Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Squares (Printable Version)
Decadent two-layer fudge squares combining silky peanut butter and rich chocolate for an irresistible treat.
# What You Need:
→ Chocolate Layer
01 - 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
02 - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Peanut Butter Layer
04 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal after setting.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well incorporated, then spread evenly across the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
03 - Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes total.
04 - Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer, spreading it with a spatula to create a uniform top.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate layer is completely set and firm to the touch.
06 - Remove the confection from the baking pan using the parchment paper overhang, then cut into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These squares strike that perfect balance between rich chocolate and salty peanut butter without requiring any actual baking skills.
- You can make these ahead for gatherings, and watching people close their eyes with that first bite makes all the simple effort worthwhile.
02 -
- If your chocolate layer seizes and becomes grainy, a teaspoon of vegetable oil stirred in can often rescue it.
- Room temperature peanut butter mixes much more easily than cold, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before starting if its been in the refrigerator.
03 -
- For perfectly clean-cut squares, place the whole pan in the freezer for 15 minutes just before cutting them can make all the difference.
- Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt across the top before the chocolate sets for that magical sweet-salty contrast that makes people wonder what your secret is.