If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines the luscious creaminess of peanut butter with the classic chocolatey goodness of rocky road, you’ve just hit the jackpot. This Peanut Butter Rocky Road Fudge is a heavenly blend of semi-sweet chocolate chips, Reese’s peanut butter baking chips, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts—all bound together by smooth, sweetened condensed milk. It’s rich, indulgent, and utterly addictive, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or simply enjoying as a decadent snack. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking skills and just a handful of ingredients. Let’s dive into why this fudge recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Peanut Butter Rocky Road Fudge recipe is a fail-proof crowd-pleaser because it balances flavor and texture perfectly. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and peanut butter chips creates an irresistible depth of flavor, while the marshmallows add that classic rocky road chewiness. The chopped nuts bring a satisfying crunch, making every bite interesting and layered. Using sweetened condensed milk ensures a creamy consistency without the hassle of tempering or melting chocolate in complicated ways.

Another reason this recipe is so trustworthy is the simplicity of its method. You melt, stir, and chill—no oven, no mixers, no stressful steps involved. This makes it accessible for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Also, because the ingredients are straightforward, substitutions are easy, allowing you to customize based on your pantry or preferences.

Gather These Ingredients

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – For that rich, chocolatey base
1 1/2 cups Reese’s peanut butter baking chips – Adds creamy peanut butter flavor
14 oz sweetened condensed milk, divided – Acts as the binding and sweetener
2 tsp vanilla extract, divided – Enhances flavor depth
2 tbsp butter, divided – Adds richness and helps smooth melting
2 cups miniature marshmallows, divided – The signature rocky road chew
1 cup roughly chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or peanuts) – For crunch and texture

Each ingredient plays a crucial role. For example, using Reese’s peanut butter baking chips ensures the peanut butter flavor shines through without overwhelming the chocolate. Choosing your favorite nuts lets you tailor the fudge to your taste—walnuts for earthiness, pecans for sweetness, or peanuts for that authentic peanut butter vibe.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Microwave-safe mixing bowls – For melting chocolate and peanut butter chips
Spatula or wooden spoon – To stir and combine ingredients thoroughly
8×8-inch square baking pan – Ideal for setting the fudge
Parchment paper or aluminum foil – For lining the pan and easy removal
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure ingredient accuracy

Having these tools handy makes your fudge-making process smooth and mess-free. Lining your pan with parchment paper is a game-changer—you’ll be able to lift out the fudge easily once it’s set, making cutting neat squares a breeze.

Mastering Peanut Butter Rocky Road Fudge: How-To

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the fudge out once it’s set. Lightly grease the paper with a little butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Base

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 7 ounces (half) of the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This forms the rich chocolate base of your fudge.

Step 3: Melt the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter baking chips, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and the other half of the sweetened condensed milk (7 ounces). Microwave using the same 30-second bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and Layer

Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Then carefully pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect. This not only looks beautiful but blends the flavors wonderfully.

Step 5: Add Rocky Road Mix-Ins

Sprinkle 1 cup of miniature marshmallows and the chopped nuts evenly over the top. Press them down slightly to ensure they stick into the fudge as it sets.

Step 6: Add Final Marshmallow Layer

Scatter the remaining 1 cup of miniature marshmallows across the top, pressing them lightly into the fudge. This ensures every bite has that signature rocky road marshmallow texture.

Step 7: Chill to Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the fudge is firm. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan and cut into bite-sized squares.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or another plant-based condensed milk alternative.
Use dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, which are widely available.
Substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Ensure marshmallows are gelatin-free (made with agar or other plant-based gelling agents) to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

These swaps allow you to enjoy this indulgent treat while accommodating dietary preferences without compromising on taste or texture.

Learn from These Mistakes

Overheating the chocolate or peanut butter chips: Chocolate can seize or become grainy if microwaved too long without stirring. Be patient and microwave in short bursts.
Not lining the pan: Skipping parchment or foil lining makes it difficult to remove the fudge cleanly, resulting in messy edges.
Using large marshmallows: Miniature marshmallows distribute more evenly and melt just enough to blend with the fudge, whereas large ones can create uneven textures.
Skipping the swirl step: Swirling the chocolate and peanut butter mixtures creates a beautiful marbled look and blends flavors—don’t just layer them flat.
Cutting fudge before fully set: Patience is key! Cutting too soon leads to sticky, misshapen pieces.

Avoiding these common errors will help you achieve perfectly textured, delicious fudge every time.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This fudge keeps best when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you’d like to store it longer, wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen fudge, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the fudge to become too soft or separate.

When serving, let the fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for the perfect bite.

Questions People Ask

Can I use other types of nuts in this fudge?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or peanuts all work wonderfully, depending on your preference. Toasting them lightly before chopping enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch.

What if I don’t have peanut butter baking chips?

You can substitute with creamy peanut butter melted gently with a bit of butter or coconut oil. Alternatively, use peanut butter-flavored chips or add peanut butter directly to the melted mixture, but expect a slightly different texture.

Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key for that fudgy, creamy texture and sweetness. While alternatives exist, such as homemade condensed milk or plant-based versions, avoid skipping it entirely to maintain the fudge consistency.

How can I make this fudge less sweet?

Try using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, and consider reducing the amount of peanut butter chips slightly. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Because You Liked This

Try the indulgent Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits for a layered dessert experience.
For a crunchy twist, check out these Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars.
If caramel is your thing, don’t miss the rich and gooey Peanut Butter Brownies With Caramel Swirl.

Bring It Home

This Peanut Butter Rocky Road Fudge is the perfect crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or just a weeknight treat. Its effortless preparation and irresistible flavor combination make it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves the duo of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself, this fudge is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Plus, with the option to customize nuts or swap ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that fits many tastes and occasions. So grab your ingredients, try this recipe, and get ready to indulge in one of the most delightful fudge experiences around!

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