The Best Homemade Fudge Ideas Featuring Snickers, Marshmallow & Peanut Butter

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Introduction to Snickers Fudge

If you’re craving a decadent treat that combines all your favorite candy bar flavors, Snickers fudge is your new go-to recipe. With rich layers of chocolate, chewy nougat, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts, this fudge is everything you love about a Snickers bar—only better, because it’s homemade. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that feels fancy enough for holidays but simple enough for any time your sweet tooth strikes.

What sets Snickers fudge apart from other layered fudge recipes is the combination of textures. The soft chocolate base melts in your mouth, the nougat adds a fluffy chew, the caramel offers sweet stickiness, and the roasted peanuts bring that perfect salty crunch. It’s no wonder that candy bar-inspired desserts have exploded in popularity. You’ll see countless variations on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, and for good reason: they’re nostalgic, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. To explore more ideas like this, check out candy bar dessert recipes for even more inspiration.

Snickers itself has become a global icon in the world of confections, known for its signature blend of chocolate, nougat, caramel, and peanuts. This flavor combo translates seamlessly into fudge. Learn more about its legacy in the Snickers Wikipedia entry, which explores how this bar became one of the most popular candies worldwide. When you recreate those flavors in a dessert bar format, you get all the indulgence with the added joy of making it yourself—no baking required.

With a short prep time and big flavor payoff, Snickers fudge is a must-have addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re gifting it during the holidays, making it for a potluck, or simply treating yourself, it’s bound to become a favorite.



Snickers-Inspired Sweets – A Treat Worth Repeating

It’s no secret that Snickers-inspired desserts are a favorite among sweet tooths everywhere. The classic candy bar—layered with chocolate, caramel, nougat, and roasted peanuts—delivers the perfect blend of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy. That combination has inspired everything from cookies to cheesecakes, but Snickers fudge stands out as one of the easiest and most indulgent ways to recreate the flavor at home.

Fudge is already beloved for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. When combined with the distinct components of a Snickers bar, it transforms into a decadent, layered dessert that satisfies every craving. These recipes have gone viral across platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, especially during the holidays. One scroll through no-bake fudge recipes will show dozens of variations—some with chopped candy bars, others with swirling caramel layers, and some even incorporating crunchy pretzels or sea salt.

Snickers has a long-standing legacy in the world of sweets. According to Wikipedia’s Snickers entry, it was introduced in 1930 by Mars, Inc. and has remained one of the most popular candy bars globally. The reason is simple: the flavor balance is nearly perfect. By turning it into fudge, you get that same balance with a rich, buttery texture and a homemade touch that makes it even more irresistible.


Ingredient Breakdown

Creating Snickers fudge doesn’t require candy-making skills or a candy thermometer. With just a few pantry staples, you can achieve a layered dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Core Ingredients:

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – For the base and top layers

  • Sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and smooth texture

  • Caramel candies or sauce – A thick, gooey middle layer

  • Roasted salted peanuts – For crunch and salty balance

  • Marshmallow crème – Used for a chewy nougat layer

Curious about how fudge works? Read more on the history and structure of fudge. Also, check out these layered fudge bars for creative spins on this style of dessert.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Peanut butter – Stirred into the nougat or caramel layer

  • Sea salt flakes – Sprinkled on top for flavor contrast

  • Chopped Snickers bars – For extra texture and visual appeal

  • Vanilla extract – Boosts the chocolate and caramel notes


Tools & Prep Tips

You don’t need much to make Snickers fudge come to life.

Tools:

  • 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan

  • Parchment paper – For easy lift and clean cuts

  • Microwave-safe bowls or a double boiler

  • Rubber spatula

Tips:

  • Chill between layers to avoid melting or mixing

  • Line your pan completely with parchment or foil

  • Use high-quality chocolate for best taste

  • If adding real Snickers pieces, press them into a warm layer so they adhere

Explore more holiday dessert tray ideas to see how to present your fudge beautifully.


How to Make Snickers Fudge – Step-by-Step

  1. Prepare your pan
    Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting.

  2. Make chocolate base
    Melt 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips with ½ can sweetened condensed milk. Pour into pan, spread evenly. Chill for 20 minutes.

  3. Prepare nougat layer
    Mix 1 cup marshmallow crème, ¼ cup peanut butter, and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over chilled chocolate layer.

  4. Add caramel layer
    Melt caramel candies (or ½ cup thick caramel sauce) with 1 tbsp milk. Stir in ½ cup roasted peanuts. Pour and spread on top of nougat layer.

  5. Top chocolate layer
    Melt remaining 1½ cups chocolate chips with rest of condensed milk. Spread as final layer. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt.

  6. Chill & cut
    Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Use a sharp knife to cut into small squares.


Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Give your fudge a creative twist with these fun variations:

  • Dark Chocolate Fudge – Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips

  • White Chocolate Drizzle – Add visual contrast and sweetness

  • Pretzel Crunch – Press crushed pretzels into the caramel layer

  • Mini M&M topping – For color and extra texture

  • Sea Salt Caramel – Add sea salt between layers or on top

For even more variation ideas, explore candy bar dessert recipes.


How to Store & Freeze Fudge

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for 2–3 weeks

  • Freezing: Wrap fudge in parchment and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight

  • Layering: Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking

More tips on fudge preservation can be found in this fudge storage guide.


Serving Ideas

Snickers fudge is versatile and crowd-pleasing—perfect for:

  • Holiday trays with other bite-size desserts

  • Edible gifts, wrapped in wax paper or boxes

  • Party treats, cut into small bites

  • Toppings for brownies or vanilla ice cream

  • Coffee pairings as a rich afternoon indulgence

For giftable options, check out these edible holiday gift recipes.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not letting layers cool: causes mixing and uneven lines

  • Overheating chocolate: leads to seizing—melt gently

  • Skipping parchment: makes clean removal difficult

  • Using wet knife: fudge sticks—wipe between cuts

Avoid these issues and you’ll have perfectly stacked, clean-cut fudge bars every time.


FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use real Snickers bars in fudge?

Yes! Chop up Snickers bars and fold them into the nougat or caramel layer, or press them into the top before chilling.

How long does Snickers fudge last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks. For best texture, serve at room temperature.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Nope! This is a no-bake fudge recipe that uses melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk—no need to monitor temperature.

What’s the easiest way to cut fudge cleanly?

Use a sharp knife, wipe between each cut, and chill the fudge thoroughly before slicing. A warm blade can also help.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk. Make sure your caramel and nougat substitutes are also non-dairy.

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The Best Homemade Fudge Ideas Featuring Snickers, Marshmallow & Peanut Butter


  • Author: The Coozy Plate

Description

This Irresistible Snickers Fudge is the ultimate no-bake dessert! Packed with layers of smooth chocolate, fluffy nougat, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts, it tastes just like your favorite candy bar—only better. Perfect for holidays, parties, or sweet cravings, this recipe is fast, fun, and always a hit.


Ingredients

Scale

For the chocolate fudge layer:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the nougat layer:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups salted peanuts (chopped, if preferred)

For the caramel layer:

1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped

1/4 cup heavy cream


Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the next layer.

For the nougat layer, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla. Fold in the salted peanuts.

Spread the nougat layer evenly over the chilled chocolate layer. Return to the fridge to set slightly.

For the caramel layer, combine unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.

Pour the caramel over the nougat layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.

Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Use salted peanuts for sweet-salty contrast

Sprinkle sea salt on top for gourmet flair

Mix in peanut butter for extra richness in the nougat layer

Storage:
Keep at room temp for softness, or refrigerate for firmer texture

Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks

Freeze for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment

Tools:
8×8 or 9×9 pan

Parchment paper

Microwave-safe bowls

Rubber spatula for clean layers

Pro Tips:
Chill each layer before adding the next

Use quality chocolate for best flavor

Cut small—it’s rich!

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