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.
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.
Our Caramel Apple Slices, Gluten-Free Pecan Pie, Dairy Free Sugar Cookies and No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are more must-try holiday favorites!
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below. Enjoy!
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.
How To Make Old Fashioned Chocolate 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.
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
Recipe Tips
Use Parchment Paper: Consider lining the pan with parchment paper before spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This can make it easier to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: When boiling the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk, ensure you use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and promote even heating.
Stir Constantly: Stir the mixture continuously while boiling to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth consistency.
Remove from Heat: After boiling for 5 minutes, take the mixture off the heat before stirring in the chocolate chips. This prevents the chocolate from burning and maintains its flavor.
Mixing Technique: While adding marshmallow creme and vanilla, use a handheld mixer at a moderate speed to ensure a smooth, well-blended texture.
Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to evenly spread the fudge into the prepared pan to achieve a consistent thickness.
Cooling Time: Let the fudge cool for at least an hour, ensuring it’s set and firm before cutting. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate it for a few hours.
Cutting Technique: For clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to prevent sticking.
Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Make sure to layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
We recommend cooling fudge at room temperature to prevent the fridge or freezer temperature from disrupting the texture of the fudge.
If the fudge is grainy, this is a sign that you did not boil the sugar long enough for the crystals to dissolve.
Nope! Our version is made without a candy thermometer.
Store at room temperature up to a week or in the fridge or freezer to extend the shelf life.
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.
Storage Instructions
Once the fudge has fully cooled and set in the prepared pan, carefully cut it into desired portions. To maintain its freshness, store the fudge in an airtight container. If the weather is warm or if the fudge contains perishable ingredients like dairy, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. When refrigerating, layer the fudge pieces with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
At room temperature, properly stored fudge can last for about two weeks, while in the refrigerator, it can stay fresh for up to a month. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture or an off smell, before consuming. If the fudge becomes too firm in the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for a short while before serving to restore its desired consistency.
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
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.
Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
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 ✅
Instructions
- Prep the pan. Spray the 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.3 cups granulated sugar, 1.5 sticks salted butter, 2/3 cup evaporated milk, 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⭐️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.7 ounces marshmallow creme, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 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.
Notes
Optional Mix-Ins
- 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
Nutrition
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Debra@CommonGround says
This is such a great recipe and looks delicious. I’m featuring your post on All About Home Monday evening. Thanks so much for coming by and joining in.
Jamie says
It was an easy to follow recipe, but it is way too sweet for my liking. I would cut the sugar in half.