A batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge seemed like the perfect recipe for the Peanut Butter Fudge Day (November 20). You know what they say—life is too short to skip dessert!
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Chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe
Chocolate peanut butter fudge is a delightful confection that combines the rich, creamy flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into a smooth, indulgent treat. It is typically characterized by its sweet and slightly salty taste, making it a popular choice for dessert lovers.
The marriage of rich, velvety chocolate and the creamy goodness of peanut butter is like a symphony for the taste buds. It’s like a mini version of the childhood Peanut Butter Cup.
Whether enjoyed as a homemade treat or gifted during holidays, it remains a beloved classic in confectionery. Here’s how to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge and it’s a no-bake recipe:
Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup or 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the peanut butter, cocoa powder, milk, and honey or maple syrup.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
- Line a small square baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Once firm, remove from the refrigerator and cut into small squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Here’s a breakdown of some excellent options to consider when serving this rich peanut butter chocolate fudge:
1. Drinks
- Coffee-based drinks: Coffee’s bitterness complements chocolate peanut butter fudge. Try:
- Espresso: A shot enhances fudge flavors.
- Cappuccino/Latte: Creaminess balances the fudge’s richness.
- Hot coffee (especially dark roast)
- Mocha
- Milk: Cold milk (whole, almond, or oat) offers a refreshing contrast to dense fudge.
- Hot beverages
- Hot chocolate: For chocolate lovers, pairing with hot chocolate makes for indulgence. Add marshmallows or whipped cream for extra flair.
- Chai tea
- Earl Grey tea
- Wine:
- Dessert Wine: Sweet wines, like Port or Riesling, highlight fudge flavors.
- Red Wine: Fruity reds like Merlot add berry notes.
- Cocktails:
- Chocolate Martini: Deepens chocolate flavor with sophistication.
- Peanut Butter Whiskey: A fun, themed pairing for fudge.
2. Dishe Pairings
- Ice Cream: Serve fudge with vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream. Drizzle melted fudge for a sundae.
- Fruit: Dip fruit in melted fudge for extra fun.
- Fresh strawberries
- Sliced bananas
- Raspberries
- Caramelized apples
- Cookies:
- Shortbread
- Graham crackers
- Snack Boards: Add fudge to dessert platters with nuts, pretzels, and candies for a delightful spread.
3. Pairing Tips
The best pairings tend to be simple beverages that either complement (like coffee) or help cleanse the palate (like milk) between bites of the rich fudge.
Avoid pairing with:
- Very citrusy drinks
- Heavy cream-based desserts
- Other rich chocolate desserts (might be too overwhelming)
Variations
Here are some popular variations and methods to create this delicious chocolate peanut butter fudge:
1. Layered Fudge: Pour the chocolate layer first, let it set slightly, then add the peanut butter layer on top before refrigerating.
2. Swirled Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to add dollops of chocolate and peanut butter mixtures in the pan. Run a knife through them to create swirls.
3. Marshmallow Addition: Melt marshmallows with chocolate and condensed milk before adding peanut butter.
4. Peanut Butter Chip Fudge
- Substitute some or all of the peanut butter with peanut butter baking chips
- Mix peanut butter chips into the melted chocolate mixture
5. Nutty Variations: Add
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) for added texture
- Crushed Oreos
- Dried fruits
- Pieces of your favorite candy bars
6. Flavor Swap
- Chocolate Types: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips
- Extracts and Chips:
- Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract and use milk chocolate chips for mint fudge
- Use butterscotch chips
7. White Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge with raspberries:
- Add freeze-dried raspberries
- Include swirls of melted white chocolate
The tangy raspberries beautifully balance the sweet creaminess of the white chocolate and peanut butter.
Not sure what I’ve done wrong but my end result was not what I expected. It never entirely firmed up enough for me to cut into squares. I waited the 2 hours and then ended up putting in the freezer- where I had to keep it if I wanted to eat it without it melting. It was tasty and healthy but now looking back at the recipe’s ingredients, I’m not sure how this was ever going to firm up. Any suggestions?
Thank you for trying the recipe and for sharing your experience! The fudge is meant to be softer and more natural compared to traditional recipes, which may result in a slightly different texture.
If you’d like a firmer result, you could try extending the chilling time (4-6 hours) or even adding a a stabilizing or setting agent (2 tablespoons of coconut oil or 1/3 cup of powdered sugar). Let me know if you give it another try—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!