This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a remarkably simple yet decadent treat that delivers a rich, velvety texture with minimal effort. By combining just two shelf-stable staples, this recipe creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth confection that looks and tastes like it came from a professional confectionery shop. It is the perfect solution for sudden sweet cravings or a last-minute homemade gift.
Ingredients
The Primary Flavors:
1 container (16 oz) Creamy Peanut Butter.
1 container (16 oz) Vanilla Frosting.
Instructions
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Melt Components: Remove the lids and foil seals from both the peanut butter and the frosting. Microwave each container separately for about 30–60 seconds until they are warm and pourable.
Combine: In a medium bowl, stir the warmed peanut butter and vanilla frosting together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated.
Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch.
Slice: Use the parchment paper to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into even squares using a sharp knife.
Variations
Crunchy Texture: Substitute creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter to add a satisfying texture to every bite.
Chocolate Swirl: Use chocolate frosting instead of vanilla, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before chilling.
Salted Nut Topping: Sprinkle a handful of crushed roasted peanuts and a pinch of sea salt over the fudge while it is still warm for a savory-sweet contrast.
Serving and Storage
Service: Serve chilled or at room temperature. These squares are rich, so small portions are usually sufficient.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: This fudge freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Benefits
Time-Saving: With no stovetop boiling or candy thermometers required, this is one of the fastest dessert recipes available.
High Protein Base: The peanut butter base provides a boost of protein and healthy fats compared to traditional sugar-heavy fudges.
Beginner-Friendly: The simple 1:1 ratio makes it nearly impossible to fail, making it a great recipe for children or novice bakers.
The History of Quick-Set Fudge
Traditional fudge-making is a delicate science that dates back to the late 19th-century United States, requiring precise temperature control to achieve the perfect “soft-ball” stage. However, the Quick-Set Fudge revolution began in the mid-20th century as industrial food processing introduced stabilized fats and pre-emulsified frostings to the public.
This 2-ingredient version gained massive popularity in the 1970s and 80s through community cookbooks and “back-of-the-box” marketing. By utilizing the emulsifiers already present in commercial peanut butter and canned frosting, home cooks discovered they could bypass the tempering process entirely. This dish represents the evolution of “convenience cooking,” where chemistry does the heavy lifting, allowing families to enjoy a beloved confection without the technical difficulty of historic candy-making.
