Indulge in the homemade bliss of Snickers Fudge, a luscious treat combining semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and rich caramels. This recipe elevates the classic candy bar into a gourmet fudge experience, accentuated with crunchy peanuts and marshmallow cream for a delightful texture contrast.
Once upon a kitchen adventure, I stumbled upon the idea of transforming my all-time favorite candy bar, Snickers, into a homemade fudge. It was a chilly winter evening, perfect for experimenting with something sweet and comforting. As I melted the chocolate chips, blending them with peanut butter and marshmallows, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that reminded me of childhood candy shop visits. The first bite of the finished fudge was a revelation – it was like biting into a piece of heaven, where each layer harmoniously combined to recreate the iconic Snickers flavor in a rich, creamy fudge format. This recipe became my go-to for holiday treats and family gatherings, each square packed with memories and the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love Snickers Fudge
- Decadent Fusion: This Snickers Fudge offers a gourmet twist on a classic candy bar, marrying the beloved flavors of Snickers with the rich, smooth texture of homemade fudge.
- Layered Delight: The recipe features a multi-layered composition, each adding a distinct texture and flavor – from the creamy chocolate base to the crunchy peanuts, topped with a caramel layer.
- Versatility: Whether it’s a casual family treat or a fancy party platter, this fudge fits perfectly into any occasion, charming taste buds across ages.
- Customizable: The recipe invites personal touches, be it swapping butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips or adjusting the nut variety, making each batch uniquely yours.
- No-Fuss Preparation: Despite its luxurious outcome, the recipe is straightforward, requiring basic kitchen equipment and manageable steps, suitable even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients Notes:
Before you embark on this sweet journey, let’s dive into some notes about the ingredients:
- Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chips for a rich, balanced flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Smooth or chunky? It’s your call! Each brings a different texture to the fudge.
- Butterscotch Chips: These add a delightful twist. If you’re a peanut butter purist, feel free to double down on it instead.
- Marshmallow Cream: This is the secret to the fudge’s irresistible smoothness. Ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Caramels: Choose soft, quality caramels for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth layer.
- Peanuts: Salted peanuts not only add crunch but also a hint of savory to balance the sweetness.
- Evaporated Milk & Butter: These dairy essentials contribute to the fudge’s creamy richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let’s break down the recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps:
- Step One: Start by preparing your baking pan with foil and non-stick spray. Then, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch/peanut butter chips, and peanut butter in the microwave. This base layer sets the stage for your fudge.
- Step Two: Pour half of your melted chocolate mixture into the pan and refrigerate. This is your first layer, a foundation of chocolatey goodness.
- Step Three: In a saucepan, cook butter, sugar, and milk until smooth, then boil. This is where your fudge starts to get its signature texture and sweetness.
- Step Four: Mix in marshmallow cream, peanut butter, and peanuts. This step infuses your fudge with that classic Snickers flavor and crunch.
- Step Five: Melt caramels with a bit of water, and reheat the remaining chocolate mixture if needed. These layers add a gooey, luxurious depth to your fudge.
- Step Six: Finally, let everything set in the fridge. Patience is key here, as this step solidifies your masterpiece into sliceable, delicious fudge squares.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Perfect for immediate indulgence!
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 3 weeks. This method maintains the fudge’s firm texture and rich flavor.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best experience.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Nut Varieties: Swap salted peanuts with almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips for varied sweetness levels.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate, marshmallow cream, and caramels, along with a plant-based milk alternative.
- Nut-Free: Omit peanuts and use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute sugar and chocolate chips with their sugar-free counterparts for a diet-friendly option.
Snickers Fudge
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup of Butterscotch or Peanut Butter Chips
- 3 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- ⅔ cup Peanut Butter divided
- ¼ cup Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ stick of Butter
- 1 ½ cups Marshmallow Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 package Caramels
- 1.5 cups Salted Peanuts
Instructions
Preparation of Base Layer:
- Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring a smooth application. Apply a coating of non-stick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, your choice of butterscotch or peanut butter chips, and half of the divided peanut butter.
- Melt these ingredients in a microwave, utilizing 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval, until the mixture is uniformly smooth.
Formation of First Layer:
- Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to form an even layer.
- Place the pan in a refrigerator to allow this layer to solidify, while preparing the subsequent layer.
Preparation of Marshmallow-Nut Mixture:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk.
- Heat over a medium flame, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the butter has melted.
- Allow this mixture to reach a boiling state, then maintain the boil for a duration of 5 minutes.
- After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the marshmallow cream, the remaining peanut butter, and the salted peanuts to achieve a homogenous mixture.
Layering of Marshmallow-Nut Mixture:
- Pour the marshmallow-nut mixture over the set chocolate layer in the baking pan, ensuring an even distribution.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator to solidify this newly added layer.
Preparation of Caramel Layer:
- Place the caramels in a separate microwave-safe bowl, adding a tablespoon of water.
- Melt the caramels in the microwave, stirring periodically. If necessary, add additional water in small increments to achieve the desired consistency.
- If the reserved chocolate and peanut butter mixture has solidified, gently reheat it in the microwave to restore a spreadable consistency.
Final Layering:
- Pour the reheated chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer in the baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate the baking pan to solidify the entire composition.
Final Preparation and Serving:
- Once set, use the foil to lift the fudge out of the pan.
- Cut the fudge into uniform 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.
- Optionally, place these squares into mini muffin papers for presentation.
- Serve as desired.