Reese’s Fudge is a dreamy, two-layered confection featuring rich peanut butter and creamy milk chocolate, all crafted on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. The best part? There’s no candy thermometer required, making this delightful dessert accessible to even the most novice bakers!

Reese’s Fudge: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is nothing short of magical. It’s a flavor pairing that has captivated taste buds for generations, and nowhere is this more evident than in the iconic Reese’s® candies. This incredible Reese’s Fudge recipe captures that beloved flavor profile, transforming it into a rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible homemade treat. With distinct layers of creamy peanut butter and luscious milk chocolate, this fudge has been an absolute sensation with everyone who tries it. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet and savory, an indulgent delight that’s impossible to resist.

If you’re a devoted fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, prepare to be completely obsessed with this fudge! It offers all the classic flavors you adore, but in a melt-in-your-mouth fudge consistency that is simply divine. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sudden sweet craving, this recipe is guaranteed to be a showstopper. Plus, its no-fuss preparation means you can enjoy this decadent dessert without any stress.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Fudge Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: Forget complicated candy-making techniques. This recipe is designed for ease, taking the guesswork out of homemade fudge.
• No Candy Thermometer Needed: One of the biggest hurdles for many fudge recipes is the need for precise temperature control. This recipe bypasses that entirely, making it foolproof.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this rich fudge ready to chill in under 30 minutes, leaving more time for enjoying!
• Layers of Flavor: The distinct peanut butter base and milk chocolate top layer provide a balanced and delightful taste experience in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a fantastic addition to holiday dessert platters, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a satisfying treat for family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Who doesn’t love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate? This fudge is guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Reese’s Fudge

Creating this irresistible fudge requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature smooth texture and rich flavor. Using good quality ingredients will always yield the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Divided between the two layers, butter is essential for adding richness, ensuring a smooth consistency, and preventing the fudge from becoming too dry. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the fudge.
• Peanut Butter Baking Chips: These chips are the star of the peanut butter layer, delivering that iconic, creamy Reese’s flavor. Using baking chips ensures they melt smoothly and evenly, unlike regular peanut butter which can separate. You can find these alongside chocolate chips in most grocery stores.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient is the foundation of both fudge layers. It provides the necessary sweetness and a wonderfully creamy, velvety texture without the need for granulated sugar or extensive cooking. Dividing the can evenly is crucial for balanced layers. A food scale is a great tool for precision if you have one.
• Fine Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of fine sea salt in each layer makes a surprisingly huge difference. It balances the sweetness, enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, and prevents the fudge from tasting cloyingly sweet.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Stirred in after removing the mixture from the heat, vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. Adding it off the heat preserves its delicate flavor.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: The second star of our show, milk chocolate chips create the luscious top layer. Their sweet, creamy profile pairs perfectly with the peanut butter. While milk chocolate is recommended for that classic Reese’s taste, you can experiment with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor. Always opt for good-quality baking chips for the best melting and flavor.

How To Make Incredible Reese’s Fudge: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this layered peanut butter and chocolate fudge is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Pan: First, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides – this acts as a handle, making it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan. This step is crucial for clean removal!
2. Craft the Peanut Butter Layer: In a sturdy, thick-bottomed nonstick pot, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cut into pieces), 1.5 cups of peanut butter baking chips, half of the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk (approximately 198 grams if using a food scale), and 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
3. Melt & Stir for Peanut Butter Perfection: Heat this mixture over a low heat. Using a heat-resistant spatula, stir constantly. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pot frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Patience is key here – resist the urge to increase the heat, as gentle melting ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Continue stirring until all ingredients are fully melted and combined into a smooth, thick consistency.
4. Add Vanilla and Spread Peanut Butter Layer: As soon as the mixture is smooth and melted, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined, folding it into the fudge with your spatula. Promptly pour the peanut butter fudge into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use the spatula to gently spread and press the fudge into an even, flat layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate layer to help it set slightly.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Layer: Quickly clean and thoroughly dry the same nonstick pot. This is important to prevent any water from causing the chocolate to seize. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1.5 cups of milk chocolate chips, the remaining half of the sweetened condensed milk, and the final 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the clean pot.
6. Melt & Stir for Chocolate Smoothness: Heat the chocolate mixture over a low heat, stirring constantly with your heat-resistant spatula. Scrape the sides and bottom as it melts to ensure everything combines uniformly and doesn’t burn. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
7. Finish with Vanilla and Layer the Chocolate: Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated. Retrieve your pan with the partially set peanut butter layer from the fridge. Carefully pour the warm milk chocolate fudge directly over the peanut butter layer. Use your spatula to gently coax and spread the chocolate evenly across the entire surface, ensuring it fully covers the base.
8. Chill for Firmness: Once both layers are spread, cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil. Transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4-8 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm and set. Adequate chilling time is essential for the fudge to hold its shape.
9. Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. For clean cuts, use a very sharp knife that has been run under hot water and then thoroughly dried before each cut. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest squares. Since this fudge is rich, we recommend cutting it into small, bite-sized squares. Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Fudge!

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Reese’s Fudge

Achieving perfectly smooth, firm, and flavorful fudge is easy with a few simple techniques. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Reese’s Fudge turns out absolutely amazing:

• Don’t Skip Lining the Pan: This is a non-negotiable step! Using parchment paper or foil with a generous overhang will make removing the set fudge incredibly simple and mess-free. Without it, you risk the fudge sticking and breaking when you try to get it out.
• Precision with Sweetened Condensed Milk: While eyeballing half a can of sweetened condensed milk is possible, using a food scale to split it evenly (approximately 198 grams per layer) will give you perfectly balanced layers and a consistent texture. This small detail can make a big difference in the final product.
• Use a Single, Clean Pot for Layers: You can absolutely use the same nonstick pot for both the peanut butter and chocolate layers. However, ensure you thoroughly wash and completely dry it after making the first layer. Any residual water can cause the chocolate for the second layer to seize and become grainy or cloudy, affecting its smooth texture.
• Constant Stirring is Key: When melting the ingredients for both layers, stir constantly and patiently over low heat. A heat-resistant spatula is your best friend here, allowing you to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot effectively. This prevents the mixture from scorching, ensures even melting, and creates that signature smooth, creamy fudge consistency.
• Temperature Control (Low Heat!): Always maintain a low heat setting. High heat can cause the condensed milk to caramelize too quickly or the chocolate/peanut butter chips to burn, resulting in a gritty texture or burnt flavor. Slow and steady wins the race for perfect fudge.
• Thorough Chilling: Do not rush the chilling process. Allow the fudge to refrigerate for the full 4-8 hours (or even overnight) until it is completely firm. This ensures it sets properly, holds its shape, and slices beautifully. Trying to cut soft fudge will result in a messy presentation.
• Cutting Technique: For clean, sharp edges, run a very sharp knife under hot water, dry it completely, and then make quick, decisive cuts. Reheat and wipe the knife clean between each cut, especially when going through the chocolate layer, to prevent dragging and smudging.
• Ingredient Quality Matters: While this recipe is forgiving, using good quality peanut butter chips and chocolate chips will elevate the flavor of your fudge significantly.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic Reese’s flavor is amazing, feel free to get creative and customize your fudge:

• Chocolate Choice: For a deeper, less sweet flavor, swap milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips in the top layer.
• Add-ins: Stir in miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate layer before chilling for extra texture and flavor.
• White Chocolate: For a fun twist, try a white chocolate fudge layer instead of milk chocolate.
• Extracts: A drop of almond extract in the chocolate layer could add an interesting nuance.

More Tasty Desserts to Love

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, especially those featuring chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll love these other simple and delicious recipes:

• Peanut Butter Brownie Bites: An easy and delightful treat using a convenient brownie mix.
• Brown Sugar Cookies: Soft, chewy, and utterly comforting cookies perfect for any occasion.
• Muddy Buddies: The classic peanut butter and chocolate snack mix that’s always a hit.
• Oreo Balls: Crushed Oreos mixed with cream cheese and covered in decadent chocolate.
• Turtle Candy: A delightful combination of chocolate, pecans, and gooey caramel candy.

Pin Recipe

Reese’s Fudge

By
Chelsea Lords

Reese’s Fudge features creamy layers of peanut butter and chocolate, prepared in just 30 minutes—no thermometer needed for this delightful treat!

Prep Time:

30
minutes

Chilling Time:

4
hours

Total Time:

4
hours
30
minutes

Yields:

36
pieces

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium nonstick pot

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 cups Reese’s peanut butter baking chips
• 1/2 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Chocolate Layer:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (see note 1)
• 1/2 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal (or line with foil). Do not skip this step or the fudge will not remove nicely. Cut butter into 1-tablespoon-sized pieces.
• In a thick-bottomed, nonstick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter, Reese’s peanut butter baking chips, half the sweetened condensed milk (198g—use a food scale if you have one!), and 1/8 teaspoon salt on low. Using a heat-resistant spatula, stir the mixture constantly, scraping the sides and bottom as needed. Resist the urge to increase the heat—your patience will pay off!
• As soon as the mixture is melted, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract; mix well by folding the extract into the fudge with the spatula. Pour into the prepared pan and use the spatula to smooth and press the fudge into an even layer. Place the pan in the fridge while preparing the milk chocolate top layer.
• Quickly clean and thoroughly dry the pan. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter, milk chocolate chips, the remaining half of sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt on low. Using a heat-resistant spatula, stir the mixture constantly, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom. Once melted, remove from heat and fold in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Remove the other fudge from the fridge and pour the milk chocolate layer on top. Use the spatula to gently coax and spread the fudge to fully cover the bottom layer.
• Cover and refrigerate for 4–8 hours or until fudge is firm.
• Remove from the pan using the overhang of parchment paper. Cut the fudge with a hot, very sharp knife. (Run it under hot water, dry, then make quick cuts.) I recommend cutting the fudge into small pieces—it’s rich!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: I love milk chocolate chips in this fudge for its classic sweet flavor, but for a less-sweet fudge, feel free to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Always use good-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and melting consistency.

Nutrition Facts (per piece)

Calories: 65kcal |
Carbohydrates: 5g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 4g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Cholesterol: 6mg |
Sodium: 36mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 41IU |
Calcium: 1mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.