If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both indulgent and straightforward, I’ve got you covered with this Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those desserts that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Rich chocolate, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, all wrapped up in one luscious fudge layer—you really can’t go wrong here. Whether it’s a last-minute dessert or a special occasion, this recipe hits all the right notes without any complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and classic candy bars for easy prep.
- No Fancy Equipment: Just a microwave, stove, and baking dish required—super accessible for any kitchen.
- Layers of Flavor and Texture: Chocolate, caramel, and peanuts all come together in perfect harmony.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be refrigerated or frozen so you’re ready for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create that classic Snickers vibe, but in fudge form! I always recommend using fresh, quality chocolate and real butter—the difference is noticeable. And don’t skip the salted peanuts; they add that essential crunchy contrast.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly, especially since peanuts are salted.
- Cocoa powder: Gives that rich chocolate depth without overpowering sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor that blends with the caramel beautifully.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy base for your fudge mixture.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for that silky, fudgy texture—don’t use granulated here!
- Vanilla extract: A must for rounding out the fudge’s flavor.
- Caramels (unwrapped): I use classic chewy caramels for the gooey layer; they melt nicely in the microwave.
- Water: Just a little to help the caramels melt evenly without sticking.
- Salted peanuts: Adds crunch and saltiness, making the fudge irresistible.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for that smooth, glossy chocolate top layer.
Variations
One thing I love about this Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can switch up the nuts or use different chocolates depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s super forgiving if you want to experiment.
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped peanuts for crispy rice cereal when making this for friends with allergies—it still nails the crunch factor.
- White Chocolate Layer: Sometimes I replace the semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a fun, sweeter twist. It changes the flavor but keeps the texture creamy.
- Salted Caramel Addition: Drizzling some salted caramel sauce on top before chilling amps up the indulgence.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the cocoa powder gives a subtle warmth that’s surprising yet delightful.
How to Make Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Success
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some “handles” hanging over the edges. This small step makes it way easier to lift out the fudge later without breaking it up—trust me, I learned this one the hard way!
Step 2: Simmer the Chocolate Base
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter then whisk in cocoa powder, brown sugar, and milk. Keep stirring so everything melts smoothly and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. It only takes a few minutes; once it bubbles, remove from heat.
Step 3: Sweeten the Fudge Mixture
Quickly stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth. This is where the magic happens to give you that thick, fudgy layer. Pour this chocolate goodness into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 4: Melt the Caramel and Add Peanuts
In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together caramels and water. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and velvety smooth—usually around 90 seconds. Then fold in the salted peanuts so every bite has that amazing crunch. Pour this over the chocolate layer and spread carefully.
Step 5: Top with Melted Chocolate
Finally, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave with 15-second stirring intervals until glossy and pourable. Pour over your caramel and peanut layer, spreading with a spatula for a smooth finish. This top layer seals the deal with a luscious chocolate cap.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Pop the whole pan in the fridge for at least an hour—or if you can wait, overnight works wonders. When ready, use the parchment “handles” to lift the fudge out and cut into 1-inch squares. Passing it around a party? This step will get you all the compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe
- Even Mixing Matters: Stir your fudge base continuously as it boils to prevent burning or clumps, which makes your fudge smoother.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Leaving overhang on the parchment makes lifting the fudge out effortless and keeps the squares tidy.
- Caramel Melting Patience: Heating caramels slowly in short bursts keeps them from scorching. Always stir well!
- Cutting Tip: Let the fudge come to room temp if refrigerated overnight before slicing for cleaner, neater pieces.
How to Serve Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a few extra peanuts or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading the final chocolate layer. It adds a lovely contrast that makes the fudge look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this fudge is such a treat that I like serving it on its own with a cup of strong coffee or milk. It also goes great alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries if you want a contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like slicing the fudge into smaller bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a decorative platter with chocolate drizzle or edible gold dust for a little extra glam. It’s a sweet little wow factor that always gets noticed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for 3-4 days, and I love that each piece stays firm but still melts in your mouth. Just bring it to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing works like a charm. Wrap individual pieces in parchment or wax paper, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They last up to 3 months and thaw beautifully in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To enjoy after freezing, just let the fudge thaw in the fridge first. I typically leave it for several hours or overnight. Avoid microwaving directly because it can get too soft or grainy; patience is key here for that perfect texture.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing or skipping adding extra salt elsewhere, like salted peanuts, to avoid an overly salty fudge. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor balance.
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Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine and almond or oat milk, and make sure to choose dairy-free caramels and chocolate chips. The texture might shift slightly, but it’s a delicious vegan treat.
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Why does my fudge turn out grainy sometimes?
Graininess can happen if the powdered sugar isn’t fully dissolved or if the mixture gets overheated. Stir carefully over medium-low heat and mix in the powdered sugar gradually to ensure a smooth, creamy fudge.
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How thick should the fudge be poured in the pan?
The chocolate base should be spread to cover the bottom evenly around ½ inch thick before layering caramel and chocolate on top. This thickness allows a nice balance of fudgy texture without being too dense.
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Can I add more peanuts or caramel?
Feel free to adjust the amount of peanuts and caramel to your liking! Just keep in mind that adding too much caramel might make the fudge messier and harder to cut cleanly, so a little moderation goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe turns out every time I make it. It reminds me of fun family gatherings where sneaking a piece was practically tradition. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how simple yet indulgent it is—you don’t need to be a pro baker to wow everyone with this one! Give it a try, and I’d bet it’ll become one of your go-to sweets too. Happy fudge making!
PrintEasy Snickers Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Snickers Fudge Recipe combines rich, chocolatey fudge with a luscious layer of caramel and salted peanuts, topped with a smooth chocolate chip coating. It’s a delightful, no-fuss treat perfect for candy lovers, offering a homemade twist on the classic Snickers flavor in a simple, quick-to-make fudge.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- 11 oz caramels, unwrapped
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 cups salted peanuts
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over the sides to easily lift out the fudge once set. Set aside.
- Make the Fudge Base: In a small pan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and milk. Stir frequently and bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Pour this chocolate fudge layer into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare Caramel and Peanut Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and water. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth—this usually takes about 90 seconds or more. Stir in the salted peanuts until evenly coated, then pour the caramel peanut mixture over the fudge base layer in the baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth (about 30-50 seconds). Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel peanut layer and spread to cover completely.
- Chill and Set: Place the assembled fudge in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to fully set. If chilled overnight, allow it to come to room temperature before cutting to prevent cracking.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper edges to lift the fudge out of the baking dish. Cut into 1-inch squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store Snickers Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to keep texture and flavor intact.
- Ensure stirring while melting caramels and chocolate to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg