No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares
Decadently rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter come together in these easy no-bake fudge squares, perfect for a popular crowd-pleasing dessert. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, (260g) smooth peanut butter, (240g) powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (260g) smooth peanut butter
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup smooth peanut butter together, stirring continuously until fully combined and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated; mixture will thicken.
- Step 4: Spread the peanut butter layer evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes on top, then refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Step 8: Lift out the fudge using the parchment edges and cut into 16 equal squares to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares?
General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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