| |

Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a dessert that brings together the rich, velvety flavors of chocolate, the creamy punch of peanut butter, and a little grown-up twist of coffee liqueur, you’re in for a treat with this Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge turns out creamy yet firm, with just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of that warm Kahlua kick—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save for every special occasion or when you just want to spoil yourself a bit. Let me walk you through the magic behind this fan-freaking-tastic fudge!

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor Combo: The trio of chocolate, peanut butter, and Kahlua creates a rich and sophisticated taste that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
  • Simple Prep and Quick Chill: You’re only a few steps away from luscious fudge, and with some fridge time, you get perfect consistency every time.
  • No Fancy Equipment Needed: A double boiler or microwave for melting chocolate and basic kitchen tools are all you need.
  • Impress Your Crowd: My family goes crazy for this fudge, and it always disappears fast – perfect for gifting or party platters!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe lies in using quality chocolate and Kahlua that balance each other perfectly. Roasted salted peanuts add texture and that wonderful salty crunch, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe - Ingredients
  • Semi-sweet chocolate: I recommend chopping high-quality bars yourself for smoother melting and a silkier texture.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness without fuss – don’t skip it!
  • Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the chocolate and peanut buttery goodness.
  • Sea salt: Just a pinch lifts the flavors, making the sweetness pop even more.
  • Kahlua: The star of this recipe – adds a boozy coffee warmth that sets this fudge apart from the rest.
  • Roasted salted peanuts: Chop them coarsely so you get that nutty crunch without it dominating every bite.
  • Milk chocolate: Another layer of chocolate to sprinkle on top – melts slightly and adds creaminess.
  • Dark chocolate: Melting this on top forms a glossy, rich layer that contrasts so beautifully with the fudge underneath.
  • Peanut butter chips: Melted and drizzled on top for that extra peanut butter punch and decorative touch.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe welcomes a little creativity – you can tweak the nuts, the chocolate, or even the liqueur to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Play around and make it your own!

  • Nut-free version: Swap roasted salted peanuts with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you need to avoid nuts; it’s surprisingly yummy.
  • Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free chocolate and condensed coconut milk to keep that creamy texture intact without dairy.
  • Different liqueurs: Instead of Kahlua, I’ve tried rum or bourbon for a warm twist that still complements the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.
  • Extra crunch: Mix in toffee bits or crushed pretzels with the peanuts for a fun salty-sweet surprise.

How to Make Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Start by spraying an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray to make sure your fudge comes out clean and in beautiful squares. Next, melt the semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler—this gentle heat keeps your chocolate smooth and glossy. I love this method because it’s hard to scorch chocolate this way, but if you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too! Just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep things even. Once melted, remove from heat so you don’t overcook it.

Step 2: Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk, Vanilla, Salt, and Kahlua

Slowly stir the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt into your melted chocolate. You’ll notice the mixture thickening — that’s exactly what you want. Now, here’s the kicker: fold in the Kahlua one tablespoon at a time. It’ll make your mixture super thick and maybe a bit stubborn at first, but keep stirring gently; patience here pays off with that rich, boozy flavor shining through. Then, spread this thick fudge base evenly in your prepared pan. It won’t be runny, so don’t stress about getting it perfectly smooth—just do your best. Pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it sets up nicely for the next layer.

Step 3: Add the Dark Chocolate Layer and Toppings

While your fudge base chills, melt the dark chocolate until smooth. Remove the pan from the fridge and pour the dark chocolate over the set fudge layer. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it into an even, glossy layer. This part looks fancy but is super simple! Before the dark chocolate hardens, sprinkle on the chopped roasted salted peanuts and chopped milk chocolate—it adds beautiful texture and flavor contrast. Finally, drizzle the melted peanut butter chips over the top to “glue” everything a bit and add a touch of visual flair. Let the whole thing chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to fully set.

Step 4: Cut Into Squares and Enjoy

Use a sharp knife to cut your fudge into squares of your favorite size. Pro tip: warm the knife under hot water, dry it off, and slice for clean edges without cracking the fudge. Serve to friends, family, or keep a stash for yourself—no judgment here!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

  • Patience with Kahlua addition: The mixture thickens a lot after adding Kahlua, so stir slowly and don’t rush to avoid lumps or separation.
  • Use quality chocolate: Better chocolate melts more evenly and gives your fudge a luxurious texture that you’ll notice bite after bite.
  • Chop nuts last minute: Freshly chopped peanuts maintain their crunch and flavor better than pre-packaged or pre-chopped ones.
  • Cut fudge with warm knife: Warming your knife slightly ensures smooth, clean cuts without cracking the surface.

How to Serve Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few extra roasted peanuts on top for that inviting, rustic touch. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra melted peanut butter chips in zigzags to make it feel extra special – guests always ask how I did it!

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or an after-dinner cocktail (bonus points if it’s Kahlua-based!). For parties, I love serving it alongside fresh berries or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I layered different flavored fudge squares including this Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge in a clear glass dish for a stunning dessert display. You can also package individual squares in pretty wax paper for holiday gifts or party favors—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge because it keeps the fudge firm and fresh for up to two weeks. I learned the hard way that at room temperature, it can get a bit soft and sticky, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing

If I’m making this ahead for a party, I freeze the fudge squares separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and they taste almost like freshly made—no flavor lost!

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat fudge because it’s best served chilled, but if you want softer bites, leaving it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes does the trick beautifully without melting the toppings.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe without alcohol?

    Absolutely! To keep the flavor while avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the Kahlua with coffee extract or a bit of strong brewed coffee. The fudge will still have that coffee flavor, just without the booze.

  2. What’s the best way to melt the chocolate for this fudge?

    I prefer a double boiler as it gently melts the chocolate without scorching it, but the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to keep your chocolate silky smooth.

  3. How long can I store this fudge safely?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge will keep fresh and tasty for up to two weeks. Always keep it chilled to maintain its perfect texture.

  4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips?

    You can, but keep in mind that peanut butter chips melt smoothly and help “glue” the toppings. Crunchy peanut butter may not melt as evenly and might alter the texture slightly.

  5. Why does the fudge get thick after adding Kahlua?

    Kahlua contains alcohol which can cause the chocolate mixture to thicken and seize if added too quickly. That’s why it’s important to add it slowly while stirring patiently. This ensures a smooth, luscious fudge texture.

Final Thoughts

This Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. The layers of flavor remind me of cozy weekends and celebrations with friends, and every batch disappears faster than I expect. If you try it once, I’m confident you’ll want to keep making it again and again – trust me, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Indulge in a decadent Kahlua Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of coffee-flavored Kahlua. This easy-to-make fudge combines semi-sweet and dark chocolates with roasted peanuts and peanut butter chips for a deliciously textured treat, ideal for parties or gifting during the holidays.


Ingredients

Chocolate Base

  • 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ounce can sweetened condensed milk (15 oz size)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons Kahlua

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate, chopped
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips, melted


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
  2. Melt Chocolate Base: Using a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate completely over gentle heat. Once melted, remove from heat and slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt with a large spatula until fully combined and thickened.
  3. Add Kahlua: Slowly incorporate the Kahlua one tablespoon at a time into the thick chocolate mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, folding the mixture to blend without breaking the texture, resulting in a very thick fudge base.
  4. Spread Mixture: Use the spatula or a large spoon to spread the thick chocolate mixture evenly into the prepared pan. It will be quite thick, so spread as evenly as possible. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help the fudge set.
  5. Top with Dark Chocolate and Toppings: Melt the dark chocolate separately. Remove the fudge pan from the fridge and pour the melted dark chocolate over the top, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Immediately sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and chopped milk chocolate over the dark chocolate layer. Drizzle the melted peanut butter chips on top to help secure the toppings.
  6. Set and Serve: Allow the fudge to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until fully set. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares of your desired size.

Notes

  • You can melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to avoid burning.
  • Ensure all chocolate is melted gently to prevent seizing.
  • For extra flavor, use freshly roasted peanuts.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1.5 inch square)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star