No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Squares
Easy, creamy no-bake fudge squares combining peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for a quick sweet treat with pantry staples. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, 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 190 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 smooth peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang 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 until fully combined and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and thickened.
- Step 4: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
- Step 5: In a small saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and silky.
- Step 6: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer, spreading gently to cover.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours until firm. Use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge from the pan, then cut into 16 squares for serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Squares?
American 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.
