Easy peanut butter chocolate fudge recipe without condensed milk

Jump to Recipe

Easy old fashioned chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is the perfect Christmas dessert, and this recipe is made without condensed milk.

It’s an easy recipe to make with evaporated milk and great for gifts around the holiday season.

And it’s a great recipe made with two different flavors that the whole family will love.

Homemade Fudge – A Sweet Treat

Are you ready for the perfect chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe with simple ingredients that only takes a little time to prepare?

Seriously, every single person in my house was standing at the counter last night waiting to lick the spoon while I was cooking the fudge. 

The kids will just about fight over the fudge, and I want it all the time. I’ll take it any time I can get it.

It’s a great Christmas holiday recipe and one of those easy desserts to make. I will almost push people out of the way to get to the fudge. My husband can vouch for that.

Now you know my weakness. Well, one of many. 

The old fashioned chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is so easy, and it has been around for a long time. 

Basic Ingredients Needed For The Recipe

Chocolate Fudge

• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Salt
• White sugar
• Marshmallow cream
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Fudge

• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Salt
• White sugar
• Marshmallow creme
• Creamy peanut butter
• Vanilla extract

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Creamy Chocolate Fudge

Start off by adding the butter, sugar, salt, and evaporated milk to a large saucepan and begin to cook on medium-high heat.

Mix up the butter, sugar, salt, and evaporated milk and get out the candy thermometer and place it in the saucepan.

TIP: Be sure the thermometer doesn’t touch the bottom of the saucepan, or you will get an incorrect reading.

TIP: I usually mix the fudge with a wooden spoon or a spatula, so I don’t scratch my pan.

My son kept asking me why there was milk in the can if it was evaporated. Ha! I can’t answer that, and I always tell him to just go with it.

He’ll be thankful when he’s eating the fudge.

I used to kind of wing it when it came to fudge and just use the timer. You can still do that, but it almost always turns out perfectly when you use a good candy thermometer.

There’s even a little “soft ball” line on there to let you know when it reaches 234 degrees. 

It’s very important to get the fudge to that particular temperature because it won’t set up if it doesn’t reach that stage. Reaching that stage helps the sugar crystals melt, and you won’t end up with gritty fudge.

It doesn’t take long to get the ingredients boiling. Once it starts boiling, it only takes a few minutes.

What you see in the picture above is a full-rolling boil. So, if you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure it looks like this, and then start your timer.

When it’s a full-rolling boil, you can stir it, and it will continue to boil.

Once the thermometer reaches 234 degrees, (or the soft ball stage) mix in the marshmallow cream, mix in the chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.

I always add the marshmallow first because it melts faster while the ingredients are still hot. Then, I add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract and stir.

Pour the fudge into the 9″ x 13″ inch baking dish. You can grease it and pour the fudge in, or use a piece of parchment paper and lift it out to cut it after it sets up.

Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Instructions

Next, follow the same steps as above to make the peanut butter fudge.

Once it cooks, add the vanilla, marshmallow cream, and peanut butter. Then, pour the peanut butter fudge mixture on top of the chocolate fudge.

Let it set up and eat! 

It takes about three hours for the fudge to set up. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator, and the fudge sets up faster.

You can keep the fudge in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge.

Optional: You can add some pecans and peanuts to the top of the fudge if you’d like to.

More Fudge Candy Recipes

• Dark chocolate fudge with sea salt – this has a creamy texture and is a very simple fudge recipe. I make this recipe in a square pan, so the fudge is nice and thick and with dark chocolate chips and a pinch of salt right on top. The first time I had it, I was in love with the flavors.
• Chocolate frosting fudge is a great recipe because it only takes two ingredients for the easy treat.
• Butter pecan fudge – this recipe has been a popular one because it’s so rich and decadent, and we all love pecans, especially around the holidays.
• Old-fashioned fudge recipe with peanut butter – this is one of my favorite fudge recipes. The recipe calls for real peanut butter, and it is the perfect fudge every time.
• Tiger butter fudge – this is one of the simplest desserts, and it only requires a few ingredients. And the finished fudge looks beautiful with swirls of peanut butter and chocolate. Plus, it’s a microwave fudge recipe that won’t take long at all to prep.
• Rocky road fudge, from Southern Home Express, is a great addition to your holiday dessert table and is a super easy chocolate fudge recipe with only a few ingredients, and it doesn’t require cooking on the stove.
• Peppermint white chocolate fudge – white chocolate fudge is a must around the holidays, and some added peppermint makes it that much sweeter.
• Crunchy peanut butter fudge is a special treat made with mini marshmallows and crunchy peanut butter.

How To Store The Easy Old Fashioned Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Store the fudge in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap after it sets up.

You can keep the fudge at room temperature or keep in the refrigerator.

Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge Recipe Without Condensed Milk

All chocolate and peanut butter fudge lovers will come running for this classic recipe.

It’s the perfect treat for the holidays and turns out delicious every time.

Get the recipe below and grab the ingredients for a delicious and wonderful fudge.

Ingredients

Chocolate Fudge

• 5 ounces (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
• 5 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 7 ounce jar marshmallow cream (or marshmallow fluff)
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Peanut Butter Fudge

• 5 ounces (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
• 5 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 7 ounce jar marshmallow cream
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Pecans and peanuts (optional for adding to the top)

Instructions

Chocolate Fudge

1. Add the evaporated milk, butter, salt, and sugar to a medium size pan. Cook on medium-high until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees (or cook for 4 minutes after a full rolling boil starts).
2. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
3. Pour into greased pan.

Peanut Butter Fudge

1. Add the evaporated milk, butter, salt, and sugar to a medium size pan. Cook on medium-high until candy thermometer reaches 234-degrees (or cook for 4 minutes after a full rolling boil starts).
2. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, vanilla, and peanut butter.
3. Pour over chocolate fudge.
4. Sprinkle some pecans and peanuts over the top for added decor if you'd like. (Optional)
5. Allow it to set up for at least three hours.

Notes

Nutrition information is approximate.

TIP: You can leave this fudge at room temperature, or put in the refrigerator. It will be softer at room temperature.

Be sure not to let the thermometer touch the pan when checking the temperature, or you will get an incorrect reading.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 27 Serving Size: 1.5 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 2gSugar: 40gProtein: 3g

Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipes