Imagine a dreamy dessert topping that combines the richness of chocolate, the savory depth of peanut butter, and an irresistibly smooth texture — that’s what you get with Peanut Butter Hot Fudge. This velvety sauce is an absolute showstopper, elevating everything from a classic sundae to brownies and fresh fruit. It’s luxuriously thick, sweetly balanced, and comes together in mere minutes, making it my not-so-secret weapon for last-minute treats and indulgent moments alike. If you love that nostalgic, ice cream shop vibe mixed with the homey comfort of peanut butter, you’re going to want to drizzle this sauce over everything (and trust me, you’ll find excuses).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Hot Fudge lies in just a handful of essential ingredients, each playing an important part. These pantry staples work together brilliantly to create unbeatable flavor and texture that’s silky, chewy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creates that glossy, pourable consistency everyone loves in a great fudge sauce.
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers nutty flavor and a velvety smoothness that sets this sauce apart from anything store-bought.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring deep chocolate notes without being too sweet, perfectly complementing the peanut butter.
- Light corn syrup: Ensures the sauce stays luscious and prevents crystallization, so every spoonful is silkier than the last.
- Brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses warmth and extra depth, balancing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash brings all the flavors together and rounds out the finish.
- Pinch of salt: Just a dash is all you need to bring out the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
How to Make Peanut Butter Hot Fudge
Step 1: Combine Everything in the Saucepan
Get started by grabbing a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the heavy cream, peanut butter, chocolate chips, light corn syrup, and brown sugar all at once. No need for fancy techniques here; just bring your ingredients together in one cozy pot for maximum convenience and flavor melding.
Step 2: Melt and Stir Until Smooth and Bubbling
Place your saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as things begin to warm up. Watch as the chocolate and peanut butter melt together into a glossy, unified sauce. After 3 to 5 minutes, the mixture should be silky-smooth and starting to bubble gently around the edges. Don’t let it boil — gentle bubbling is your cue that everything has come together perfectly.
Step 3: Finish With Vanilla and Salt
Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and just a pinch of salt. This little addition brings out the richness of the chocolate and highlights the peanut butter, making the flavors pop. Give the sauce a good stir until both are fully incorporated and the fudge is velvety and luscious.
Step 4: Cool Slightly, Then Serve Warm
Let your Peanut Butter Hot Fudge cool for a minute or two before serving, just so it thickens a bit and doesn’t scorch your tongue. It will be delightfully spoonable and ready to pour over everything from ice cream scoops to gooey brownies. Try not to eat it straight from the pot (or don’t, I won’t judge).
How to Serve Peanut Butter Hot Fudge
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of Peanut Butter Hot Fudge is already showstopping, but why not take things to the next level? Sprinkle on some chopped roasted peanuts for crunch, add a dollop of whipped cream, or go nostalgic with rainbow sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. The sauce is thick enough to hold toppings beautifully, turning even the simplest desserts into instant celebrations.
Side Dishes
Of course, classic vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven, but this fudge also transforms brownies, pound cake slices, and banana splits. For something a little different, try offering it alongside sliced apples, fresh strawberries, or salty pretzels for a sweet and savory dessert board everyone can customize.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just stick to sundaes! Turn Peanut Butter Hot Fudge into a dip at your next party, or swirl it into milkshakes for a thick ribbon of chocolate-peanut goodness. Use it as a cake filling, fill mini tart shells with it, or layer spoonfuls in parfait glasses with creamy yogurt and granola for a playful twist at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Peanut Butter Hot Fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Its luscious texture holds up beautifully and you’ll love having it on hand for spontaneous late-night ice cream cravings or quick dessert upgrades throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your fudge sauce in a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space for it to expand. When you’re ready to use, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. The sauce maintains its creamy character after freezing, though a quick stir will restore its silky consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and warm. You can also heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding an extra splash of cream if you want to thin it out for drizzling or dipping.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Chunky peanut butter will create a sauce with extra bits of peanut throughout, adding some great crunch and texture. If you prefer your sauce super smooth, creamy peanut butter is your best bet.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you’d rather not use light corn syrup, try honey or golden syrup instead. The results will be a little different in texture and sweetness, but the sauce will still be decadent and delicious.
How thick should Peanut Butter Hot Fudge be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable when warm. If you prefer it thinner, simply stir in an extra splash of cream until your desired consistency is reached. It will thicken more as it cools.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, as long as you’re using certified gluten-free ingredients (especially check your chocolate chips and corn syrup), this Peanut Butter Hot Fudge is naturally gluten free and perfect for many dietary needs.
Can I make it dairy free?
Absolutely! Substitute full-fat coconut cream for the heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The sauce will be slightly different in flavor but still rich, creamy, and so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a quick, unforgettable dessert topping, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Hot Fudge. Once you taste that luscious blend of chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll want to keep a jar tucked away in your fridge for every sweet occasion. Go ahead and drizzle, dip, or dollop — dessert just got a little more extraordinary.
Print
Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Peanut Butter Hot Fudge sauce. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream or brownies, this decadent treat will elevate any dessert to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Hot Fudge:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, peanut butter, chocolate chips, corn syrup, and brown sugar.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 3–5 minutes.
Let cool slightly before serving warm over ice cream, brownies, or other desserts.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
- For a thinner sauce, stir in an extra splash of cream.
