This candy bar fudge has the flavors and textures of a classic chocolate candy bar but in fudge form. The fudge needs just 4 ingredients and doesn’t require any refined sugar, dairy, butter or oil. The fudge is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

This candy bar fudge tastes a lot like a candy bar but made with healthier ingredients. It reminds me of a Snickers bar in fudge form.

Ingredients

  • Peanut butter
  • Dark chocolate
  • Maple syrup
  • Peanuts

Peanut butter: This fudge uses unsweetened natural peanut butter with no added oils. The peanut butter is used in the chocolate fudge base and is also used to created a healthier caramel topping.

Dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips are melted to create the fudge base. I recommend using dark chocolate chips with between 60% to 65% cocoa. If you need the fudge to be dairy-free, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips. If you need the fudge to be refined sugar free, make sure to use chocolate chips sweetened with unrefined sugar or sugar substitute.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup is used to create the caramel topping.

Peanuts: Chopped peanuts are added for texture. You can also substitute with other chopped nuts or leave them off.

How to Make Healthier Candy Bar Fudge

  • The dark chocolate is melted until smooth. The peanut butter is mixed in until evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Place into the fridge for about 1 hour to allow the chocolate to mostly set.
  • When the fudge base is almost ready, make the caramel by combining the remaining peanut butter and maple syrup until it resembles a thick caramel consistency. Spread the caramel mixture over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the caramel layer.
  • Place the fudge back into the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let it set. Cut the fudge with a large sharp knife.

Expert Tips

  • You can use salted roasted peanuts on top if you want to add a little salt to the fudge. You can also sprinkle salt on top for added salt flavor.
  • You can adjust the homemade caramel consistency by adding more maple syrup or more peanut butter. For a looser, thinner consistency, you add more maple syrup. For a thicker, firmer consistency, add more peanut butter.

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4 Ingredient Candy Bar Fudge

This fudge tastes like a candy bar in fudge form. It only needs 4 ingredients and is made with healthier ingredients. No refined sugar, dairy, butter or oil needed.
Servings: 24 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup + 3 Tbsp (154g) dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa, see note before starting
  • 3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp (208g) unsweetened natural peanut butter, divided
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp (24g) roasted salted or unsalted peanuts, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8 inch x 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Add chocolate chips to a large microwave safe mixing bowl. Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between with a spatula, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  • Add 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp (144g) peanut butter to the melted chocolate. Make sure your peanut butter is room temperature. If it is cold, it will cause the chocolate to seize. Stir the peanut butter in with a spatula until it is fully and evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Place into the fridge for about 1 hour or until the chocolate looks set.
  • When the fudge base is almost ready, make the caramel. Add maple syrup and remaining peanut butter (1/4 cup or 64g) to a small bowl and mix until the mixture becomes uniform and smooth. The mixture should resemble a thick caramel. If it is too runny, add a little more peanut butter to firm it up. If it is not runny enough, add a little maple syrup to loosen the caramel.
  • Add the caramel on top of the chocolate layer and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across. If your caramel is sticking a lot and you can't get it to be fully smooth on the surface, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup on top (about 1/2 tbsp) and gently spread it over the surface of the caramel. This should smooth it out. If doing this, keep gently spreading the syrup until it is worked into the caramel so you don't have liquid syrup on top. Finally, sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top.
  • Place fudge into the fridge for 3-4 hour or overnight, until the caramel and chocolate are set. When fudge is ready, remove it from the fridge and cut into small squares with a large sharp knife. Store uneaten fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

  • Dark chocolate note: Make sure to use dark chocolate chips (sometimes labeled bittersweet chocolate chips) that contains between 60-65% cocoa. Anything less than 60% may cause the fudge to not set. If you need the fudge to be dairy-free, make sure to choose dairy-free dark chocolate. If you need the fudge to be refined sugar-free, use a chocolate that is sweetened with unrefined sugar. Also make sure your dark chocolate chips contain lecithin. Chocolate without lecithin may seize and harden once you add in the peanut butter. I tested with regular dark chocolate chips with dairy and refined sugar (Ghirardelli)*, dairy-free chocolate chips (Guittard) and refined sugar free and dairy-free chocolate chips (Hu dark chocolate chips*).
  • *These product links are affiliate links. This means I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
  • Peanut butter note: Natural peanut butter usually has oil separation. Make sure to mix the oil back in before using. Make sure to use peanut butter with no added oils. The only ingredients should be peanuts and salt. I used Kirkland peanut butter.
Serving: 1piece, Calories: 93kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 23mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, NET CARBS: 6
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. This is not a comprehensive list of all the nutrients in the recipe (i.e., does not include vitamins, cholesterol, etc). I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
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