Chocolate Peanut Fudge Bars Midwest
Indulge in the decadent flavors of the Midwest with these Chocolate Peanut Fudge Bars, a rich and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe layers a chewy, cocoa-infused base with swirls of creamy peanut butter and a smooth, velvety chocolate topping made with semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. A sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts adds the perfect balance of crunch and saltiness to complement the sweetness. Ready in just under an hour, these fudge bars are easy to make yet deliver a bakery-quality result that’s sure to impress. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, these indulgent bars bring together the beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. Ideal for potlucks, holiday trays, or as an everyday indulgence, they embody all the nostalgia and warmth of classic Midwest sweets.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1.5 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Salted peanuts (roughly chopped)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the vanilla extract and the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter for 15-20 seconds until slightly softened. Drizzle the softened peanut butter over the batter, swirling it gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter-swirled batter, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure full coverage.
Sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts over the top, pressing them lightly into the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly fudgy. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares or rectangles and serve.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7873 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 401.7 g | 515% | |
| Saturated Fat | 163.5 g | 818% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 755 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 3420 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1033.2 g | 376% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 90.4 g | 323% | |
| Total Sugars | 696.9 g | ||
| Protein | 196.7 g | 393% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 1720 mg | 132% | |
| Iron | 45.8 mg | 254% | |
| Potassium | 6163 mg | 131% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
