No-Bake Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge
A quick and easy no-bake fudge combining rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter for a luscious treat. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter 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 120 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
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup creamy peanut butter, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and whisk in 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup milk until fully combined and glossy.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 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 Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge?
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 Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge?
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 Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge 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 Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge?
Desserts 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.
