Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Delight

$To make this rich and decadent treat, you will need: - 2 cups milk chocolate chips - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Pinch of fine sea salt - Chopped peanuts (optional, for topping) You can swap a few ingredients if you want to change the flavor. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate chips: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. - Peanut butter: Try almond butter or cashew butter for a twist. - Sweetened condensed milk: Coconut milk can work as a dairy-free option. - Cocoa powder: You can skip this if you want a milder fudge. Toppings can make your fudge even better! Here are some fun options: - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Sea salt flakes for a sweet and salty taste. - Mini marshmallows for a fun texture. - Drizzle with caramel or melted chocolate for extra sweetness. Adding your personal touch makes this fudge even more special! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges. This will help you lift out the fudge later. It’s an easy trick that saves time. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of milk chocolate chips. Set the heat to low and melt them gently. Stir the chocolate often. This keeps it from burning. Once the chips melt, remove the pan from heat. Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix them together until smooth and silky. Now, it’s time for more flavor. Add in the unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir these in well until everything is blended perfectly. Carefully pour your fudge mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top for a nice finish. If you want some crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top. Place the dish in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the fudge set firm. When it’s ready, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut it into 16 neat squares. Enjoy your rich and decadent treat! To melt chocolate well, use low heat. This keeps the chocolate smooth. Stir it often. This prevents burning. You can use a double boiler or a saucepan. If using a saucepan, add a little water to the pot. This helps create steam. Steam melts the chocolate without direct heat. If you notice lumps, keep stirring. Be patient; rushed melting can ruin your fudge. To get a smooth texture, mix the peanut butter in well. Use a strong spatula or spoon. Ensure the chocolate is hot but not boiling. Hot chocolate helps the peanut butter blend easier. After adding cocoa powder and milk, stir until it looks shiny. If it seems thick, don’t worry. It will smooth out when poured and set in the fridge. When serving fudge, cut it into neat squares. Place them on a pretty plate. Drizzle with melted chocolate for a fancy touch. You can also add whole chopped peanuts on top. This gives extra crunch and looks great. For a fun twist, serve with ice cream or fresh fruit. Enjoy your rich and decadent treat with friends or family! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality milk chocolate chips. This will enhance the overall taste of your fudge. Let it Cool Gradually: After melting the chocolate, allow it to cool slightly before mixing in the peanut butter to prevent it from becoming too runny. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of caramel for added flavor and texture. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain its freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chocolate types in this fudge. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste. Dark chocolate adds depth and pairs well with peanut butter. If you prefer white chocolate, it creates a sweeter and creamier fudge. Just remember to adjust the cocoa powder to keep the balance right. Adding flavors can make your fudge even more fun! Try mixing in mint extract for a fresh twist. Just a few drops can brighten up your treat. If you love coffee, add espresso powder for a delightful kick. It enhances the chocolate flavor and makes it taste gourmet. You can also make this fudge vegan or healthier. Substitute milk chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips. Use natural peanut butter without added sugar. For a healthier sweetener, try maple syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk. This way, you can enjoy fudge while sticking to your dietary needs! To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it is completely cool before sealing it. If you have leftovers, cut them into squares. Layer the fudge with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This method keeps the fudge from drying out. Chocolate peanut butter fudge lasts about one week at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, the fudge can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to enjoy your fudge warm, you can reheat it. Place a piece in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Check it often to avoid melting it too much. You can also warm it in a pan on low heat. Stir it gently to keep it smooth. Enjoy the rich and creamy taste all over again! Yes, you can make fudge without sweetened condensed milk. You can replace it with a mix of heavy cream and sugar. Use about 1/4 cup of heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will give you a creamy texture. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just remember, the taste may change a bit. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil. Grease it lightly with butter or oil. This will help the fudge lift out easily. You can also use wax paper, but it is less heat resistant. Always make sure to grease the paper for best results. If your fudge didn’t set, don't worry! You can reheat it gently in a saucepan. Add a little more sweetened condensed milk or a splash of cream. Stir until smooth, then pour it back into the pan. Chill it again for a few hours. This should help it firm up nicely. This blog post covered everything you need for delicious chocolate peanut butter fudge. We discussed key ingredients, substitutes, and the best ways to prepare your fudge. I shared tips for smooth texture and fun serving ideas. You can even try variations like dark chocolate or mint flavors. Remember to store your fudge properly to keep it fresh. With these steps, you can create tasty treats that impress everyone. Enjoy your fudge-making adventure!$

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Delight

A rich and creamy fudge made with milk chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 2 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pinch fine sea salt
to taste chopped peanuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Begin by lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper extends over the edges. This will facilitate easy removal of the fudge later on.
In a medium saucepan, gently melt the milk chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and becomes smooth without burning.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the creamy peanut butter. Stir vigorously until the two ingredients are beautifully combined into a silky mixture.
To this chocolate-peanut butter blend, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the combination is completely smooth and has a rich consistency.
Carefully pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread the fudge, smoothing out the top for an appealing finish.
If you like a little crunch and added flavor, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped peanuts over the surface of the fudge.
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely set and firm to the touch.
Once chilled and set, gently lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 16 neat squares.

Notes

For an elegant serving, arrange the fudge squares on a decorative plate. Drizzle with melted chocolate for a stunning finish and add a few whole chopped peanuts on top for a pop of texture.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, peanut butter, sweet