If you are a fan of all things peanut butter and chocolate, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Recipe is going to be your next obsession. Creamy, rich, and packed with chunks of your favorite candy, this fudge brings together the iconic flavor of Reese’s in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party, gift, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe truly highlights the magic of combining gooey condensed milk, silky chocolate, and, of course, those irresistible peanut butter cups that everyone adores.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this fudge are straightforward but play crucial roles in balancing flavor and texture. Each element blends together to create the perfect creamy yet chocolaty consistency that sets this fudge apart from the rest.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (22 regular sized, unwrapped): The star of the show, providing authentic peanut butter and chocolate pockets throughout your fudge.
- Milk Chocolate Chips (3 cups): Melts smoothly to form the fudgy base and add a rich chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces): Acts as the creamy, luscious binder that gives the fudge its signature softness and sweetness.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This helps your fudge release easily when it’s set and ensures clean, beautiful edges on every square.
Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter Cups
Place up to 16 whole peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This creates a fun texture contrast between the fudge layer and those whole pockets of peanut butter and chocolate within.
Step 3: Crumble the Remaining Cups
Crumble the leftover Reese’s peanut butter cups into smaller pieces and set them aside. These will be sprinkled on top later for a delightful crunchy finish.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your milk chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until everything is melted, smooth, and gloriously glossy. This step is key to achieving that classic creamy fudge texture.
Step 5: Pour the Chocolate Layer
Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter cups in your dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every cup is covered and ready to become part of the fudgy magic.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Crumbled Reese’s
Immediately after pouring the chocolate, sprinkle the crumbled peanut butter cups on top. This adds a gorgeous texture and visual appeal to your fudge, while enhancing every bite with extra peanut butter goodness.
Step 7: Press and Cool
Gently press the crumbled pieces into the fudge layer with a spatula or your fingers. Then let it cool at room temperature until it starts to firm up before moving on to chilling.
Step 8: Chill for Full Hardening
Cover your fudge with cling wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly until completely set and firm. This hardening step ensures perfect squares when cutting.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Finally, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges, cut it into 16 squares, and enjoy your homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge masterpiece!
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate the look and flavor even further, adding a touch of elegance and extra crunch without overshadowing the classic Reese’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong black coffee to balance the sweetness. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast that brightens the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try gifting this fudge in cute little boxes tied with a ribbon or layering it in mason jars for a festive treat. Cut into bite-sized pieces and skewer with festive picks for party platters or dessert tables where sharing is caring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it great for preparing in advance for special occasions.
Freezing
If you want to keep your fudge longer, freezing works perfectly. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it slightly, briefly microwave individual pieces in 10-second increments just to soften them slightly—avoid overheating or it will lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give your fudge a richer, slightly more bitter edge, while white chocolate will make it sweeter and creamier. Just keep the quantities the same and adjust sweetness to your taste.
Is it necessary to use unwrapped peanut butter cups?
Absolutely—removing the wrappers ensures the chocolate melts properly and integrates fully without any waxy texture or paper ruining the fudge consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This particular fudge uses sweetened condensed milk, so it’s not dairy-free by default. However, you can experiment with coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
How thick should I spread the fudge in the pan?
Using an 8×8-inch pan gives you a 1-inch-thick fudge layer when poured as instructed. This thickness helps it set nicely while maintaining a soft but firm bite.
What’s the best way to cut the fudge into clean squares?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This prevents sticking and allows for neat, even squares every time.
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it’s simple, delectable, and bursting with that nostalgic peanut butter and chocolate goodness. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to share it with all your friends—and maybe sneak a few pieces just for yourself too!
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge is a decadent, no-bake treat featuring layers of whole and crumbled Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups embedded in creamy milk chocolate fudge made with sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this rich fudge is easy to prepare and yields 16 delicious squares that are ideal for gifting or indulging at home.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 22 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (regular sized, individual cups, unwrapped)
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 standard 14-oz can)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
- Layer whole peanut butter cups: Place up to 16 of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a single, even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Crumble remaining cups: Take the leftover peanut butter cups and crumble them into small pieces. Set aside in a bowl for topping later.
- Melt chocolate mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the milk chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble fudge: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the layer of whole peanut butter cups in the dish.
- Add crumbled topping: Immediately sprinkle the crumbled Reese’s pieces evenly on top of the poured fudge. Gently press them into the fudge to ensure they stick.
- Cool to set: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it begins to firm up.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with cling wrap and refrigerate until the fudge is completely hardened, at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Remove the fudge from the dish using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and enjoy.
Notes
- Use good-quality milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the peanut butter cups are unwrapped before using to avoid any wrappers in the fudge.
- Allow fudge to firm completely in the refrigerator for clean knife cuts.
- Store fudge covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife blade slightly before each cut.
