Make this quick and delicious microwave 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge. With just a jar of creamy peanut butter and a tub of store-bought vanilla frosting, this no-bake recipe comes together in minutes for an easy treat that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or simple snacking.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This peanut butter fudge is the ultimate shortcut dessert: creamy, rich, and effortless. No baking required—just mix and chill. It’s ideal when time is short or when you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing sweet to share. The texture is smooth, flavors are classic, and cleanup is minimal.
Key Ingredients
True to its name, this recipe uses only two pantry staples. Choose the ingredients carefully for the best results.
- Frosting — Use store-bought vanilla frosting (not cream cheese or whipped varieties). Chocolate frosting also works if you prefer a chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut Butter — Use creamy, regular peanut butter (not natural). Natural peanut butter is runnier and can affect texture. Aim for about 16 ounces for balanced consistency.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Follow these simple steps and refer to the photos if you like a visual guide.
- Add the vanilla frosting and creamy peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in short intervals. Heat only until soft enough to stir; avoid overheating, which can cause grit or burn the mixture.
- Stir until the peanut butter and frosting form a smooth, combined mixture.
- Spread the mixture into a prepared 9×9 or 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. Use a smaller pan for thicker fudge.
Hint: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removal and slicing much easier.
Common Mistakes
Underheating the mixture can make it hard to blend—if it’s difficult to mix, microwave another 10–15 seconds. Overheating can cause a burnt flavor or a gritty texture when cooled. Also, the fudge softens at room temperature, so refrigerate until serving if you need it to hold shape.
Top tip
Keep the fudge chilled until ready to serve. Left at room temperature it will become very soft.
Recipe
2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan
Ingredients
- 16 ounce vanilla frosting, store-bought (not cream cheese or whipped)
- 16 ounce creamy peanut butter (regular, not natural)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Place the vanilla frosting and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir briefly. Microwave for about 45 seconds, then mix. If the mixture isn’t smooth, microwave in 10–15 second intervals and stir until it blends. Total time is typically 60–70 seconds depending on your microwave.
- Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm, then cut into pieces (about 36 small squares) and enjoy.
Notes
- The fudge softens at room temperature. Keep refrigerated for best texture when serving.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Avoid overheating; excess heat can create a burnt or gritty texture. Heat only until the mixture is soft enough to combine, then stir until smooth.
- Peanut butter jars vary in size—using a jar close to 16 ounces works fine; an 18-ounce jar will also work.
- Do not use natural-style peanut butter; results will vary.
- Crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer bits of nuts in the fudge.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 384 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 25 g
Substitutions
Variants you can try while keeping the process simple:
- Natural Peanut Butter — Possible, but expect a different texture and less reliable setting.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter — Adds nutty texture while preserving the two-ingredient format.
- Chocolate Frosting — Swap for vanilla to make a chocolate-peanut butter version.
Helpful Hints
Heat just enough to make the ingredients easy to stir together. After the initial interval, use 10–15 second bursts until the mixture reaches the right consistency. Overheating risks a burnt flavor or grainy texture once cooled.
How To Serve
Package squares on a cookie plate for gifts, add to a homemade treat assortment, or serve chilled on their own. Remind recipients to refrigerate if they won’t be eaten right away.
Storing Peanut Butter Fudge
Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze cut squares in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving; texture may vary slightly after freezing.
FAQ
Microwave peanut butter and store-bought vanilla frosting in a microwave-safe bowl until soft. Stir until smooth, spread into a parchment-lined pan, refrigerate until firm, then cut and serve.
Creamy peanut butter (not natural) and store-bought vanilla frosting. Chocolate frosting can be substituted for a chocolate version.
Chill it in the refrigerator until it firms up. Serving chilled yields the best texture.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep up to one week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Peanut butter adds softness and reduces structural firmness compared with traditional fudges. Refrigeration helps, but the recipe naturally yields a softer texture.