No-Bake Fudge Pinwheel

Name: No-Bake Fudge Pinwheel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup (about 170 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet); 1 cup (about 250 g) creamy peanut butter; 2 cups (about 240 g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons (about 15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

There’s something instantly comforting about the melody of chocolate and peanut butter coming together — the aroma hints at toasted nuts and melting chocolate, the first bite offers a tender, slightly chewy center and a crisp outer edge as the powdered sugar frames each pinwheel. These No-Bake Fudge Pinwheels are small spirals of nostalgia: they taste like childhood bake-sale treats but are finished in under an hour.

This recipe is perfect when you want a fuss-free dessert for holiday cookie swaps, an after-school snack with a grown-up twist, or a last-minute treat to take to a potluck. For a summer afternoon when you don’t want to heat the oven, or a cozy winter night with a mug of hot cocoa, these pinwheels deliver comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. If you’re collecting no-bake ideas to build a repertoire of quick sweets, see this handy 50 easy no-bake recipes roundup for more inspiration.

Dish Snapshot

Prep Time: 20 minutes active
Cook Time: 5–8 minutes (stovetop melting)
Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Servings: about 24 pinwheels (one bite each; adjust if you cut thicker slices)
Difficulty Level: Easy — no baking skills required

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition estimates per serving (one pinwheel, recipe makes ~24 servings). Values are estimates calculated using USDA FoodData Central composite values and rounded to sensible figures. Use these as a general guide; exact totals depend on specific brands used.

Calories: ~190 kcal
Protein: ~4.5 g
Carbohydrates: ~26 g
- Sugars: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~1.2 g
Total Fat: ~9 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
Sodium: ~50–90 mg (varies by peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk brands)

Notes on accuracy: macros were estimated from standard ingredient profiles (USDA FoodData Central) and cross-checked against nutrition databases. If you need precise values for dietary goals, enter your exact brands and amounts into a nutritional calculator or app.

Why You’ll Love It

Effortless indulgence: No oven, minimal hands-on time, and ingredients you likely already keep in the pantry.
Crowd-pleasing contrast: creamy peanut butter meets decadently chocolatey fudge in a neat, sliceable spiral — satisfying for both kids and adults.
Versatile occasion food: serve at cookie exchanges, pack as an afternoon snack, or plate as part of a dessert board.
Memory-making: these pinwheels evoke the classic flavors of candies and fudge, perfect for family gatherings or sharing with neighbors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (about 170 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
1 cup (about 250 g) creamy peanut butter
2 cups (about 240 g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons (about 15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional ingredients and substitutions

For chunkier texture: fold in 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts.
Nut-free variation: replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (same quantity).
Lower-sugar option: use powdered erythritol blends suitable for baking (note texture may vary).
Chocolate variation: use milk or white chocolate chips for a different sweetness profile.

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate.
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the warm chocolate mixture until well combined.
Divide the mixture in half. Leave one half unflavored (this will be the lighter layer) and mix extra cocoa powder into the other half to create the darker chocolate layer.
Place a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Spread the unflavored mixture into a rectangle (about 8×10 inches). Then spread the chocolate mixture on top in an even layer.
Roll the layers tightly together, using the parchment paper to assist in the rolling. Aim for a firm, even roll so slices are uniform.
Wrap the rolled pinwheel in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Once set, unwrap and slice into rounds to serve. A sharp serrated or very sharp knife works best; wipe the blade between cuts for cleaner slices.

Practical tips

Work while the mixture’s warm and pliable; it firms up quickly as it cools.
Use parchment to roll — it prevents sticking and helps create an even cylinder.
If the roll cracks slightly, press the seam gently to seal before chilling.
For clean slices, chill well and use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried between cuts.

Best Pairings

With beverages: Serve alongside strong coffee, espresso, or a nutty hot chocolate. The richness pairs well with bold drinks that cut through its sweetness.
As a dessert board item: Present with fresh berries, salted nuts, and a few squares of dark chocolate for balance.
Snack uses: Add a pinwheel to lunchboxes (in a small airtight container) or serve as an after-dinner bite with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Presentation tip: Dust lightly with extra powdered sugar or a pinch of flaky sea salt for a bakery-style finish.

Keeping it Fresh

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container away from direct heat for up to 2 days (avoid warm rooms — the filling softens).
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 10–14 days. Separate layers with parchment if stacking.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing or slice frozen with a very sharp knife.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Choose a creamy peanut butter for smooth, cohesive texture; natural (oil-separated) peanut butters can be used but may alter consistency — stir well before measuring.
Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for balanced sweetness; darker chocolate intensifies flavor and reduces overly sweet notes.
If dough is crumbly after adding powdered sugar, add a teaspoon of warm condensed milk or nut butter to bring it together.
For uniformly thin slices, chill the roll on its seam side down so it flattens slightly and holds shape.

Creative Twists

Vegan version: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk (canned, reduced coconut milk sweetened) or a vegan condensed milk substitute, and swap chocolate chips for vegan chocolate. Use a vegan powdered sugar (some are processed with bone char — check label).
Biscoff-inspired: Replace half the peanut butter with cookie butter (Biscoff) for a spiced, caramelized twist—this is similar in spirit to other cookie-butter fudges and pairs beautifully with espresso; for a fancied reference and flavor ideas, see this Biscoff fudge inspiration.
Holiday peppermint: Mix 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract into the unflavored layer and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before chilling for festive flair.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes — crunchy peanut butter adds texture. If your peanut butter is very oily, stir well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

Q: My mixture is too sticky to roll. What should I do?
A: Chill it briefly (10–20 minutes) until it firms a bit, then roll using parchment. If it’s crumbly instead, add 1 teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk or nut butter to bind.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes, the base ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels (especially chocolate chips and powdered sugar) if you need strict gluten-free certification.

Q: How thick should I slice the pinwheels?
A: Aim for 1/4-inch (about 6 mm) slices for pretty rounds; thicker slices yield a more decadent bite.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, double the ingredients and roll into multiple logs or one larger log, but chill thoroughly so you can slice cleanly.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Fudge Pinwheels are a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that balance creamy peanut butter with glossy chocolate fudge in every spiral. Try them for your next gathering, package a few as edible gifts, and don’t be shy about experimenting with flavors or textures. For a similar no-bake idea with a chocolate-peanut butter spin, check out No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels, and for a gluten-free fudge variation full of inspiration, see No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pinwheel. If you make these, share a photo and a note about your favorite twist — I love hearing how readers personalize recipes.