5-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge That Melts Hearts

Name: 5-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge That Melts Hearts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Author: lia

Published: November 3, 2025

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No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Picture this: It’s 2 AM, and I’m standing in my pajamas, whisk in hand, because a sudden craving for chocolate peanut butter fudge struck. (We’ve all been there, right?) This recipe? A total lifesaver—just a handful of ingredients and zero oven time. I swear, the first time I made it, my family nearly licked the pan clean. It’s that rich, creamy, and unbelievably easy. No fancy techniques, no stress—just pure, melt-in-your-mouth magic. Trust me, if I can pull this off in my midnight snack haze, you’ve got this too. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is basically cheating at life—in the best way possible. Let me count the ways you’ll adore it:

No-bake magic: Your oven gets the night off while you whip up something incredible
Five ingredients (seriously!) that you probably already have in your pantry
That perfect salty-sweet balance that makes you close your eyes and sigh
Ready in about 10 minutes of active work (plus chilling time—if you can wait that long!)
Crowd-pleaser alert—I’ve never brought this to a gathering without getting recipe requests

Honestly? It’s dangerously easy to make. Consider yourself warned!

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Grab these simple ingredients—I promise each one plays a starring role in creating that dreamy fudge texture we all crave:

1 cup unsalted butter (trust me, you want control over the saltiness)
1 cup creamy peanut butter (skip the natural kind—it makes the fudge too oily)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes all the difference)
4 cups powdered sugar, packed (yes, packed—don’t skimp!)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chop up a quality chocolate bar if you’re feeling fancy)

See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find—just pantry staples waiting to become something magical.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Ready to make the easiest, creamiest fudge of your life? Let’s do this! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pan of pure bliss in no time.

Melting the Butter and Peanut Butter

First, grab a medium saucepan and toss in the butter and peanut butter. Heat it over low heat—seriously, low and slow wins the race here. Stir it constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until it’s completely melted and smooth. Don’t rush this step—if it gets too hot, the peanut butter can separate. You want it creamy and dreamy, not oily!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge - detail 1

Combining the Fudge Base

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, here’s the trick: gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. This keeps the mixture smooth and lump-free. Once it’s all in, keep stirring until it’s thick, shiny, and holds its shape. Then, press it firmly into your parchment-lined pan—I like to use the back of a spoon to make it super even.

Adding the Chocolate Topping

Time for the chocolate! Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave (20-second bursts, stirring in between) or use a double boiler if you’re feeling fancy. Once it’s silky smooth, pour it over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Okay, confession time—I’ve made this fudge more times than I can count (mostly because I keep eating it all). Here are my hard-earned secrets for absolute perfection:

Parchment paper is non-negotiable—it lets you lift the whole slab out cleanly for easy cutting
Chill for the full 2 hours (I know, torture!)—this prevents crumbly edges when slicing
Warm your knife under hot water before cutting—clean slices every time
Room temp butter mixes smoother, but cold butter? Disaster waiting to happen
Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before chilling—next-level flavor magic

Follow these, and you’ll get that bakery-quality fudge every single time. Promise!

Variations for Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Listen, I love the classic version—but sometimes, you just gotta mix it up, right? Here’s how I play around with this recipe when I’m feeling fancy:

Swirled beauty: Skip the solid chocolate top and marble melted chocolate right into the peanut butter base before chilling
Crunch factor: Press chopped peanuts or pretzels into the top layer for that perfect salty crunch
Dark chocolate twist: Use bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, grown-up vibe
Extra indulgence: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm chocolate topping—it’s *chef’s kiss* perfection

Really, the only limit is your imagination (and how quickly you can hide the pan from yourself).

Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Here’s the best part—this fudge keeps like a dream! Just pop it in an airtight container (layer with parchment if stacking) and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Pro tip: Don’t leave it out too long—that butter content means it’ll soften fast. And whatever you do, never microwave to re-firm it up—you’ll ruin that perfect texture!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Nutritional Information

Nutrition varies by brand, but here’s a general estimate per serving (1 piece): 210 calories, 14g fat, 22g carbs, and 3g protein. Remember, moderation is key—but honestly, who can stop at just one?

Common Questions About Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this heavenly fudge:

Can I use natural peanut butter? Please don’t—it separates and makes the fudge greasy. Stick with regular creamy PB for that perfect texture.
How long does it keep? Up to 2 weeks in the fridge (if it lasts that long!). Just store it airtight to prevent drying out.
Why’s my fudge crumbly? You probably didn’t press it firmly enough into the pan—really pack it in there!
Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly—they’ll keep for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Help—my chocolate seized! Next time, melt it slower (microwave in short bursts) and stir gently.

Still stuck? Drop me a comment—I’m happy to help troubleshoot your fudge adventures!

Share Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Experience

Did you make this fudge? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a pic, leave a rating, or share your favorite tweaks. Your kitchen victories are my favorite kind of success stories. You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.