Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge: The Easiest Dessert Ever!
Are you craving something sweet, decadent, and unbelievably easy to make? Look no further! This two-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe is a game-changer. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth when you’re short on time, ingredients, or baking skills. Seriously, it’s so simple that even kids can make it (with adult supervision, of course!). Get ready to impress your friends and family with this foolproof fudge that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Ridiculously Easy:** As the title suggests, this recipe requires only two ingredients. That’s it! No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, just pure deliciousness.
* **Quick to Make:** From start to finish, this fudge can be ready in under an hour, including chilling time. Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
* **Customizable:** While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily add extra ingredients to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **No-Bake:** No oven required! This fudge is made entirely on the stovetop (or microwave), making it ideal for hot summer days or when you simply don’t want to turn on the oven.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves peanut butter fudge! This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or any gathering.
* **Budget-Friendly:** With only two main ingredients, this fudge is incredibly affordable to make.
## The Two Magic Ingredients
Here’s the secret: all you need is peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk.
* **Peanut Butter:** Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate and can result in a grainy texture. A good, processed peanut butter like Skippy or Jif works best. The exact amount of sugar in the peanut butter does not matter, since the sweetened condensed milk compensates for any variance.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This is the key ingredient that provides sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture. Make sure you’re using sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk, as they are not interchangeable. You can use full-fat or low-fat sweetened condensed milk, but full-fat will result in a richer, creamier fudge.
## Equipment You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Saucepan:** A medium-sized saucepan with a heavy bottom is ideal to prevent scorching.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the mixture.
* **8×8 Inch Baking Pan:** To set the fudge. You can also use a 9×9 inch pan for a slightly thinner fudge.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** To line the baking pan for easy removal.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Optional:** Microwave-safe bowl (if using the microwave method).
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Stovetop Method
This method is slightly more involved than the microwave method, but it offers greater control over the cooking process.
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5-7 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes – 1 hour
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (16 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Line the Pan:** Line an 8×8 inch baking pan (or a 9×9 inch pan for thinner fudge) with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is crucial to prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Make sure you’re using creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter can be used, but the fudge will have a slightly different consistency.
3. **Cook Over Medium Heat:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. It’s important to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching. Scorching will ruin the flavor and texture of the fudge.
4. **Melt and Combine:** Continue stirring until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it heats up.
5. **Remove from Heat:** Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the surface is smooth for a professional look.
7. **Chill:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the fudge is firm. For faster setting, you can place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
8. **Cut and Serve:** Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or aluminum foil overhang. Cut it into squares with a sharp knife. You can cut it into any size you prefer, but smaller squares are ideal for portion control.
9. **Enjoy:** Serve the fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Microwave Method
This method is even easier than the stovetop method and perfect for when you’re really short on time.
**Prep Time:** 2 minutes
**Cook Time:** 2-3 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes – 1 hour
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (16 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Line the Pan:** Line an 8×8 inch baking pan (or a 9×9 inch pan for thinner fudge) with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is crucial to prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Make sure you’re using creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter can be used, but the fudge will have a slightly different consistency.
3. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the fudge grainy. Stir after each interval.
4. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the surface is smooth for a professional look.
5. **Chill:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the fudge is firm. For faster setting, you can place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
6. **Cut and Serve:** Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or aluminum foil overhang. Cut it into squares with a sharp knife. You can cut it into any size you prefer, but smaller squares are ideal for portion control.
7. **Enjoy:** Serve the fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
## Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge
* **Use Creamy Peanut Butter:** Creamy peanut butter will give you the smoothest, creamiest fudge. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate. Store-bought brands like Jif or Skippy work best. If you only have natural peanut butter, you can try adding a tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil to help emulsify the mixture.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the fudge can make it dry and crumbly. Whether you’re using the stovetop or microwave method, keep a close eye on the mixture and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s smooth and creamy.
* **Stir Constantly:** When using the stovetop method, stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching. Scorching will ruin the flavor of the fudge.
* **Line the Pan:** Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil is essential for easy removal. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
* **Chill Completely:** Allow the fudge to chill completely before cutting it into squares. This will ensure that it holds its shape and is easy to handle. For faster chilling, you can place it in the freezer for a shorter period of time.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. This will help you create clean, even cuts.
* **Store Properly:** Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will last for up to a week.
## Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the mixture after it’s melted. Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and evenly distributed.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans) to the mixture after it’s melted. This will add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Marshmallow Fluff:** Swirl in 1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff after pouring the mixture into the pan. This will add a gooey, marshmallowy element to the fudge.
* **Pretzels:** Crush 1/2 cup of pretzels and sprinkle them on top of the fudge before chilling. This will add a salty and crunchy contrast to the sweetness of the fudge.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the fudge before chilling. This will enhance the sweetness and add a savory element.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the mixture for a coffee-flavored fudge.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for a richer flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Cups:** Chop up peanut butter cups and sprinkle them on top of the fudge before chilling for an extra peanut butter boost.
* **M&Ms:** Press M&Ms into the top of the fudge before chilling for a colorful and festive treat.
* **Swirl in Chocolate:** Melt some chocolate (milk, dark, or white) and swirl it into the peanut butter mixture before chilling for a marbled effect.
## Serving Suggestions
* **As a Dessert:** Serve the fudge as a simple and satisfying dessert after a meal.
* **As a Gift:** Package the fudge in a pretty box or tin and give it as a homemade gift.
* **At Parties:** Bring the fudge to parties, potlucks, or other gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **With Ice Cream:** Crumble the fudge over ice cream for a decadent topping.
* **In Brownies or Cookies:** Chop up the fudge and add it to brownie or cookie batter for a peanut butter twist.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a square of fudge with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Serving Size: 1 square (about 2 inches)
* Calories: 200-250 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 12-15 grams
* Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
* Cholesterol: 5-10 mg
* Sodium: 50-100 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Sugar: 18-22 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams
*Note: This is an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?**
A: While you *can* use natural peanut butter, it’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can result in a grainy texture. If you choose to use it, try adding a tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil to help emulsify the mixture.
**Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter?**
A: Yes! You can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the fudge will be slightly different.
**Q: Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?**
A: No, evaporated milk is not a suitable substitute for sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is sweetened and has a much thicker consistency, which is essential for the fudge to set properly.
**Q: How long does the fudge last?**
A: The fudge will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Q: Can I freeze the fudge?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
**Q: My fudge is grainy. What did I do wrong?**
A: Grainy fudge is usually caused by overcooking or using natural peanut butter that has separated. Be careful not to overcook the mixture, and use creamy, processed peanut butter for the best results.
**Q: My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong?**
A: Soft fudge is usually caused by not chilling it long enough. Make sure to chill the fudge for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s firm. If it’s still too soft, you can place it in the freezer for a shorter period of time.
**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**
A: Unfortunately, this recipe is not easily made vegan due to the sweetened condensed milk. While there are vegan condensed milk alternatives available, the results may vary significantly. You would need to experiment to find a brand that works well for fudge.
## Final Thoughts
This two-ingredient peanut butter fudge is a dessert revelation. It’s so simple, so quick, and so delicious that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the easiest and most satisfying fudge you’ve ever tasted! Happy fudging!