This Pioneer Woman fudge recipe combines the best of both worlds. Here's what we thought about her Sweet and Salty Fudge.
I Made The Pioneer Woman’s ‘Sweet & Salty Fudge’ and It’s the Best Quick Treat for Any Occasion
Updated on Oct. 06, 2023
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
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
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
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
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
1 / 30
FudgeNo need to head to the candy store when you have this fudge recipe. We will show you how to make fudge that is rich, creamy and decadent.
Microwave FudgeCalling all chocoholics! We'll show you how to make microwave fudge in just five easy steps. 
Dark Chocolate Raspberry FudgeSomething about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Once you get a hang of basic chocolate fudge, elevate your version with dark chocolate and raspberry liqueur. Some reviewers shared that Chambord or raspberry syrup produced equally tasty results.
Marshmallow FudgeYou'll find it nearly impossible to resist this rich chocolate delight. It's chock-full of marshmallows and graham crackers—and no one will believe that the tantalizing treat is low in fat. —Holly Mann, Temple, New Hampshire
Get all the campfire-friendly flavors of s'mores in fudge form! To keep this already decadent dessert a bit lighter, opt for fat-free sweetened condensed milk and reduced-fat graham crackers.
Candy Bar FudgeMy manager at work, who knows I like to try new treat recipes, shared this one with me. I've made this chewy and chocolaty fudge many times since. Packed with nuts and caramel, it's like a candy bar. Everyone who's tried it loves it. —Lois Freeman, Oxford, Michigan
If Snickers made fudge for the holidays, we imagine it would look a lot like this loaded candy bar concoction. Studded with salty peanuts and sweet ribbons of caramel, it's the ultimate indulgence. Need something to pair with the fudge? Try these Snickers-inspired cookies.
Cherry Swirl FudgeFor festive fudge with a new "twist," give this confection a whirl! We used vanilla chips instead of chocolate ones and added sweet cherry flavoring. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but not everyone loves the taste of peppermint. For the naysayers, swap the red and white candies for cherry. To make the pretty pattern, you'll want to add a few red food coloring drops over the fudge, then use a knife tip to swirl through them.
Sugar-Free Chocolate FudgeThis sugar-free fudge is a true treat. You don't need sugar to have a flavor-filled dessert!
While fudge may be a classic holiday choice for a cookie exchange or dessert-centric Viennese hour, it goes without saying, it's packed with sugar. This sugar-free version calls for a sugar substitute like Stevia, agave or coconut sugar for a less saccharine treat that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Mint Oreo FudgeI altered a plain chocolate fudge recipe to create this festive mint Oreo fudge. Mint Oreo cookies can be used instead of plain for even more minty flavor. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Mix-ins like Oreos, mint extract and miniature marshmallows take a fudge recipe from ordinary to extraordinary. You can even toss in merry candy cane bits while at it. As for an easy trick to cutting fudge once firm, use unflavored, unwaxed dental string to slice and dice it into uniform cubes.
Ribbon Fantasy FudgeI developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!
Even though these adorable desserts resemble little cheesecakes, they're actually peanut butter and chocolate fudge squares. Adding marshmallow creme gives this already dreamy fudge an irresistible, whipped-like consistency, so be sure to double or triple the recipe for a ravenous crowd.
Holiday White Chocolate FudgeYou'll savor the sweetness of this white chocolate fudge. It calls for minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, just let it chill, cut it into squares and you'll have a delightful treat to share.
Rich, chocolaty fudge may get a lot of love during the Festivus season, but don't discount its creamy, milky cousin, white chocolate. The key to this super smooth fudge is never to stop stirring when you're in phase one (combining sugar, milk and butter) before taking it off the heat.
Mackinac FudgeMackinac fudge, a beloved treat from Michigan's Mackinac Island, offers a rich, creamy texture and delightful sweetness. Follow this recipe and our tips to achieve the perfect batch every time.
Michigan is famous for its Mackinac Island fudge, so if you want to re-create the old-fashioned gift shop fudge, let us make it easy on you with this cheat sheet. The decorative icing and sprinkles may be optional, but this recipe has the island's fudgy formula down to a science.
Apricot-Nut White FudgeWe look forward to this luscious apricot fudge recipe every Christmas. It's easy to make, and it melts in your mouth. I wrap up small squares of the candy with ribbon and silk holly.
Nuts and fruit are a classic Christmas combo for desserts like panettone and apricot-nut fudge. The tiny slices of orange fruit add a citrusy brightness to the snow-white squares, and the chopped walnuts sneak in some crunchiness. Because this fudge contains cream cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—not on the counter.
Kahlua FudgeThis five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
White Russians and toasted almond cocktails are popular drinks around the holidays, and this Kahlua fudge remixes those flavors into a scrumptious dessert. The best part? You need just five ingredients and you probably have most of them in your pantry.
Cookies ‘n’ Cream FudgeThis cookies and cream fudge combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the crunchy texture of Oreo cookies. Make this Oreo fudge recipe for dessert or use it to create edible gifts.
Cookies 'n' cream devotees are known to seek out this nostalgic duo in every possible form: in ice cream, brownies and, yes, fudge. This recipe has not one but two layers of Oreos with creamy white chocolate in between. Bonus: One panful yields enough squares for your whole crew.
Tiger Butter FudgeTiger butter is a smooth and creamy combination of peanut butter and chocolate. When the layers are swirled together, the fudge looks like it has tiger stripes!
Peanut butter makes everything better, including fudge. With white and milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, shortening and softened butter, you can enjoy the tiger-striped treat in under an hour. Hot tip: Clean toothpicks create the most precise swirls.
Chocolate Cherry FudgeThis chocolate cherry fudge is unique, and festive for the holidays. It's a recipe my husband really enjoys. I've made it for our Homemaker group's Christmas party. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin
After years of testing recipes, we're pretty sure we have a handle on the most popular fudge flavors, but chocolate and cherry will always rank high on the list. Chopped almonds also pair well with these flavors so be sure to include them if you have spare nuts on hand.
Curry-Kissed Coconut FudgeIf you love Thai flavors and love fudge, you'll adore this creamy coconut fudge sprinkled with a hint of sweet curry powder. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
Thai 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 FudgeThis butter pecan fudge recipe is one you'll return to again and again. It is delicious and relatively easy to make.
Nutty 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 FudgeEvery bite of rocky road fudge has salty peanuts, pockets of chewy marshmallows and smooth, creamy chocolate.
You 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.
Christmas FudgeChristmas fudge will be the richest and most decadent treat you’ll make this holiday season. Set the squares out on your Christmas dessert table or pass them out to loved ones for the perfect DIY gift.
Many hosts have their version of Christmas fudge down pat, but if you've yet to find yours and need inspiration, allow us to help. The base of this rich fudge combines sugar, evaporated milk and butter in perfect proportions, but the rest of the recipe is customizable based on your preference for mix-ins.
Butterscotch FudgeWhen only a decadent treat will do, give this butterscotch fudge a try. It offers a nice change of pace from typical fudge and packs a lot of flavor into each bite-sized piece.
Butterscotch lovers: Meet the melt-in-your-mouth fudge version of your favorite candy. Walnuts and marshmallows elevate the recipe, but avoid using wet baking equipment to keep your chips from seizing—a term used when water comes in contact with butterscotch chips.
Peppermint FudgeFudge is a year-round treat, but this peppermint fudge helps us dive right into the holiday spirit.
Two-Ingredient FudgeTwo-ingredient fudge is the easiest candy recipe ever! Be sure to keep this one for your recipe box.
If you're running out of time but still want to gift homemade fudge, turn to this two-ingredient recipe. All you need is sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips!
Coffee Shop FudgeThis coffee fudge recipe is one that my son, Jackson, and I worked on together. After several efforts, we decided this version was a winner. It is smooth, creamy and has an irresistible crunch from pecans. The coffee and cinnamon blend nicely to provide subtle flavor. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
The secret-weapon ingredient in this coffee-flavored fudge is cinnamon, which isn't overpowering at all, but rather, it imparts a subtle flavor to the dense, pecan-packed fudge. Want more of a coffee kick? Add espresso granules or coffee extract.
Tootsie Roll FudgeWhen my husband came home with 50 pounds of Tootsie Rolls he bought at a discount store, I had to figure out a way to use them so I came up with this Tootsie Roll fudge recipe! A red or green M&M's candy atop each piece makes them extra jolly. —Carolyn McDill, Ohatchee, Alabama
Still 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 FudgeEven though fudge is a classic at Christmastime, people are excited for this chocolate pecan fudge year-round. Switch out the pecans with nuts that you have on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
It'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 FudgeCooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
When 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 FudgeThis colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon
Get 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.
Sugar Cookie FudgeSugar cookie mix is the base of this creamy and celebration-worthy fudge. Customize the sprinkles to fit the occasion! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sugar cookies + fudge = a double Christmas treat. It's a great combination for the holidays.
Maple FudgeTreat yourself to the sweet, smooth taste of homemade maple fudge. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, delicious treat that's perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.
Put out a tray of this maple fudge, and it'll be gone before you know it. Pure maple syrup adds warmth and sweetness to a decadent little morsel.
