I Made The Pioneer Woman’s ‘Sweet & Salty Fudge’ and It’s the Best Quick Treat for Any Occasion

This Pioneer Woman fudge recipe combines the best of both worlds. Here’s what we thought about her Sweet and Salty Fudge.

GETTY IMAGES, Molly Allen for taste of Home

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

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

Three-Chocolate Fudge

I make this fudge to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It’s a tasty tradition I’m glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama

Go to Recipe

Bavarian Mint Fudge

My sister-in-law sent this chocolate candy to us one Christmas, and it’s been a traditional holiday treat in our home ever since. With just six ingredients, it couldn’t be any easier to make. Find more Christmas fudge recipes.

Tootsie Roll Fudge

When 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

Butterscotch Fudge

Lovers of butterscotch and fudge will agree—this award-winning recipe is a match made in heaven! Special add-ins like walnuts and marshmallow take this butterscotch fudge recipe to a whole new level. —Virginia Hipwell, Fenwick, Ontario

By the way, this is how long fudge lasts.

Tiger Butter Fudge

My younger brother and I share a passion for candy making. This smooth and creamy tiger butter fudge is from a co-worker of mine. —Peg Kipp, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Birthday Cake Fudge

This decadent birthday cake fudge is the perfect thing to make your big day special. Or prepare it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Perfect Chocolate Fudge

This rich chocolate fudge is sure to delight someone you love. And learning how to make homemade fudge is easier than you think! —Dorothy Anderson, Ottawa, Kansas

Make sure you know how to melt chocolate.

Pumpkin Fudge

I look forward to the taste of pumpkin every Thanksgiving. This easy pumpkin fudge recipe lets me do that and everyone loves it.—Marlene Fudge, Rushville, Indiana

Chocolate Cherry Fudge

This chocolate cherry fudge is unique from others, and festive for the holidays. It’s a recipe my husband really enjoys. I’ve made it for our Homemaker group’s Christmas party. By the way, these are the most popular fudge flavors. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin

Keep an eye out for these common fudge mistakes.

Holiday White Chocolate Fudge

When December arrives, friends and family eagerly await my creamy white fudge. It’s a little something different from the traditional chocolate. —Gioviana Buser, Riverside, California

Coffee Shop Fudge

This 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. Have you been to any of the best fudge shops in America? —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

Peppermint Fudge

I make many batches of this minty peppermint fudge to give as Christmas gifts. It’s not too sweet, so it appeals to lots of palates. —Sue Schindler, Barnesville, Minnesota

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Even 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

Ribbon Fantasy Fudge

I developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together! We also love these other fudgy recipes!

Mint Oreo Fudge

I 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

Marbled Orange Fudge

This decadent treat doesn’t last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee

Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge

I’m borderline diabetic, but this sugar-free fudge made with sugar substitute appeases my sweet tooth. —Kaye Hartley, Jacksonville, Florida

Black Cherry Swirl Fudge

This 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

Mackinac Fudge

When I got married, a woman at my parents’ church gave me this version of a popular Michigan treat. (You’ll love these gift shop fudge recipes, too). I sometimes pipe a bit of frosting onto each piece for decoration during the holidays. —Kristen Ekhoff, Akron, Indiana

Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Marshmallow Fudge

You’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

Curry-Kissed Coconut Fudge

If 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

Peppermint Fudge

Three of the season’s best flavors-nuts, chocolate and peppermint-combine in a delightful manner in this scrumptious fudge. The two distinct layers are eye-catching-another reason why this candy makes a great holiday gift. —Connie Denmark, St. Joseph, Illinois

Apricot-Nut White Fudge

We 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.

Almond Cherry Fudge

Cooked 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

Butter Pecan Fudge

Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California

5-Ingredient Fudge

You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina

Easy Microwave Mint Fudge

I make these creamy, smooth squares not only for Christmas, but also for Valentine’s Day. This easy microwave fudge is just as good as any you’d buy in a confectionery. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas

Cherry Swirl Fudge

For 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

Nana’s Rocky Road Fudge

We make rocky road-style fudge every Christmas, but why wait until the holidays for a recipe this good? —Ashley Berry, Montgomery Village, Maryland

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge

Something 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

White Pecan Fudge

Each Christmas, I package batches of this rich fudge to send to family and friends. It’s just delicious! —Marie Draper, Price, Utah

Candy Bar Fudge

My 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