Made with just two simple ingredients, this recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge could not be any easier to make! It’s decadent, satisfying and will surely be a hit with the entire crowd!
Last year around this time, I made a version of this 2 ingredient fudge using chocolate instead of peanut butter. That’s right, folks. A 2 ingredient chocolate fudge that is not only easy AF to make but was just as loved by everyone on the internet as it was by all the people I gifted it to. So, when the time for deciding what to put in people’s food baskets or stockings rolled around again this year, it was no surprise that 2 ingredient fudge started calling my name. But, in classic Andea fashion, I had a hard time convincing myself to gift everyone the exact same fudge as I did last year – no matter how much they loved it! The solution? Make the fudge and gift it – but change up the flavour!
Yup! We got a new two ingredient fudge in town. And yes. It’s as rich, smooth, decadent and delicious as the chocolate version. It’s just as easy to make, follows the exact same process and still, is only made with 2 simple ingredients. The hardest part of either version is waiting for it to chill in the fridge before being able to cut into it and devour it. But I guess there is some truth to the saying “good things come to those who wait” if you know what I’m saying…
Not only does this peanut butter fudge make the perfect gift for that peanut butter lover in your life (we all know at least one…) but the minimal ingredient list makes this recipe quick and convenient for a homemade treat. ANY TIME OF DAY. You hear me?! Good. Now that we’re on the same page, you and me, it’s time to make some two ingredient peanut butter fudge!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
I know. Can you even believe it? You can get rich and decadent squares of peanut butter fudge from just two simple ingredients? Pinch me. Or don’t. Cause I’m all in on this easy peanut butter fudge! Let’s discuss the two simple ingredients in a little bit more detail down below:
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter lovers unite because this easy peanut butter fudge recipe is for you! Peanut butter is the star of the show here! It provides a rich and nutty flavour to the fudge. It also contributes to the fudge’s creamy and dense texture. Peanut butter is naturally high in fats, which adds a smooth and luscious quality to the fudge. The fats help solidify the fudge when it cools, giving it that characteristic fudgy consistency. Smooth and creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe.
- Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness to the fudge and contributes to its creamy texture. The condensed milk also plays a role in binding the ingredients together. As it is condensed, it contains less water than regular milk, contributing to a firmer set when the fudge cools. Sweetened condensed milk works best in this recipe. And hey, if you’re feeling a little extra badass today, try making your own homemade condensed milk from scratch by following THIS easy recipe.
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE WITH 2 INGREDIENTS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this easy peanut butter fudge in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Line your pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the set fudge out of the pan for cutting.
- Don’t walk away from the fudge as it’s cooking and keep stirring. Whether on the stovetop or in the microwave, stir the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk constantly to prevent burning or uneven mixing. EXTRA TIP: If needed or desired, you can adjust the consistency of your fudge. If your fudge seems too thick or too thin, you can fix it by adding a bit more peanut butter or sweetened condensed milk accordingly.
- After transferring the peanut butter mixture to the pan, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface of the fudge for a neat appearance. Don’t worry about being too perfect here as everything will look just fine after you cut it. The most important thing to remember is to ensure that it’s all spread out into an even layer so the pieces will have the same size thickness after they’re cut.
- Make sure you allow the fudge to chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time (at least 2 hours) or until it’s completely set. This ensures a firm and easy-to-slice fudge.
- Try and cut the fudge into as even size pieces as you can get them for better presentation and perfect gift giving. Remember, the fudge is rich and decadent so don’t go too big on the size of each piece. EXTRA TIP: To get clean, smooth edges, heat a knife by running it under hot water before making each cut. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for a professional finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your peanut butter fudge didn’t set or harden as expected, there could be a few reasons.
Type of peanut butter used: Some natural peanut butters or those with added oils may have different fat contents, affecting the texture of the fudge. Using a peanut butter with too much oil might result in a softer fudge.
Incorrect Ratio of ingredients. The ratio of peanut butter to sweetened condensed milk is crucial for the fudge’s texture. If the proportions are off, it can affect the fudge’s ability to set properly. Make sure to measure accurately.
Not enough time to set: Fudge needs adequate time to cool and set. If you didn’t allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least the recommended time (usually 2 hours or more), it might not have had enough time to firm up.
If your peanut butter fudge turned out dry, it’s likely due to a few factors. Here are a few common ones:
Overheating the ingredients: Overheating the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk can lead to evaporation of moisture, resulting in a dry texture. When melting, use low heat and stir constantly until just smooth.
Overmixing the ingredients: Overmixing the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk can incorporate too much air into the mixture, resulting in a drier fudge. Stir just until the ingredients are well combined.
Over-Chilling: If you leave the fudge in the refrigerator for an extended period, it can become overly firm and dry. Follow the recommended chilling time in the recipe.
Achieving smooth, non-gritty fudge involves careful preparation and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your fudge turns out smooth and creamy: Use high quality ingredients and make sure you properly melt and combine them. Once the ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can introduce excess air into the fudge, leading to a less dense and potentially gritty texture. Then, allow the fudge to cool gradually and avoid moving it around too much while it sets.
Since the only ingredients in this 2 ingredient fudge recipe are peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, both of which can be sensitive to temperature changes, it’s advisable to store this fudge in the refrigerator. Refrigerated peanut butter fudge can last for 2 to 3 weeks or potentially longer, maintaining its quality. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. PRO TIP: Place parchment paper or wax paper between layers of fudge to prevent sticking and maintain the appearance of each piece.
EASY 2 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE
Made with just two simple ingredients, this recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge could not be any easier to make! It's decadent, satisfying and will surely be a hit with the entire crowd!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Peanut Butter
- 1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk*
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove it from the heat.
- Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper with some hanging off the edges. Transfer the mixture into the pan and use the back of a spoon or rubber spatula to spread it evenly.
- Allow the fudge to cool and set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into your desired size squares and enjoy!
Notes
Try making your own homemade condensed milk from scratch by following THIS easy recipe.
You can make this in the microwave! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the peanut butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 175Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
LOVE THIS RECIPE? TRY MY TWO INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE FUDGE NEXT!
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