Effortless Indulgence: The Ultimate 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Craving a sweet treat but short on time (and ingredients)? Look no further! This 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is your answer to effortless indulgence. It’s rich, creamy, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make. With just peanut butter and condensed milk, you can whip up a batch of fudge that will satisfy your sweet tooth in minutes. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy individuals, or anyone who wants a quick and delicious dessert without any fuss.

Why This 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a Game-Changer

• Minimal Ingredients: As the name suggests, you only need two ingredients! This makes it incredibly convenient and cost-effective.
• Quick & Easy: This fudge comes together in minutes. No complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
• No-Bake: Forget about turning on the oven. This is a no-bake recipe, making it perfect for warm weather or when you’re short on time.
• Customizable: While the basic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize it with your favorite additions. Think chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or even a swirl of Nutella.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This peanut butter fudge is always a hit. It’s a classic flavor combination that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package this fudge in a cute box or tin, and it makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.

The Star Ingredients: Peanut Butter & Condensed Milk

Let’s talk about the two superstars of this recipe:

• Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of this fudge! Use a creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly softer fudge. Regular peanut butter with added stabilizers works best for a firm, sliceable fudge. Avoid using chunky peanut butter unless you specifically want a fudge with peanut chunks. The quality of your peanut butter will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose a brand you enjoy.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic ingredient that provides sweetness, creaminess, and structure to the fudge. It’s crucial to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and contains a high amount of sugar, which is essential for the fudge to set properly.

Step-by-Step Recipe: 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

Ready to make some fudge? Here’s the simple process:

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (16 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter

Equipment:

• 8×8 inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan later. Make sure the parchment paper or foil overhangs the edges of the pan slightly for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper or foil lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate both ingredients without overflowing when mixed.

Step 3: Melt and Mix

Microwave Method: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir well. If the peanut butter is not fully melted, microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as it can become hard and grainy.

Stovetop Method: Alternatively, you can melt the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the peanut butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Be sure to use low heat to prevent scorching the mixture. This method may take a bit longer than the microwave method.

Step 4: Pour into the Pan

Once the mixture is smooth and completely combined, pour it into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly to all corners of the pan.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely. The longer it chills, the firmer the fudge will become.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you – cut them into small bite-sized pieces or larger squares for a more decadent treat.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve the peanut butter fudge immediately. Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

• Use good quality peanut butter: As mentioned earlier, the quality of your peanut butter will significantly impact the final flavor of the fudge. Choose a brand you enjoy and that has a smooth, creamy texture.
• Don’t overheat the mixture: Overheating the peanut butter and condensed milk mixture can cause it to become hard and grainy. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to ensure even melting.
• Let it chill completely: Be patient and allow the fudge to chill completely in the refrigerator before cutting it. This will ensure that it sets properly and is easy to slice.
• Line the pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or foil is essential for easy removal of the fudge. Don’t skip this step!
• For a firmer fudge: Use regular peanut butter with added stabilizers instead of natural peanut butter. You can also add a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
• For a softer fudge: Use natural peanut butter and reduce the chilling time slightly.

Variations and Add-Ins

The basic 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) into the melted peanut butter mixture before pouring it into the pan.
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, to the mixture.
• Sprinkles: Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top of the fudge after pouring it into the pan.
• Swirl of Nutella: Drizzle melted Nutella over the fudge before chilling. Use a knife or toothpick to create a swirl pattern.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Swirl marshmallow fluff into the mixture for a peanut butter marshmallow fudge.
• Pretzel Pieces: Add crushed pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the fudge for a gourmet touch.
• Peanut Butter Cups: Chop peanut butter cups and stir them into the mixture for an extra peanut butter boost.
• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mixture for a mocha-flavored fudge.
• Vanilla Extract: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge is perfect for:

• Dessert: Serve it as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
• Snack: Enjoy a small square of fudge as a sweet afternoon snack.
• Parties: It’s a great addition to any party or gathering.
• Gifts: Package it in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift.
• Holidays: It’s a festive treat for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter.
• Lunchboxes: A small piece makes a perfect addition to a lunchbox (check for allergies first!).
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a small piece over ice cream.

Storing Peanut Butter Fudge

Store leftover peanut butter fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the fudge for longer storage. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the fudge in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting

Fudge is too soft:

• Make sure you used sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
• Chill the fudge for a longer period of time.
• Use regular peanut butter with added stabilizers.

Fudge is too hard:

• You may have overheated the mixture. Try microwaving in shorter intervals and stirring frequently.
• Use natural peanut butter.
• Reduce the chilling time slightly.

Fudge is grainy:

• Overheating the mixture can cause it to become grainy. Be careful not to overheat the peanut butter and condensed milk.

Fudge is sticking to the pan:

• Make sure you line the pan with parchment paper or foil and grease it lightly.

Peanut Butter Fudge: A Timeless Classic

This 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create something truly amazing. Its ease of preparation, combined with its irresistible flavor, makes it a timeless classic that everyone will love. So, go ahead and whip up a batch of this decadent treat – you won’t be disappointed!

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 12-15g
• Saturated Fat: 4-6g
• Cholesterol: 5-10mg
• Sodium: 80-120mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Sugar: 18-22g
• Protein: 5-7g

Final Thoughts

This 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is a perfect example of how you can create a delicious and satisfying treat with minimal effort. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for those times when you need a quick and easy dessert or a homemade gift. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and decadent flavor of this simple yet irresistible fudge!