No-bake desserts don’t get much easier or more delicious than this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. Two creamy layers—rich dark chocolate and smooth peanut butter—are joined by crunchy peanuts, extra chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The whole batch comes together in about 15 minutes using just five ingredients and a short chilling time, making it an ideal easy fudge recipe for holidays, potlucks, or an indulgent homemade treat.
Traditional fudge often requires careful cooking with a candy thermometer and lots of stirring. This condensed-milk method is much simpler: real chocolate is melted with sweetened condensed milk and a little coconut oil to yield a dense, creamy texture without the fuss. The result is a decadent, no-bake chocolate peanut butter fudge that balances chocolate depth with nutty peanut butter flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Rich, creamy layers of dark chocolate and peanut butter combine for a classic flavor pairing.
- Simple and fast: about 15 minutes of hands-on prep with only five main ingredients.
- No baking required—this fudge is perfect for holiday trays, cookie boxes, or last-minute gifts.
Recipe ingredients
This easy fudge relies on sweetened condensed milk to provide sweetness and body without separate sugar and milk. Using real dark chocolate rather than cocoa powder gives a more intense chocolate flavor with fewer ingredients.
Ingredient notes
- Dark chocolate chips: Recommended for deeper chocolate flavor and less sugar than milk or semi-sweet chocolate.
- Peanut butter: Use natural or creamy peanut butter for authentic flavor—avoid overly sweet peanut butter chips.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess in a single ingredient.
- Coconut oil: Thins and softens the layers so the fudge spreads smoothly; unsalted butter or another neutral oil can be substituted.
- Chopped peanuts: Provide crunchy contrast in the dense, creamy fudge.
How to make fudge with condensed milk
This method is straightforward and reliable—no candy thermometer required. Melt, stir, layer, and chill. The most challenging part is waiting for it to set.
Pro tip: Use dark chocolate to avoid an overly sweet final result when combined with sweetened condensed milk.
- Line an 8×8-inch square pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and half the can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts. Spread this chocolate layer evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter with the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil for about 30 seconds, then stir to loosen.
- Mix in the remaining sweetened condensed milk until smooth, then spread the peanut butter layer gently and evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Press the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped peanuts into the top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Lift the set fudge from the pan using the foil, remove the foil, place on a cutting board, and cut into squares with a very sharp knife. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
How do you fix fudge made with condensed milk? Melt the chocolate with a bit of coconut oil or butter and the condensed milk in a double boiler until smooth. Pour into a lined pan, spread evenly, and chill until set.
How long does condensed milk fudge need to set? Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the fudge is firm enough to slice into clean squares.
Recipe notes
- Chocolate choice: Dark chocolate is best to prevent the fudge from becoming too sweet.
- Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
More peanut butter and chocolate recipes you’ll love:
- Chocolate peanut butter lasagna
- Chocolate peanut butter pie
- Flourless chocolate peanut butter cookies
- Gluten-free peanut butter blossoms
- Homemade peanut butter cups
- No-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars
- No-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies
- Peanut butter banana chocolate chip oat bars
Did you try this recipe? If so, leave a review below and tag @flavorthemoments on social media to share your results.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Servings: 16 squares | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Chilling time: 2 hrs | Total time: ~2 hrs 20 mins
Chocolate peanut butter fudge is creamy and decadent, an easy no-bake recipe made with sweetened condensed milk and just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, divided
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided (unsalted butter may be substituted)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts, divided
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Set a heatproof bowl over simmering water and combine 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and half the condensed milk. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts and spread the chocolate mixture evenly in the pan.
- Warm peanut butter with the remaining coconut oil, stir in the remaining condensed milk, and spread over the chocolate layer.
- Press remaining chocolate chips and peanuts into the top, sprinkle with sea salt, and chill at least 2 hours. Remove from pan, peel off foil, and cut into squares.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate to avoid an overly sweet result.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition (per square, estimated)
Calories: 336 kcal; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 21 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 147 mg; Sugar: 27 g.
This recipe was originally published in May 2016. Photos and text have been updated to include clearer step-by-step images and additional recipe details.