Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge with Crispy Cereal

I make fudge every year for the holidays. It's super easy and I can create a LOT of individual gifts for friends and family. But I also try to make a different version each year. While I adore creamy fudge, this year I wanted a batch with a little crunch. A palette surprise. I also wanted to combine chocolate and peanut butter because, well, it's an awesome marriage. So, behold, the fudge of 2017! The dark chocolate melts in your mouth, the peanut butter adds just enough nuttiness, and the cereal adds a little crunch in every bite. Plus, it's a one-bowl-wonder that I think you'll be making again and again.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge with Crispy Cereal

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups puffed rice cereal, divided
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or wax paper.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave in a large bowl either in the microwave or over a saucepan of simmering water. When using the microwave, check and stir the chocolate every 30 seconds (remember, the chocolate won't look completely melted in the microwave; that's why you need to keep checking and stirring so it doesn't burn).
Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the condensed milk and vanilla. Mix until blended and smooth. Fold in 2 cups of the cereal.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the peanut butter over top, making an even layer. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cereal and press the cereal into the peanut butter and fudge (gently; just enough so it sticks).
Cover with plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Cut the fudge into 24 squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Makes 24 pieces