No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Wreath
A showstopping no-bake fudge wreath that comes together in minutes, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. This simple confection combines melted semisweet chocolate and peanut butter morsels bound with sweetened condensed milk, creating a dense, fudgy texture that's both rich and satisfying. The signature wreath shape comes from molding the fudge around a condensed milk can in the center, leaving a dramatic hole when unmolded. Topped with candied cherries or festive sprinkles, it's a foolproof showpiece that tastes as impressive as it looks. Best suited for home cooks seeking elegant last-minute desserts, it's ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or homemade gifts. This version's charm lies in its genius use of an empty can for clean presentation and the combination of two chocolate sources for complex flavor without fussy tempering.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce semisweet chocolate morselsdark chocolate morsels1:1chocolate
replaces with deeper flavor
- 9 ounce peanut butter morsels9oz natural peanut butter0.75:1peanut
slightly different texture, more pronounced peanut flavor
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- candied red and green cherries or edible red and green confetti, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat heavy pot over low heat.
- 2
Add chocolate morsels, peanut butter morsels, and condensed milk; stir until melted and combined.
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add nuts immediately if using.
- 4
Line round cake pan with plastic wrap and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- 5
Cover the empty condensed milk can with plastic wrap and place in center of cake pan.
- 6
Spoon fudge around can, ensuring can stays centered.
- 7
Work quickly to add garnish (candied cherries or sprinkles) within first minute or two.
- 8
Chill covered in refrigerator.
- 9
Remove can from center, unmold fudge from pan, discard plastic wrap, place on decorative plate, and cover.
Tips
Save the empty condensed milk can before opening. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap so fudge doesn't seep into it during molding. This creates the clean center hole that defines the wreath shape.
Garnish immediately after spooning fudge into pan, within the first minute or two, before the fudge sets. Once firm, candied cherries won't stick properly. Work with speed and confidence.
Use a round cake pan for consistent wreath diameter. If the can shifts during filling, gently nudge it back to center before the fudge begins to set. The fudge hardens quickly at room temperature.
Good to Know
Covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Prepare up to 3 days before serving. Keep covered in refrigerator.
Place on decorative plate at room temperature or slightly chilled. Slice with warm knife for clean cuts.
Common Mistakes
Fail to wrap the can securely in plastic wrap to prevent fudge from entering it, resulting in a hollowed wreath impossible to unmold cleanly.
Add garnish after fudge sets to avoid cherries or sprinkles from sticking, making decoration ineffective.
Stir fudge after it's in the pan to prevent disturbing the can's centered position and creating an off-center hole.
Substitutions
replaces with deeper flavor
changes visual appeal and flavor profile
slightly different texture, more pronounced peanut flavor
FAQ
Can I make this with milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes. Use the same quantity of milk chocolate morsels for a sweeter, milder result. You may want to reduce peanut butter morsels to 8 ounces if you prefer less peanut flavor relative to chocolate. The texture and setting time remain unchanged.
What if I don't have peanut butter morsels?
Substitute with 9 ounces of natural peanut butter, though the texture will be slightly softer and greasier. Alternatively, use 9 ounces of white chocolate morsels for a different flavor. Reduce condensed milk by 2-3 tablespoons if using peanut butter to compensate for its oil content.
How long does this fudge wreath keep?
Covered in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze, as the texture becomes grainy and hard when thawed. Room-temperature storage is not recommended beyond 2 hours due to potential melting and separation.