Service: Serve chilled or at room temperature. These squares are rich, so small portions are usually sufficient.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: This fudge freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Benefits
Time-Saving: With no stovetop boiling or candy thermometers required, this is one of the fastest dessert recipes available.
High Protein Base: The peanut butter base provides a boost of protein and healthy fats compared to traditional sugar-heavy fudges.
Beginner-Friendly: The simple 1:1 ratio makes it nearly impossible to fail, making it a great recipe for children or novice bakers.
The History of Quick-Set Fudge
Traditional fudge-making is a delicate science that dates back to the late 19th-century United States, requiring precise temperature control to achieve the perfect “soft-ball” stage. However, the Quick-Set Fudge revolution began in the mid-20th century as industrial food processing introduced stabilized fats and pre-emulsified frostings to the public.
This 2-ingredient version gained massive popularity in the 1970s and 80s through community cookbooks and “back-of-the-box” marketing. By utilizing the emulsifiers already present in commercial peanut butter and canned frosting, home cooks discovered they could bypass the tempering process entirely. This dish represents the evolution of “convenience cooking,” where chemistry does the heavy lifting, allowing families to enjoy a beloved confection without the technical difficulty of historic candy-making.
