Easy No-Bake Reese’s Fudge: The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Reese’s Fudge – a decadent, creamy peanut butter layer crowned with luscious melted chocolate and more peanut butter. This incredibly easy, no-bake recipe is utterly addictive and a true crowd-pleaser!
Every year, one of my dearest friends hosts a delightful cookie exchange, an event I eagerly anticipate. Her home transforms into a haven for dessert lovers, with a grand dining room table laden with dozens of cookies, each meticulously packaged in groups of six. Guests mingle, clinking champagne glasses and sampling an array of delicious appetizers, all building up to the highlight of the evening. As the night draws to a close, we form a long, joyful line, taking turns to circle the magnificent table.
With each pass around the table, you get to select one package of cookies until every last treat has found a new home. This means I always leave with six unique packages of delectable cookies, all lovingly baked by different friends. It’s truly a super fun night, and I always come away with an abundance of yummy treats. But without fail, the star of my friend’s spread at this exchange is her legendary Reese’s Fudge – a sweet creation that has long held a special place as one of my absolute favorite things.
This past year, my friend surprised everyone by bringing her Reese’s Fudge not just to serve, but as her official “cookie” contribution to the exchange! You can imagine my delight – it was, of course, the very first package I eagerly picked up. Once I brought it home, my 10-year-old son immediately dove in. It vanished quicker than any other treat, and as soon as the last piece was gone, he declared, “I guess I know what you and I are doing together tomorrow!” For years, our hearts belonged to Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls, but this incredible Reese’s Fudge has officially stolen the spotlight and claimed its place as our new ultimate favorite!
What makes this Reese’s Fudge so utterly captivating? It’s the perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, mirroring the iconic flavor profile of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but in a wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth fudge form. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. No complicated baking steps, no fussy techniques, just pure, unadulterated peanut butter and chocolate bliss ready to be enjoyed.
Simple Ingredients for an Extraordinary Treat
You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are required to create this sensational no-bake Reese’s Fudge. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor, ensuring a result that’s both easy to achieve and wonderfully satisfying.
- **Butter:** Essential for the creamy base of the peanut butter fudge layer.
- **Creamy Peanut Butter:** The star of the show, providing that unmistakable Reese’s flavor and a smooth texture.
- **Graham Crackers:** Adds structure and a subtle sweetness to the peanut butter fudge layer.
- **Powdered Sugar:** The primary sweetener, giving the fudge its signature smooth consistency without grittiness.
- **Milk Chocolate:** Forms the delicious top layer, perfectly complementing the peanut butter.
- **A Large Bowl:** For mixing the ingredients.
- **A 13×9 Inch Pan:** For setting your fudge.
While I’ve certainly enjoyed making similar treats, like my Peanut Butter Bars in the past, this Reese’s Fudge truly stands apart. The key difference lies in its divine texture: it’s much softer, incredibly smooth, and possesses that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines true fudge, rather than the denser, more cake-like consistency of a bar. What’s more, this entire recipe comes together with minimal fuss. Everything is mixed in a single bowl, eliminating the need for a stand mixer or hand mixer, making cleanup a breeze.
The beauty of this recipe is its “no-bake” nature. There’s no oven preheating or careful temperature monitoring required. You simply need to gently melt a few ingredients – namely the butter for the base and the chocolate for the topping – but beyond that, no other heating is involved. This makes it a wonderfully accessible recipe, so straightforward and fun that you can even enlist the kids to help you in the kitchen! If you, like me, are an ardent fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then I wholeheartedly promise you will fall head over heels for this exquisite peanut butter fudge. It perfectly captures that beloved flavor combination in an even richer, creamier form.
Crafting Your Reese’s Fudge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Reese’s Fudge is surprisingly simple and requires very little active time. Follow these straightforward steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone!
- **Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Using a sturdy large fork, a spatula, or even an electric mixer on low speed, mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended and form a cohesive, thick mixture. It should be smooth and easily spreadable.
- **Press into Pan and Chill:** Firmly and evenly press this delectable peanut butter mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. Ensure the layer is compact and uniform. Once pressed, place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate topping. Chilling for about 15-30 minutes will help it set slightly.
- **Create the Chocolate Topping:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and the remaining creamy peanut butter. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute. Remove and stir well. If the chocolate is not completely melted and smooth, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until you achieve a perfectly smooth, glossy consistency. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
- **Assemble and Chill:** Pour the warm, smooth chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled peanut butter layer in the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it to all edges. Once the topping is applied, return the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm and set. Alternatively, if time allows, you can let it set at room temperature, which might take longer but can sometimes result in a slightly creamier texture.
- **Cut and Serve:** Once thoroughly chilled and firm, remove the fudge from the refrigerator. You can score the top with a warm knife to make cutting easier. Slice into squares or desired shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Reese’s Fudge Recipe:
- **Can I freeze this fudge?** Yes, absolutely! This fudge freezes beautifully. I highly recommend making a batch ahead of time and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out as much as you need for the day or for an upcoming event, allowing it to thaw for a short while at room temperature or in the fridge. It will retain its delicious texture and flavor for several weeks.
- **How much is 1 pound of powdered sugar?** One pound of powdered sugar is approximately 3 ¾ cups. However, for baking, especially with fudge, using a kitchen scale to measure by weight (1 pound or 450 grams) is always the most accurate method. Powdered sugar can easily compact, leading to inaccurate volume measurements, which can significantly affect the final consistency of your fudge.
- **What size packages does powdered sugar come in?** Powdered sugar is commonly sold in 1-pound or 2-pound packages. This recipe calls for 1 pound, so you can use an entire 1-pound package or half of a 2-pound package, depending on what you purchase.
- **What if I’m using pre-ground graham cracker crumbs?** If you opt for pre-ground graham cracker crumbs, simply measure out 1 ½ cups, and they will work perfectly for this recipe. If you’re crushing your own crackers, ensure they are finely ground for the best texture in the fudge.
- **Are there substitutes for graham crackers outside the US?** For those in the UK, Australia, or other regions where graham crackers are not readily available, digestive biscuits are an excellent substitute. Their texture and subtle sweetness are very similar and will yield a fantastic result. You could also use other plain, crisp biscuits, like shortbread, if digestives aren’t an option.
- **Can I use other nut butters?** Yes! If you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer a different flavor, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (sun butter) should work wonderfully as substitutes for peanut butter. Just use the exact same amount specified in the recipe. Note that the flavor profile will change, but the texture should remain similar.
- **Can I use dark chocolate for the topping?** Absolutely! If you’re a fan of a richer, less sweet chocolate experience, feel free to use dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate for the topping. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are also a great alternative if you prefer something in between milk and dark.
- **What about crunchy peanut butter?** For those who love a bit of texture in their sweets, using crunchy peanut butter in either the base or the topping (or both!) is a fantastic idea. It will add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth fudge, enhancing the overall experience.
- **How should I store this fudge?** This fudge is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its firmness and freshness. It will keep well for up to a week. For longer storage, refer to the freezing instructions above.
- **Why is my fudge too soft/hard?** If your fudge is too soft, it might be due to incorrect measurement of powdered sugar (too little) or too much melted butter. Ensure you measure accurately by weight for powdered sugar. If it’s too hard, it could be too much powdered sugar or too little creamy ingredients. The chilling time is also crucial – ensure it’s fully firmed up before cutting.
More Great Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Day
If you’ve loved this Reese’s Fudge, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic dessert ideas from my kitchen:
- Peanut Butter Cream Pie: A dreamy, no-bake classic.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Smooth, creamy, and undeniably delicious.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A beloved classic with a perfect balance of flavors.
- Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies: Fudgy brownies with a delightful crunchy peanut butter topping.
- Homemade Star Crunch Cookies: A nostalgic treat recreated at home.
- Ding Dong Cake: A rich, chocolatey, and fun cake.
- Sugar Cookies: Simple, versatile, and perfect for decorating.
Reese’s Fudge
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Equipment
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13×9 Baking Dish
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GIR Spatula
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Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs, (about 1 sleeve)
Topping
- 1 12 oz package milk chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
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In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients for the peanut butter layer. Use a large fork to blend well. Press into 13×9 inch baking pan. Chill for 1 hour.
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Place chocolate chips and peanut butter into a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour over peanut butter layer. Chill for 2 hours, until firm.
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Store in fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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