Introduction:

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert without compromising your keto lifestyle, look no further than this Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Fudge. This decadent fudge is the perfect combination of creamy cream cheese, peanut butter, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your dessert cravings, all while remaining low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Whether you’re following a ketogenic, low-carb, or sugar-free diet, this dessert will quickly become your go-to for a guilt-free treat.

This recipe takes just a few simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests with a keto-friendly dessert. Moreover, it’s super easy to prepare and doesn’t require any baking—just mix, freeze, and enjoy! In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from the exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions to nutritional information, SmartPoints breakdown, and some helpful tips to make your fudge as perfect as possible.

Ingredients:

To make this Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Fudge, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (240g) natural peanut butter (make sure it’s sugar-free and doesn’t contain added oils or sweeteners)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered erythritol or your preferred low-carb sweetener, adjusted to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional, but it enhances the flavors)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Before you start, ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened. You can leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to achieve this. This will make it easier to mix and create a smooth, creamy fudge. For the peanut butter, ensure you’re using the natural variety without added sugar or hydrogenated oils, as these can spike your carb count.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. The texture should be light and fluffy, with no lumps remaining. This step is important to achieve the desired creamy texture in the fudge.

3. Add the Peanut Butter:

Add the natural peanut butter into the mixture and continue to beat it together until fully incorporated. The peanut butter will bring a rich, nutty flavor to the fudge, and combining it with the cream cheese creates a deliciously creamy base.

4. Incorporate the Sweetener and Vanilla Extract:

Add the powdered erythritol or your preferred low-carb sweetener. It’s essential to use powdered erythritol for the smoothest texture, as granulated versions may leave a gritty feeling. Adjust the sweetness level to your preference. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired) to enhance the overall flavor.

5. Add Heavy Cream:

Pour in the heavy cream and mix well until the entire mixture is smooth and creamy. The cream adds richness and helps to achieve the fudge’s soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

6. Chill and Set:

Once all ingredients are well-mixed and you have a smooth, fluffy batter, transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or a silicone mold. Smooth out the top with a spatula, ensuring an even layer. If you like, you can also sprinkle a small amount of additional powdered erythritol on top for decoration or an extra touch of sweetness.

Place the dish in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours to allow the fudge to set properly. For a faster setting, you can even pop it into the fridge, but the texture may be slightly softer.

7. Cut and Serve:

After the fudge has fully set and firmed up, remove it from the freezer. If you used a baking dish, carefully lift the fudge out using the edges of the parchment paper and cut it into small squares. Aim for about 16 pieces for proper portion control. For a cleaner cut, run your knife under warm water between slices.

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. It should last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to a month in the freezer. It can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or slightly softened at room temperature.

Useful Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fudge:

  1. Sweetener Substitutes:
    If you prefer using a different sweetener, you can substitute erythritol with monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or any other keto-approved sugar substitute. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to your sweetness preference, as different sweeteners vary in their sweetness levels.
  2. Add Texture:
    If you like a bit of crunch in your fudge, you can mix in crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans. This adds both flavor and texture, making the fudge even more decadent.
  3. Dairy-Free Version:
    To make this fudge dairy-free, simply replace the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. There are many plant-based cream cheeses available, and coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter.
  4. Perfect Portion Control:
    This recipe is great for portion control because the fudge is rich and satisfying. One or two pieces are usually enough to curb your sweet tooth without going overboard on your macros. Plus, the creamy consistency makes it feel indulgent, so you don’t need to eat a lot to feel satisfied.
  5. Serve with a Hot Beverage:
    This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The rich peanut butter flavor complements the warmth of a caffeinated beverage, making it the perfect dessert after a meal or as a midday treat.
  6. Avoid Over-Freezing:
    While freezing is necessary for setting the fudge, avoid freezing it for too long as it can become too hard to enjoy. The fudge should be firm but still easy to bite into. If it gets too solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per piece – 16 servings):

  • Calories: 185
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 85mg

SmartPoints Breakdown:

  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints per serving

This keto-friendly fudge is not only low in carbs, but it also provides a good amount of healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent choice for those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program. It fits well into the Blue, Green, and Purple plans with relatively low SmartPoints per serving. You can indulge in this treat without the guilt, knowing you’re making a nutritious and low-carb choice.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto and Low-Carb Diets:

  1. Low in Carbs:
    By using sugar-free sweeteners and eliminating grains and flour, this fudge is a low-carb dessert that won’t interfere with ketosis. With only 2g of net carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free treat that can fit perfectly into your daily macros.
  2. High in Healthy Fats:
    Keto diets thrive on healthy fats, and this fudge is packed with good fats from peanut butter, cream cheese, and butter. These fats will help you feel satisfied and keep your energy levels stable without spiking blood sugar.
  3. Rich and Satisfying:
    Despite being low in carbs, this fudge is incredibly rich and satisfying. The combination of cream cheese and peanut butter delivers a creamy, indulgent texture that’s sure to satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth.
  4. Easy and Quick to Make:
    Unlike many complicated keto desserts, this fudge requires minimal prep and no baking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare it in under 20 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent waiting for it to set.
  5. Versatile:
    This fudge is extremely versatile and can be customized to your preferences. Add your favorite keto-friendly flavors such as cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a dash of sea salt on top for extra depth. It’s a dessert that can evolve based on your tastes.

Conclusion:

This Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Fudge is the perfect dessert for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Its rich, creamy texture and peanut butter flavor make it a satisfying treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. With just a few ingredients, minimal effort, and a little patience, you’ll have a delicious fudge that you can enjoy throughout the week. Plus, with its low-carb, high-fat profile, it fits perfectly into any keto or low-carb plan while keeping your SmartPoints count low.

So, go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy this delightful treat—whether as a post-workout snack or a sweet end to your day!