Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

No-bake desserts don’t get much easier—or more irresistible—than this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. It layers rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, finished with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt. Ready in about 15 minutes of hands-on time and made with just five ingredients, this fudge is a simple crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Decadent layers: deep dark chocolate paired with a smooth peanut butter layer create a satisfying contrast of flavors.
• Quick and simple: about 15 minutes of prep and only five ingredients make this one of the easiest fudge recipes you’ll find.
• No baking required: melt, layer and chill—perfect for busy days, holiday cookie boxes, or when you want a fast homemade treat.

Recipe ingredients

This easy fudge relies on sweetened condensed milk to add sweetness and structure without the fuss of candy-making. Using real chocolate (not cocoa powder) gives the chocolate layer a deep, true chocolate flavor while keeping the ingredient list short.

Ingredient notes

• Dark chocolate chips are recommended because they have less sugar and provide balanced chocolate flavor. Using milk chocolate or overly sweet chocolate will make the final fudge very sweet when combined with condensed milk.
• Peanut butter: choose a natural or creamy peanut butter for authentic peanut flavor. Peanut butter chips are often too sweet and lack the depth of real peanut butter.
• Sweetened condensed milk is the shortcut that makes this a no-cook fudge—it’s sweetened evaporated milk that binds the layers and sets nicely when chilled.
• Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate and peanut butter so they spread smoothly and yields a softer, easier-to-cut fudge. You can substitute unsalted butter or another neutral oil if preferred.
• Chopped peanuts add crunch and texture—use salted or unsalted to taste and reserve some for topping.

How to make fudge with condensed milk

This is a foolproof method compared with old-fashioned stovetop fudge, which needs careful temperature control. With sweetened condensed milk you only need to gently melt and combine the ingredients, then chill to set. The steps below summarize the process; see the ingredient list and instructions later for precise amounts and order.

Pro tip: Use dark chocolate to avoid an overly sweet result when combined with sweetened condensed milk.

1. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with foil and spray lightly; set aside.
2. Melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil and half the can of sweetened condensed milk in a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water (double boiler) until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts.
3. Spread the chocolate layer evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Melt 1 cup peanut butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil (microwave ~30 seconds), then stir in the remaining condensed milk until smooth.
5. Gently spread the peanut butter layer over the chocolate layer.
6. Press the remaining chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped peanuts into the top, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, and chill at least 2 hours or until set.
7. Lift the fudge from the pan using the foil, remove the foil, cut into squares with a sharp knife, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe notes

• Chocolate choice: dark chocolate balances sweetness best; semi-sweet or milk chocolate will increase overall sweetness.
• Storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze for longer storage—thaw in the fridge before serving.

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 salted 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 so I can see your creations.

Ingredients (yields about 16 squares)

• 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″ square pan with foil and lightly spray the foil.
• Set a sauté pan with about 2 inches of water over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Place 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon coconut oil and half the condensed milk in a heatproof bowl. Put the bowl over the simmering water and reduce heat to low.
• Stir until smooth, then fold in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil; microwave about 30 seconds until melted and stir well.
• Stir in the remaining condensed milk until smooth, then pour over the chocolate layer and spread gently.
• Press the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped peanuts onto the top and sprinkle with sea salt. Chill at least 2 hours or until set. Lift out using the foil, remove foil, cut into squares and enjoy.

Note: This recipe was originally published in May 2016. Photographs and explanatory text were updated to include step-by-step photos and clearer instructions.

All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.