocky Road Fudge– the easiest candy recipe.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (10)

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

4.86 from 7 votes

By: Aimee

A layer of creamy chocolate fudge swirled with a creamy peanut butter fudge layer is a treat no one will turn down! Make this classic Chocolate Peanut Butter fudge to enjoy with those you love.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 120 pieces

Ingredients

  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 25 regular sized marshmallows
  • 12 ounce milk chocolate morsels
  • 12 ounce semi sweet chocolate morsels
  • 2 ounce baking chocolate unsweetened
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounce
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 bag peanut butter morsels 10 ounce

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, add marshmallows, chocolate morsels (both kinds) and baking chocolate. Set aside.

  • In a large pot, bring to a boil the sugar, milk, and butter (over medium high heat). Stirring constantly, boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Pour hot mixture over marshmallows and chocolate.

  • Using an electric mixer (or stand mixer), beat with whisk attachment until melted and smooth (may take several minutes).

  • Pour into a parchment paper lined 15x10x1 baking sheet.

  • In a small saucepan on medium heat, warm condensed milk with butter. Heat until butter is melted, add in peanut butter morsels. Whisk until melted and smooth, remove from heat.

  • Pour peanut butter over chocolate layer. Swirl top layer with a knife. Allow to set for 2 hours. Cut into bites and enjoy!

Notes

  • If desired, pour top peanut butter fudge layer over the chocolate and do not swirl. Will have two distinct layers.
  • How to store: No need to refrigerate this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge! Keep cut fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, keep this fudge in the freezer in freezer safe bags. Let thaw at room temperature or in the fridge over night, any time a fudge craving strikes. I love having fudge in the freezer in case of unexpected company or emergency chocolate cravings!
  • This can be made without the peanut butter layer for a straight up decadent chocolate fudge.
  • I used a 15 x 10 inch baking pan with a 1 inch rim for this fudge. You could also make it in two smaller 8 x 8 square pans if necessary.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece, Calories: 81kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 6mg, Sugar: 11g

Course: Candy

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Rich and indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is just perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. No chocolate and peanut butter lover will be able to resist it!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

How do you make Paula Deen peanut butter fudge? ›

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt cheese and butter together, then add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and nuts. Empty confectioner's sugar into a large bowl and pour cheese mixture over sugar. Stir until completely mixed.

Why is my peanut butter fudge so hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.) of 35% cream and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely melted. Then let it boil without stirring until the thermometer reaches 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

Why is my peanut butter fudge chewy? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Can I use parchment paper instead of foil for fudge? ›

To keep the fudge from sticking to the cooling pan, line it with non-stick foil or parchment paper, or coat it with cooking spray, butter, or a neutral oil. Pastry brush (Optional): For oiling the sides of the saucepan and the cooling pan.

How do you fix peanut butter fudge that didn't set? ›

– Use a heavy based pan to prevent it burning on the bottom, and heat the mixture up to the required temperature nice and slowly. – Once it has reached the required temperature, keep it on a rolling boil until it reaches the soft ball stage (a small amount dropped into cold water turns into a pliable ball).

Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

If it doesn't set, or if it sets very hard, you can add more milk and boil it again. However, even if it doesn't set, it'll usually be a nice frosting-like consistency, so I sometimes just make a cake to put under it.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more. It's all in your perspective.

How do you keep peanut butter fudge from getting grainy? ›

Here are the basic steps:
  1. Heat the mixture gently to ensure the sugar has melted;
  2. Wash down the sugar crystals on the side of the pan;
  3. Boil to the mixture until it reaches the soft ball stage (without stirring!);
  4. Let cool until the mixture reaches about 110 degrees; and.
  5. Beat with a wooden spoon until set.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

Why did my fudge turn out like taffy? ›

If the temperature is too low, the fudge will be too soft and sticky, and if it's too high, it will turn into a hard, crumbly mess. The ideal temperature to cook fudge is between 232-234 degrees F (111-112 degrees C).

How do you describe high quality fudge? ›

High-quality fudge tastes smooth and creamy because it contains small sugar crystals. It has a deep brown color and a satiny sheen. Poor-quality fudge tastes grainy because it contains large sugar crystals.

What causes homemade fudge to be grainy? ›

Fudge usually behaves this way when it's not cooked to a high enough temperature (due to oversight or a faulty candy thermometer). If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

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