If you’ve been searching for the perfect keto-friendly dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without knocking you out of ketosis, look no further! This Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is the answer to your dessert cravings, offering a rich, creamy texture with the delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter—all while staying low-carb and sugar-free.
Whether you’re new to the keto lifestyle or a seasoned keto enthusiast, this fudge is an excellent option to indulge in a guilt-free snack. It’s quick, simple, and requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, it’s a great go-to snack for any time of day, whether it’s a post-lunch treat, an after-dinner dessert, or even a mid-day pick-me-up. Ready to dive into decadent keto heaven? Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Before we get into the process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious keto chocolate peanut butter fudge. These ingredients are carefully chosen to ensure they are both keto-friendly and utterly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, natural, and creamy)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (optional for extra texture)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts (for added crunch)
- Shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- Sea salt flakes (for a gourmet touch)
Tools You’ll Need:
To make this recipe effortless, gather these tools:
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon – To stir the mixture until smooth.
- Rubber spatula – To scrape the mixture into the pan evenly.
- 8×8 inch baking dish – For setting the fudge.
- Parchment paper – To line your baking dish for easy removal.
- Microwave or double boiler – To melt the coconut oil.
- Refrigerator or freezer – To set the fudge.
How to Make Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to walk through the creation of this delightful keto fudge. The process is simple but requires attention to detail to ensure the perfect creamy consistency.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lining your 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it will make removing the fudge from the pan much easier once it’s set. Make sure the parchment paper extends over the sides of the pan to help lift the fudge out later.
Step 2: Melt the Coconut Oil
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the coconut oil. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in 15-20 second increments, stirring in between until fully melted. Coconut oil is a healthy fat source that’s perfect for keto diets, and it also adds a subtle tropical flavor to the fudge’s rich chocolate base.
Step 3: Mix the Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil with 1 cup of peanut butter. Be sure to use natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars—this is pivotal for keeping the fudge keto-friendly. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the two ingredients until smooth and creamy. The peanut butter’s natural oils will blend seamlessly with the coconut oil, creating the rich base for the fudge.
Step 4: Add Cocoa Powder and Sweetener
Now, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener). Cocoa powder is what gives the fudge its deep, chocolatey flavor, while erythritol adds just the right amount of sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. Stir the mixture until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, and the fudge base looks smooth and homogeneous.
Step 5: Flavor with Vanilla and Salt
For an added depth of flavor, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp of salt (optional, but recommended). The vanilla enhances the sweetness and aroma, while the salt balances out the flavors and complements the peanut butter. If you prefer a saltier fudge, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch more salt to taste.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you enjoy a bit of texture in your fudge, you can fold in 1/4 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips at this stage. This will give the fudge delightful little pockets of extra chocolatey goodness. Use a rubber spatula to fold them in gently, ensuring the chips are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Once your fudge mixture is well combined, pour it into the parchment-lined baking dish. Use the spatula to spread the mixture evenly into the pan and smooth the top. If desired, this is the perfect time to add any optional toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Step 8: Chill to Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer. If you’re in a rush, the freezer will set the fudge in about 30 minutes. If you’re not in a hurry, the refrigerator will set the fudge within 1-2 hours. The fudge should be firm to the touch when fully set.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy
Once the fudge has fully set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Transfer the block of fudge to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into squares. You can cut the fudge into as many pieces as you like, depending on how big or small you want the servings to be.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
This recipe yields approximately 16 squares of fudge, though you can adjust the serving size to your preference.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Sugars: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg (varies if you add salt)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Notes on Nutrition:
- The nutritional values can vary slightly depending on the exact brands of ingredients used, particularly the peanut butter and sweetener.
- If you add optional toppings like nuts or coconut, remember to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.
Tips & Notes:
- Storage: Store your keto chocolate peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you prefer a firmer fudge, you can also store it in the freezer. Just allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if frozen.
- Serving Ideas: This fudge makes for an excellent snack or dessert. It’s rich and indulgent, so just one or two squares should be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your keto goals.
- Customizations: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add in other keto-friendly ingredients such as almond butter instead of peanut butter, or even swirl in a bit of sugar-free jam for a PB&J-inspired fudge.
- Consistency: If your fudge is too soft, you can add a bit more coconut oil or refrigerate it for longer. Conversely, if it’s too firm, you can reduce the coconut oil slightly in future batches.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Dinner, Lunch, or a Snack?
This keto chocolate peanut butter fudge is perfect as a snack or dessert. It’s not intended to be a full meal, but its high fat content makes it an ideal way to curb hunger between meals, especially if you’re following a keto diet and need a quick energy boost. Enjoy it after lunch or dinner, or as a quick snack during your day!
In conclusion, this Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your keto progress. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this fudge to keep on hand whenever your cravings strike. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
