Craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This no-bake peanut butter fudge recipe is the perfect solution! It's incredibly easy, requires no oven time, and delivers a rich, decadent treat that's sure to satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings. Perfect for a quick dessert, a last-minute gift, or simply a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is a winner for both beginner bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts. Let’s get started on this quick and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for topping
Instructions:
Getting Started: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin, line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Combining the Ingredients: A Simple Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This takes just a few minutes – be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.
Adding the Chocolate: Melting for Smoothness
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted and incorporated into the peanut butter mixture. The residual heat from the pan will melt the chocolate beautifully. If it seems to be taking too long, you can briefly return the pan to very low heat for a few seconds, stirring continuously.
Finishing Touches: Sweetness and Flavor
Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the fudge is smooth and creamy.
Setting and Serving: The Final Steps
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. If using, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely. Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Add a crunch: Mix in some chopped pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, or even toffee bits.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Make it festive: Use different colored chocolate chips or add sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
- Storage: Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredient brands for precise data.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
This no-bake peanut butter fudge recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a truly delectable dish! Enjoy!