Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge is a delightful treat that brings together the creamy tang of cheesecake, the rich sweetness of fudge, and the classic peanut butter cup flavor all in one bite. It’s soft and smooth, with little pockets of peanut buttery goodness and chocolate swirls that make every piece feel special. Just the right mix of rich and light, it’s a dessert that feels like a hug in candy form.
I love making this fudge when I need something a little extra to impress friends or just treat myself. It’s fun to stir it all together and see the peanut butter and cheesecake bits blending with the chocolate. One of my favorite parts is folding in chopped peanut butter cups – they add a surprise crunch and little bursts of chocolate-peanut butter that make it hard to stop at just one piece.
When I serve this fudge, I like to cut it into small squares and lay them out on a pretty plate. It’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties, birthday get-togethers, or just as a sweet pick-me-up. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking an extra piece when no one’s looking. This fudge is a little slice of joy that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate Chips: These add sweetness and creaminess to the cheesecake layer. If you want to cut some sugar, try using white chocolate with reduced sugar or white chocolate almond bark.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The fudgy base relies on these. Dark chocolate chips can also work, lending a richer taste with less sweetness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: It binds everything and keeps the fudge creamy. For a dairy-free option, use coconut condensed milk, but expect a slight coconut flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its tangy, smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened to mix easily. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat alternative but may change texture slightly.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter blends best without lumps and helps create that classic peanut butter cup taste. Natural peanut butter may separate, so stir well before measuring.
Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: Optional but adds a nice crunch and surprise burst of flavor. If unavailable, chopped peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts with a drizzle of melted chocolate can be used.
How Do You Get the Perfect Swirled Cheesecake and Chocolate Layers?
Creating a nice swirl requires layering and gentle mixing:
- First, pour the melted chocolate layer and spread it evenly to form a firm base.
- Next, gently spread the peanut butter cheesecake layer on top. Don’t mix too hard or the layers will blend.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the top by dragging it through both layers in figure-eights or circles.
- Keep the swirls light so the layers mostly stay separate but show beautiful marbling.
- Let the fudge chill fully to set these layers — rushing this step can cause blending and messy cuts.
Taking your time and working gently will make the fudge both pretty and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – I like this size because it makes thick, chewy fudge that’s easy to cut into squares.
- Parbatch or foil – to line the pan for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Microwave-safe bowls – perfect for melting the chocolate and cream cheese mixture quickly and smoothly.
- Spatula or butter knife – to spread and swirl the layers evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy and consistent layers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for different flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Swirl in caramel or chocolate fudge before setting for an extra gooey surprise.
- Mix in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts for crunch and texture.
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (optional but recommended)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fudge takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then you’ll need to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours so it can fully set. Plan ahead for the chilling time to get perfect, sliceable fudge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving extra hanging over the edges. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out when it’s ready.
2. Make the Chocolate Layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Pour this chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. This forms the fudgy base.
3. Make the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until it’s creamy and smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Microwave this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. If you like, fold in the chopped peanut butter cups gently for extra bites of goodness.
4. Assemble and Swirl:
Pour the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the chocolate layer in the pan. Use a toothpick or a skewer to swirl a little extra melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for a beautiful marbled effect.
5. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm enough to cut. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper edges and slice it into squares. Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty.
Enjoy these rich, creamy squares filled with sweet chocolate and peanut buttery cheesecake flavors—a perfect treat anytime!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to stir natural peanut butter well before measuring to mix the oil back in. It may make the fudge slightly softer, so chill it a bit longer for best results.
Can I Make This Fudge Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This fudge actually tastes great after resting overnight in the fridge. Just keep it covered tightly to prevent any fridge odors from seeping in.
How Should I Store Leftover Fudge?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the fudge for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter Cups?
No worries! You can omit them or substitute with chopped peanut butter chips, chopped peanuts, or even mini chocolate chips to add texture and extra flavor.