Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy (Old Fashioned Fudge)
Peanut Butter Fudge Candy – This classic recipe makes the softest and most delicious old-fashioned peanut butter fudge in just 15 minutes, with or without a chocolate fudge swirl on top.
We love to visit the quaint “old-timey” towns dotted throughout the nearby Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. They typically have all kinds of family-friendly attractions like photo booths with period dress-up clothes, interactive museums, and the best of all, candy shops!
At these shops (or, shoppes as they are often called) you find bags and boxes of yummy classic confections, from saltwater taffy to fruit-filled bonbons. But we always head straight for the cases of old-fashioned fudge! Row after row of soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candy goodness in a dizzying array of flavors…
While they are all delicious, hands-down Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is our absolute favorite!
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge Candy
I mean, let’s be honest: There’s just nothing quite so enticing as peanut butter fudge. It’s smooth, creamy, rich, and sweet, with a soft yet firm texture that just begs to be bitten.
And peanut butter fudge is dangerously easy to make! Simply microwave a handful of ingredients, spread it into a baking pan. Then chill and serve.
Want to get even more decadent?
This easy old-fashioned candy recipe can be made with a thin layer of chocolate fudge swirled on top. Or make as straight peanut butter, for the purists. Either way, it makes marvelous edible gifts or simple party treats… If you feel like sharing. No judgment.
Ingredients You Need
To make the classic Peanut Butter Fudge:
- Peanut butter
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
For the (optional) Chocolate Swirl topping:
- Chocolate chips – semi sweet or dark
- Butter – salted or unsalted
- Powdered sugar – AKA confectioners sugar
- Milk – whole milk is best
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge with Chocolate
Set out a large and small microwave-safe bowl. Set out an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
For the peanut butter fudge, place the peanut butter, salted butter, vanilla extract in salt in the larger bowl. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and thin.
Add the powdered sugar to the bowl, bit by bit.
Stir in the powdered sugar a little at a time to form a smooth fudgy base.
Get the Complete (Printable) Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Move the peanut butter fudge mixture to the prepared pan. Press into an even layer. Use a butter knife to cut ridges/gashes in the top of the peanut butter fudge to create a swirly layer with the chocolate fudge.
If you are making pure old-fashioned peanut butter fudge, simply add the mixture to the pan and press gently to make it even across the top.
For the chocolate swirl layer: In the smaller bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk. If the mixture is too thick to spread stir in the second teaspoon of milk.
Pour the mixture over the top of the peanut butter fudge spread and press to work the chocolate fudge down into the crevices of the peanut butter fudge.
Chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. Then lift the fudge out of the pan by the edges of the paper.
Cut into 1-inch squares.
Pro Tip: It’s best to cut the fudge while it is cold. However, the fudgy texture is best at room temperature. So I recommend that you slice the chilled fudge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to enjoy it.
How to Store Homemade Fudge
Place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can add all kinds of mix-ins to this recipe! Add a handful of chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other small treats.
We also love to sprinkle the top of the fudge with coarse sea salt for a great balance to the sweet flavors.
Avoid the temptation to refrigerate the fudge again… The texture of the candy will become crumbly if it dries out. It’s best to keep in a container at room temperature to keep that lovely soft bite.
Looking For More Delicious Candies? Be Sure To Also Try These Easy Recipes:
- Strawberry Lemonade Fudge
- Potato Chip Cookie Bars with Fudge Topping
- Peppermint Fudge
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeye Candy)
- Fluffy Divinity Candy
Peanut Butter Candy (Old Fashioned Fudge)
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Fudge –
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Swirl – (Optional)
- ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Set out a large and small microwave safe bowl. Set out an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
- For the peanut butter fudge, place the peanut butter, salted butter, vanilla extract in salt in the larger bowl. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and thin. Then stir in the powdered sugar a little at a time to form a smooth fudgy base.
- Move the peanut butter fudge mixture to the prepared pan. Press into an even layer. Use a butter knife to cut ridges/gashes in the top of the peanut butter fudge to create a swirly layer with the chocolate fudge.
- In the smaller bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk. If the mixture is too thick to spread stir in a second teaspoon of milk.
- Pour the mixture over the top of the peanut butter fudge spread and press to work the chocolate fudge down into the crevices of the peanut butter fudge.
- Chill for at least 3 hours. Then lift the fudge out of the pan by the edges of the paper. Cut into 1-inch squares and place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
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These are really amazing treats!! So hard to resist you’ll devour them in no time!
These are so good and easy to make!! I love chocolate and peanut butter, they remind me of peanut butter cups.
oh man! I love chocolate peanut butter fudge! and the sprinkles of sea salt on top bring all the flavors together so well! I love this!
With my many experiences of making things like this I will have to say there’s one thing in the directions that need to change and that is putting things in the microwave at one minute increments. Ingredients like these can burn very quickly and the chocolate can seize and then you’re throwing out all your ingredients. Do these steps in 30 second increments and you will have better luck.