When you think about fudge, you might imagine hours in the kitchen, candy thermometers, and lots of complicated steps. But what if I told you that you can make a creamy, rich, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with only two ingredients? Yes, you read that right! This is where the magic of Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge comes in.
This recipe is not only ridiculously easy but also incredibly delicious, making it the perfect choice for when you want a sweet treat without the fuss. Whether you’re new to baking, short on time, or simply craving something quick and indulgent, this fudge will become your new go-to recipe.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this recipe special, its origin, the step-by-step method, variations, tips, frequently asked questions, and so much more. By the end, you’ll be more than ready to whip up a batch of your own and impress friends and family with minimal effort.
What is Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge?
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is exactly what it sounds like: a fudge recipe that requires only two pantry staples—creamy peanut butter and vanilla frosting. The result is a smooth, rich, and indulgent treat that tastes like it took hours to make, but in reality, can be done in less than 10 minutes of prep time.
What makes this fudge special is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional fudge recipes that require precise temperature control, sugar syrup, or even candy-making experience, this version is practically foolproof. The combination of store-bought vanilla frosting and peanut butter creates the perfect consistency—soft yet firm, creamy yet sliceable.
Another highlight? This recipe is no-bake. All you need is a microwave, a mixing bowl, and a pan to set the fudge in. That’s it!
The Origin of Peanut Butter Fudge
Fudge itself has a long and interesting history. It is believed to have been created in the late 19th century in the United States, often by accident when candy makers “fudged” a batch of caramel. Hence, the name “fudge.” Over time, fudge became a beloved sweet treat in American households, especially popular at fairs, holiday markets, and seaside towns.
Peanut butter, on the other hand, has an equally rich history. It was first patented in the U.S. by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg in 1895 as a nutritious protein alternative. Soon, it made its way into candies, cookies, and desserts because of its creamy texture and nutty flavor.
The combination of peanut butter and fudge was inevitable. Recipes for peanut butter fudge began appearing in the early 20th century, usually requiring butter, sugar, milk, and chocolate. But as time went on, home cooks experimented with shortcuts, leading to modern simplified recipes like the one we’re covering here—using only two ingredients.
Today, Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is considered one of the easiest and most budget-friendly desserts, perfect for quick gatherings, holiday trays, or just satisfying a midnight craving.
Ingredients for Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients you need for this recipe. Just two!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter (use your favorite brand; smooth texture works best)
- 14 oz vanilla frosting (store-bought, not whipped)
That’s it. No butter, no sugar, no condensed milk. Just two simple ingredients that most of us already have sitting in the pantry.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Making Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is easier than you might expect. Let’s go through it step by step.
Instructions
- Prep the pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This makes it easier to lift the fudge out later. - Melt & mix
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter in 20-second intervals until smooth and slightly runny. Stir between each interval.
- Add the entire can of vanilla frosting to the warm peanut butter.
- Microwave for another 20 seconds. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Set the fudge
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top. - Refrigerate
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm. - Slice & serve
Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy. For a sweet-salty twist, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before chilling.
And there you have it—Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge ready in no time!
Variations of Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. With just a few tweaks, you can create different versions of the fudge.
- Chocolate Twist – Replace vanilla frosting with chocolate frosting for a rich, nutty chocolate fudge.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Version – Swap in cream cheese frosting for a slightly tangy flavor.
- Nutty Crunch – Stir in chopped peanuts for added crunch and texture.
- Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before refrigerating.
- Festive Flair – Add crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles for a holiday version.
- Drizzle Fun – Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before chilling.
Each variation adds a unique twist while still keeping the recipe simple and quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only two ingredients
- No-bake, no-fuss preparation
- Takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on work
- Budget-friendly dessert
- Perfect for beginners and busy schedules
- Easy to customize with different frostings and toppings
This is the kind of recipe that proves delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
FAQs About Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! If you prefer a little texture in your fudge, crunchy peanut butter works just as well. It will give your fudge a nutty crunch in every bite.
2. Can I make this without a microwave?
Absolutely. You can melt the peanut butter and frosting together on the stovetop using low heat. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
3. How should I store Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge?
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use vegan-friendly frosting and dairy-free peanut butter, this recipe can be 100% vegan.
5. My fudge seems too soft. What went wrong?
If your fudge didn’t firm up, it may not have been chilled long enough. Place it back in the fridge for another hour. Also, make sure you used regular frosting, not whipped frosting, which has more air and doesn’t set as well.
Conclusion
When it comes to easy desserts, nothing beats the simplicity of Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge. With just peanut butter and vanilla frosting, you can create a creamy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s no-bake, quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable with different frostings, toppings, and mix-ins.
Whether you’re making this for a holiday platter, a last-minute party dessert, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers every time. So grab those two ingredients, follow the simple steps, and in just a couple of hours, you’ll have a tray of fudge that will impress anyone who takes a bite.
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: About 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is exactly what it sounds like: a fudge recipe that requires only two pantry staples—creamy peanut butter and vanilla frosting. The result is a smooth, rich, and indulgent treat that tastes like it took hours to make, but in reality, can be done in less than 10 minutes of prep time.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 14 oz vanilla frosting (store-bought, not whipped)
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt & mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter in 20-second intervals until smooth. Add the frosting and microwave for another 20 seconds. Stir until fully combined.
- Set the fudge: Pour the mixture into the lined pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Slice & serve: Cut into squares and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty twist.
Notes
For extra flavor and texture, try mixing in a handful of chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before setting. You can also swirl in a bit of melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
- Prep Time: Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge- preparation time, cooking time, total time,yield,category,cuisine,diet, method, Serving Size, Calories,Sugar, Sodium, Fat, Saturated Fat, Unsaturated Fat, Trans Fat, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Protein, Cholesterol in one word
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
