Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (Print)
A decadent treat blending smooth chocolate with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible sweet bite that melts in your mouth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chocolate Base
01 - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
→ Peanut Butter Layer
04 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Topping (optional)
08 - 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
09 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# How-To Steps:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
03 - Pour two-thirds of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Reserve the remaining one-third for the top layer.
04 - In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
05 - Gently spread the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer in the pan.
06 - Reheat the reserved chocolate mixture slightly if needed, then carefully spread it over the peanut butter layer.
07 - Sprinkle chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt on top, if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
09 - Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between the smooth chocolate and nutty peanut butter creates layers of flavor that unfold with each bite, making it impossible to eat just one piece.
- Despite looking impressive enough for gifting, this fudge requires no candy thermometer or special skills, just a little patience while it sets.
02 -
- Keeping the heat low when melting the chocolate mixture is non-negotiable - I once cranked up the heat to speed things along and ended up with grainy, seized chocolate that was completely ruined.
- If your peanut butter layer seems too stiff to spread easily, microwave it for just 10-15 seconds and it will become perfectly pliable without melting into the chocolate layer.
03 -
- To get perfectly clean-cut squares, place your fudge in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting, then use a large chef's knife dipped in hot water and dried between each cut.
- When spreading the peanut butter layer, leave a tiny border around the edges so the top chocolate layer can seal with the bottom layer, creating a perfect peanut butter pocket.