Old-fashioned Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

This old-fashioned chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is rich and decadent. Milk, sugar, cocoa, butter, and peanut butter make a thick, chewy fudge. Top with crumbled Reese’s peanut butter cups for even more chocolate peanut butter flavor. This fudge goes great in holiday treat tins or on holiday dessert platters. I like to cut my fudge into strips instead of traditional squares for something different.

Highlights of the old fashioned fudge recipe:

• Easy fudge recipe
• Perfect peanut butter flavor
• Peanut butter fudge will be a family favorite
• Simple ingredients
• Quick bake time
• No corn syrup needed
• Perfect for treat tins or holiday dessert trays
• Great for the holiday season
• Creamy texture

Variations & Serving ideas:

• Top with chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips
• Add in peanut butter swirls
• Serve on a holiday treat board
• Top with whole Reese’s cups for a fun sliced look
• Add to holiday treat bags
• Top with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Follow the step-by-step instructions below for perfect homemade fudge!

Tools I used for this homemade Oreo ice cream:

• Rubber Spatula – a must for stirring high temperature ingredients
• Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set – I love this set of nesting bowls.
• Non-stick Loaf Pan – using a metal pan helps your ice cream freeze quicker and makes serving easy!

Grocery Store List & Substitutions:

• Whole milk
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated white sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Creamy peanut butter, could use chunky peanut butter but you will not get the same smooth fudge consistency
• Reese’s peanut butter cups
• Vanilla extract, optional

First Steps:

• Prep all ingredients before beginning
• In a medium-sized saucepan or small Dutch oven combine milk, sugar, butter, and cocoa

If you like this Old-fashioned Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, you’ll love these other favorite recipes…

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Find other fun candy recipes here!

The perfect rich chocolate fudge, perfect for peanut butter lovers. The whole family will enjoy this fudge around the holidays! Top with crumbled Reese’s cups, chopped peanuts, or peanut butter chips for more peanut butter flavor

What is traditional fudge made of?

Traditional fudge is made from milk, sugar, butter, and chocolate or cocoa. Traditionally no evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk is used.

How do I keep my fudge soft and chewy?

Don’t over cook! Once sugar reaches a temperature of 244 degrees F or above, the sugar will crystalize and result in hard, brittle fudge. Remove from the heat once he fudge reaches about 230 degrees so it doesn’t hit that point.

Second Steps:

• Heat mixture until sugar is dissolved and you reach a temperature of 230 degrees F
• Take off the heat
• Mix in the peanut butter, stir until smooth
• Pour into prepared pan

Instructions for the old-fashioned fudge recipe:

• Grease an 8″x8″ baking dish, set aside. In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Once the temperature reaches 230-240 degrees F. Remove from the heat, you do not want to cook past that point. It will be at soft ball stage.
• Add in the peanut butter and stir until melted and smooth. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with crumbled Reese’s cups and let chill until set. Slice and enjoy.

*Fudge will set up at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

*Use a square pan for thinner fudge and a loaf pan for thicker pieces, the thicker the fudge the longer it will take to chill.

Tips for perfect fudge:

• Don’t cook past soft ball stage (244 degrees F) or sugar will crystalize and get brittle
• Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing and scrapping the bottom of the pan
• Use a heavy bottom sauce pan and keep the sides of the pot clean
• Use a candy thermometer
• Keep fresh in a sealed container

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to see it! Take a picture and post to Instagram with the tag @theheartylife and the hashtag #theheartylife – You can also leave me a question or comment below! If you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to give it a star rating on the recipe above.