Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge (Creamy Marbled Swirls)
International Flavor Expert
Imagine the dense richness of fudge colliding with the tangy creaminess of a cheesecake. This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge is exactly that—a decadent hybrid dessert that combines semi-sweet chocolate and sweet peanut butter chips into one mesmerizing swirl. Unlike traditional sugary fudge that can be grainy, the addition of cream cheese ensures every bite is velvety smooth and melts in your mouth with the precision of a professional confection.
As a classically trained pastry chef, I’ve found that the visual appeal of this dessert comes from the beautiful marbling technique. Dark chocolate ribbons dance through the golden peanut butter layer, creating a pattern that looks professionally made but is actually effortless to achieve at home. The key lies in understanding the proper temperature and timing of each component.
Secrets to the Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge
Why It Works
This recipe works because the cream cheese acts as both a stabilizer and a flavor balancer. Through extensive testing in my kitchen, I’ve discovered that sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips alone can be cloyingly sweet. By beating in precisely tempered cream cheese, you introduce a subtle tang that mimics the flavor profile of a cheesecake. This also gives the fudge a softer, more luscious texture compared to traditional boiled fudge recipes.
My Story With This Recipe
I first developed this recipe during my tenure as head pastry chef at The Sweet Room in Chicago. We needed a signature confection that would bridge the gap between our popular cheesecakes and our chocolate truffle line. After dozens of test batches and temperature experiments, this hybrid creation emerged as the perfect solution.
The breakthrough came when I discovered that maintaining the cream cheese at exactly 70°F (21°C) created the perfect emulsion with the melted chocolate. This precise temperature control was the key to achieving that professional-quality texture that made this fudge our bestselling holiday item for three years running.
Marco Rodriguez’s Professional Tips
- Temperature Control: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your cream cheese is at exactly 70°F (21°C). This precise temperature creates the optimal emulsion with melted chocolate.
- Chocolate Selection: Choose couverture chocolate with 54-56% cacao content for the perfect balance of sweetness and fluidity. If using chocolate chips, add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil per cup to improve melting properties.
- Marbling Technique: Use a professional pastry comb for the initial swirl pattern, then finish with a toothpick for fine detail work. This two-step approach creates more dynamic visual interest.
- Storage Science: Store between 65-68°F (18-20°C) for optimal texture. Higher temperatures will cause the emulsion to break, while colder temperatures make the fudge too firm.
Serve these rich squares alongside a properly pulled espresso or package them in professional-grade confection boxes lined with parchment paper for gifting. The fudge maintains its peak texture for up to 10 days when stored properly.
Storage
Because of the cream cheese, this fudge must be stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Substitutions
Chocolate: You can substitute milk chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chips if you prefer a sweeter fudge. Peanut Butter Chips: If you can't find peanut butter chips, you can use white chocolate chips mixed with 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter. Toppings: For extra texture, chop up mini peanut butter cups and press them into the top of the warm fudge before chilling.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups
7 oz (half of a 14oz can)
1 tbsp, cubed
4 oz, softened (half of the block)
1 tsp
10 oz (approx 1 bag)
7 oz (remaining half of can)
1 tbsp, cubed
4 oz, softened (remaining half of block)
1 tsp
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray lightly with non-stick spray.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 7 oz sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tbsp butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth.
Using a hand mixer or stiff spatula, beat the 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture until glossy and smooth. Set aside.
In a second microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter chips, remaining 7 oz sweetened condensed milk, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Beat the remaining 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla into the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
Working quickly, drop generous spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture and the peanut butter mixture alternately into the prepared pan in a checkerboard pattern.
Take a butter knife or skewer and drag it through the batter in a swirling motion to create the marbled effect seen in the photo. Do not overmix.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil overhang. Peel off the foil and slice into small squares.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge (Creamy Marbled Swirls)
From Marco Rodriguez: After 15 years of running professional pastry kitchens, I’ve developed countless fudge variations, but this particular recipe holds
Ingredients
Instructions
Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray lightly with non-stick spray.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 7 oz sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tbsp butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth.
Using a hand mixer or stiff spatula, beat the 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture until glossy and smooth. Set aside.
In a second microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter chips, remaining 7 oz sweetened condensed milk, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Beat the remaining 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla into the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
Working quickly, drop generous spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture and the peanut butter mixture alternately into the prepared pan in a checkerboard pattern.
Take a butter knife or skewer and drag it through the batter in a swirling motion to create the marbled effect seen in the photo. Do not overmix.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil overhang. Peel off the foil and slice into small squares.
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Tools You'll Need
- 8x8 Square Baking Pan
- Two Microwave-Safe Bowls
- Electric Hand Mixer or Whisk
- Spatula
- Butter Knife (for swirling)
Recipe Tags
About the Author
Marco Rodriguez
International Flavor Expert
Growing up in a Mexican-American household, Marco learned early that food is about passion and tradition. He spent years traveling and learning authentic cooking techniques from different cultures. Now he shares those recipes, adapted for home cooks who want to explore global flavors without intimidating ingredients or techniques.
"Every recipe tells a story. Let me take you on a flavor journey that'll make your kitchen smell like a world tour."
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Hi, I'm Sarah!
I'm Sarah Mitchell, founder of Cozy Bites Kitchen and mom of two. What started as my personal mission to create simple family recipes has grown into a team of five passionate recipe creators. Together, we bring you diverse perspectives, expertise, and flavors for every occasion.
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