Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Name: Old Fashioned Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 3 cups granulated sugar; 1.5 sticks salted butter; 2/3 cup evaporated milk (✅); 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (✅); 7 ounces marshmallow creme (✅); 1 teaspoon vanilla (✅)

Our old fashioned fudge recipe is simplified with current ingredients but tastes just like the fudge you remember from long ago. This quick and simple fudge is a family favorite and is made in just 10 minutes. Gluten-free.

There isn’t a better time to create a mouth-watering fudge recipe than around the holidays. It makes the best bite-sized treat for everyone to enjoy. Serve at home or give as a gift this season.

Our Caramel Apple Slices, Gluten-Free Pecan Pie, Dairy Free Sugar Cookies and No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are more must-try holiday favorites!

Easy Chocolate Fudge

Close your eyes and imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of fudge that melts in your mouth… This recipe is definitely one of the best homemade fudge recipes (check out our other favorites below!).

With the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the creaminess of the marshmallow creme, you are sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season.

We will walk you step-by-step to not only create this delicious dessert but also how to add your own twist if desired.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below. Enjoy!

Equipment

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
1.5 sticks salted butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk ✅
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ✅
7 ounces marshmallow creme ✅
1 teaspoon vanilla ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

Sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a stockpot.

How To Make Fudge

Spray the 9 x9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Boil the sugar, butter, and milk

Add the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk to the stockpot. Bring to a boil. Boil stirring constantly for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted.

Chocolate chips added to boiled fudge ingredients.

Fudge being made in a stainless steel pan.

Blend in the marshmallow creme and vanilla

Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla to the fudge mixture in the stockpot. Using a handheld mixer, mix until well blended.

Place into the pan and let cool

Place the fudge into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into the pan. Let cool for 1 hour.

Optional Mix-Ins

To customize this traditional fudge recipe, pick one or a combination of the ingredients below. Use a spatula to mix in the ingredients or spread across the top.

Chopped almonds, peanuts, pecans or walnuts
Shredded coconut
Cocoa nibs
Dried cranberries or cherries
Sprinkles
Mini marshmallows
Caramel drizzle
Crushed peppermint
Sea salt
Pomegranate arils
Mini M&Ms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use almond extract?

Absolutely, simply swap the vanilla extract with almond by using half the amount. For example, you will use 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a single batch.

Where to cool fudge?

We recommend cooling fudge at room temperature to prevent the fridge or freezer temperature from disrupting the texture of the fudge.

Why is the fudge grainy?

If the fudge is grainy, this is a sign that you did not boil the sugar long enough for the crystals to dissolve.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Nope! Our version is made without a candy thermometer.

How to store?

Store at room temperature up to a week or in the fridge or freezer to extend the shelf life.

How to serve?

This fudge can be served as a bite sized treat, added to a charcuterie board, or even mixed into a steaming cup of hot chocolate for any special occasion, family gathering, holiday event or gift to friends and family.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Spray the pan or line with parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking.
Boiling sugar helps it to dissolve and create a smooth texture (instead of being grainy).
Set a timer for 3 minutes when blending the fudge with a hand mixer. Add an additional 1-2 minutes if you need to blend more.

More Fudge Recipes

More Chocolate Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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