Name: Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge with Chocolate Swirl
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 151 min
Ingredients: One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk; Two 10-ounce bags peanut butter chips ((2½ cups)); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup milk chocolate chips

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This recipe for Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge is an easy one for Christmas or the holidays using just 5 main ingredients.

three pieces of peanut butter fudge on plate stacked

November 20th is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day! Celebrate this day by visiting your favorite candy shop to pick up some peanut butter fudge, and while you’re there… grab some maple walnut fudge too! Or you can simply make this super easy recipe for creamy peanut butter fudge with (or without) chocolate swirl on top.

Share the peanut butter fudge love on social media today using the hashtags #NationalPeanutButterFudgeDay, #PeanutButterFudgeDay and #RecipesForHolidays.

Be sure to follow my November Food Holidays page so you never miss a food holiday in the month of November!

The History of Peanut Butter Fudge:

From ChatGPT:
Peanut butter fudge likely emerged in the early 20th century, evolving from the broader tradition of American fudge-making. Fudge itself, a sweet, creamy candy, was first created in the 19th century, with its origins traced back to the 1880’s. As peanut butter gained popularity in the U.S., particularly after its mass production in the early 1900’s, it found its way into fudge recipes. By the 1920’s and 1930’s, peanut butter fudge became a popular treat, especially during the Great Depression when peanut butter was an affordable ingredient.

The combination of rich peanut butter and the soft, sugary texture of traditional fudge quickly gained popularity, especially in the Midwest and Southern U.S., where peanut butter was a staple. Over time, it became a classic American confection, especially around holidays and family gatherings. Today, peanut butter fudge is a beloved treat enjoyed in various forms and recipes, both homemade and commercially produced.

ingredients displayed for making creamy peanut butter fudge

Ingredients Needed:

sweetened condensed milk
peanut butter chips
unsalted butter
kosher salt
creamy peanut butter
milk chocolate chips

How to make Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:

The complete, printable recipe is at the end of this post.

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, letting it overhang on two sides. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter chips, butter and salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir frequently with a rubber spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom, until the peanut butter chips are completely melted, about 5 minutes.
When the peanut butter chip mixture is mostly melted, combine the creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until melted- about 1 minute.

creamy peanut butter fudge with chocolate swirl in pan

Spread the melted PB chip mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then drizzle the chocolate mixture on top. Let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours (or overnight).

Using the foil, lift the fudge out of the baking dish and cut into 16 small squares. This fudge is best when served chilled.

Tips and Substitutions:

If allergic to peanut butter, use sunbutter (or another nut butter) instead.
Use dark chocolate chips to change up the flavor of the chocolate swirl on top. You can even melt peanut butter chips on top to give it an extra boost of peanut butter flavor!
The chocolate swirl on top is completely optional. Leave it off, if you wish.

creamy peanut butter fudge with chocolate swirl cut into pieces on cutting board

How to store fudge:

Room temperature: Store fudge wrapped in its original wax paper in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

Refrigerator: Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks. Refrigeration can make fudge firmer, so you can let it sit out before eating if you prefer a softer texture.

Freezer: Store fudge in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, you can leave it out on the counter or in the fridge overnight.

creamy peanut butter fudge with chocolate swirl cut into pieces

What I Love About This Recipe:

It’s creamy and delicious.
You don’t need a candy thermometer to make this fudge.
It reminds me of a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup.

creamy peanut butter fudge stacked on platter

Fun Facts About Peanut Butter Fudge:

Depending on the recipe, peanut butter fudge can range from creamy to crumbly, soft to firm. It’s the combination of ingredients like powdered sugar, butter, and peanut butter that creates different textures.
In some regions of the U.S., particularly around the Great Lakes, fudge (in general, not just peanut butter fudge) is considered a signature candy. Mackinac Island in Michigan is famous for its traditional fudge, and some people even make peanut butter fudge there as a local twist on the classic.
While not as iconic as chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge has made its mark in pop culture. It’s often mentioned in movies, books, and TV shows as a beloved homemade treat, especially in scenes focused on family gatherings or holiday traditions.
Some people get really creative with their peanut butter fudge. They swirl it with different colored layers, mix in candies, or even drizzle it with melted chocolate to make it look as amazing as it tastes. Some even make “fudge art” by shaping it into fun, themed shapes or decorating it with edible glitter for a festive look!