This Pioneer Woman fudge recipe combines the best of both worlds. Here's what we thought about her Sweet and Salty Fudge.
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Homemade fudge is an all-time favorite potluck dessert, no matter the occasion. But sometimes, this treat can be too sweet. Luckily, Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman has the perfect solution: a Sweet & Salty Fudge recipe.
Made with just five ingredients, we put this Pioneer Woman fudge recipe to the test. It uses chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for an easy two-ingredient fudge base. Then, it’s topped with peanut butter, kettle chips and pretzels for a great take on salty and sweet.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman’s Fudge
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Ingredients
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup kettle chips, lightly crushed
1/2 cup thin pretzel sticks, lightly crushed
Directions
Step 1: Melt the chocolate chips
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Line a square baking pan with aluminum foil, then grease the foil with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Melt the chocolate chips on low, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Pour, top and set
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
Spread the melted chocolate mixture into the baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and use a skewer or butter knife to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate. Sprinkle the crushed chips and pretzels over top.
Let the fudge cool for 30 minutes on the counter. Then transfer it to the fridge for one hour to set.
Once set, remove the fudge from the fridge and lift it out of the pan. Peel the foil from the sides and cut the fudge into small squares.
Here’s What I Thought
GETTY IMAGES, Molly Allen for taste of Home
The Pioneer Woman is known for homemade desserts, like her fantastic Knock You Naked Brownies and Chocolate Pie, and this recipe certainly stacks up! I was surprised by how easy it was to throw this fudge together. It truly only took 15 minutes of prep time. But it’s important to note that you do need to work fast. The fudge mixture begins to set quickly, so have the peanut butter and salty toppings ready to add right away.
Overall, this Pioneer Woman fudge is incredibly delicious. It’s hard to stop at one (or two) pieces! While the crushed chips and pretzels do add a touch of salt and great texture, I wanted more salt to balance out the sweetness. Next time I make this recipe, I may try it with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt as well. Another change? Spreading the mixture into the foil-lined pan as directed was easy enough. However, next time I’ll swap the foil for parchment paper to make for easier cutting and a nicer presentation.
I stored my fudge in an airtight container on the countertop. This is the perfect recipe to have on hand when you need a quick treat or want to wrap up a batch as a gift.
Our Best Fudge Recipes
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Curry-Kissed Coconut FudgeThai flavors like coconut and curry lend themselves nicely to this white chocolate fudge, a welcome departure from the piled-high platters of chocolate treats around the holidays. You could also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top before it sets for more visual appeal.
Butter Pecan FudgeNutty and crunchy, with bits of creamy caramel in every bite, it doesn't get any better than butter pecan fudge. If you have any leftovers, you can easily freeze them, although, as one commenter puts it, everyone who eats this fudge says it can be habit-forming.
Nana’s Rocky Road FudgeYou don't have to wait for the holidays to treat yourself (and the fam) to this outrageous fudge. The rocky road-style recipe is chock full of peanuts, marshmallows and semisweet chocolate chips for the most delicious fudge that tastes just like Nana's.
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Bavarian Mint FudgeThe German state of Bavaria is known for its treasure-filled Christmas markets just as much as it is for its fudge. So, if you're looking for a homemade gift that's sure to please, this is it.
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Tootsie Roll FudgeStill have leftover Halloween candy? Use the Tootsie Rolls to create extra-chewy holiday fudge. Red and green M&M's add a bit of festive flair, but you could also use Reese's Pieces or your favorite candy topper.
Chocolate Pecan FudgeIt's hard to resist a tin of chocolate pecan fudge any time of year, never mind the holidays. This microwaveable five-ingredient recipe is easy and foolproof: You can also use whatever nuts you have on hand.
Almond Cherry FudgeWhen you need a quick dessert for a gathering or last-minute party this season, enlist this fast fudge helper. Dried cranberries can stand in for the candied cherries if need be.
Black Cherry Swirl FudgeGet ready to watch these marbled squares disappear once you set them out for guests. The black cherry mix and white chocolate chips make this fudge tasty enough to rival any fudge shop across the country. Plus, we suspect the colors will win Santa's approval.
Mocha Nut FudgeThis old-fashioned fudge recipe tastes like it's been passed down for generations. It comes together in 10 minutes before refrigerating for two hours or overnight. The disc shape also makes the pieces easy to stack in gift boxes or takeout containers tied with ribbon.
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner and former event planner. Now, a freelance writer and editor focused on food and beverage, lifestyle, travel and parties, she brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to readers across a variety of platforms.
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Updated: Oct. 06, 2023
