My Mom’s Fudge
This no-fuss marshmallow fluff fudge recipe is for chocolate purists! It is smooth, creamy, and decadent, and you can’t have just one piece!
My Mom’s Fudge
For some families, Christmas goodies means cinnamon rolls. For some it’s toffee and candy. Eric’s family does cookies. My family growing up did this:
Boom. Straight up, no messing around chocolate fudge. And by no messing around I mean no nuts, no peanut butter, no peppermint, no swirls, no fuss. Just pure semi-sweet, melt in your mouth goodness. (I have nothing against fudge-embellishments. But sometimes you just can’t beat the classic.)
Making Marshmallow Fluff Fudge
We made it every year. We would all hover over the stirrer (usually my mom) making sure they didn’t mess anything up. (Our faith is inspiring.) Then as she poured the completed fudge into the pan we would all make non-subtle comments about making sure not to do a too-good job scraping (so that we could attack the pan with our fingers of course). She always poured a little bit into a small bowl, presumably so that it would set up faster for us. We never waited though. My sister Nikki has been known to consume an entire batch of this fudge in a 12 hour period.
Most of the time we would give it away to friends and neighbors, which is of course a very effective way to spread Christmas cheer. One time it backfired on us though. We brought a plate of fudge for some friends and left it on the doorstep, figuring they would be home in a few hours. They came back from vacation a week later with an entire colony of ants on their porch. Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like a pest infestation.
But don’t think about that. Just think about dreamy, creamy, not-too-soft yet not-too-dry, non-crunchy, beautiful fudge. And go make this right now because it seriously takes like 15 minutes.
One year ago: Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles
Two years ago: Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel
Three years ago: Caramely Almond Butter Bars
Originally published December 12, 2012
My Mom’s Fudge
Makes 1 8x8 pan. adjust servingsIngredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 12 ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 7 ounce jar marshmallow cream (also called marshmallow fluff)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a 3 quart HEAVY saucepan over high heat, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Use a wooden spoon to stir slowly until butter melts, scraping sides of pan to get all the sugar crystals.
- Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly with a long wooden spoon. Once it starts boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and turn the heat down to medium so that you don't burn your fingers off--it should be boiling the full 5 minutes. Stir constantly.
- When the timer goes off, remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Stir until all chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Add marshmallow creme and beat with a wooden spoon until well blended. Add vanilla and mix well. Immediately pour into the prepared pan.
- Let cool to room temperature. (Good luck with that.)
- Slice and serve! Store on the counter covered.
by The Food Charlatan
You will love these other desserts!
Nana’s Famous Fudge Brownies << ALL THE FUDGE guys. These brownies are simply amazing.
Caramel Nougat Pecan Roll << this recipe is more work than fudge, but soooo worth it!!!
Cinnamon Honey Butter << this is another great neighbor or host gift! sooo easy
Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies: These are a Christmas classic!
Here’s another great Christmas recipe you will love: Candy Cane Brownie Trifle! It’s a HUGE reader favorite! And personal favorite of mine, I’ve been making it for years:
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Absolutely so easy and unbelievably delicious!!!
I have made this fudge at least three times. My family cannot have enough of it!
I have made this three times and it’s always a hit with everyone at work! I use Ghirardelli chocolate chips and Kerrygold butter; the last batch I made I added walnuts and everyone loved it because it added so texture and contrast. I will definitely keep this in my cookbook ;)
Excellent. Turned out perfect!
This is such a good fudge & very easy! Followed the instructions exactly, even down to the wooden spoon. Stands alone as a stellar chocolate fudge. The second time I made it I added a cup of chopped black walnuts, simply to die for!
Ugh, made this twice and both times it came out very crumbly!
Easy melt in your mouth addicting fudge! Made others but this one is fantastic and I strongly recommend Girradelli morsels
Ooh good idea using Ghirardelli, can’t go wrong there!
Wow I haven’t ever made fudge, ate plenty.
Turned out better than any other fudge ever!
Going to be adding peanut butter topping to part of it for the man of the house.
Thanks for the great reciepe.
Peanut butter topping!! Yes please!
This is, by far, the best fudge recipe ever. Super easy – even for somebody like me who tends to burn/mess things up easily; I really appreciate that the instructions are clear and direct, and I love that this recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer since I don’t currently own one. I made 2 batches, 1 chocolate and 1 peanut butter, and they both turned out absolutely perfect. Even better than the fudge my mom has made every year for the last 30 years!
Peanut butter version!! Now I have got to try that! I’m so glad you like it :)
Did you add peanut butter instead of chocolate? How much?
Excellent, so easy to make
Can the fudge be made substituting cream or milk for the evaporated milk?
Hi Debra, I haven’t tried that! Let me know if it works out!
Look up Candy Cane Fudge. It uses more sugar and 1/2 & 1/2. I used it for fudge for my family members who hate the flavor of the Evaporated Milk. Just substitute in the amts of sugar & 1/2 & 1/2 instead of Evap. Milk and sugar. It was great. Cooking times and temps are the same.
Great idea Peggy!
Exceptional delicious fudge that melts in your mouth! I added 1 cup chopped pecans to mine as final step. AWESOME…
Makes great fudge
Best. Fudge. Ever. I ate two ENTIRE rows before I finally forced myself to stop. I gave the rest away and now that I’m home visiting family, I’m making it tomorrow for Christmas Eve. It’s as easy as she says and even better (ok, just as good 😁) as she says. It’ll be my go-to fudge recipe from now on.
Rachel I can relate, I’ve definitely been guilty of eating 2 rows of this ;) I’m glad you found a go to fudge! Merry Christmas!
I love this! I have always made basic fudge (my daughter looks forward to every year) this one was easy, quick and looks so creamy! I used Ghirardelli chips for mine! Can’t wait to dive in…it’s cooling right now
This is an awesome recipe. I used 3 cups of sugar. Once it started boiling, I set the timer for 5 minutes. This is such an important step so your fudge doesn’t taste like chocolate frosting. This will be be my go to recipe from now on.
Amazingly delicious fudge — maybe the best I’ve ever had! The recipe was so easy (no candy thermometer involved!), rich, creamy, and delicious. I’ll definitely be making this again…Thank you so much!
Just made this for the first time and I will be saving this recipe! Mine came out perfect. I followed the directions, didn’t trust myself with any fancy business. I was getting worried because it looked like my sugar mixture was burning, but it doesn’t have a burnt sugar whang at all. It’s exactly everything fudge always should be. My kids told me I am the best mom ever after they tried it!
That is awesome Emily!! Now your kids will call this “My Mom’s Fudge” too!! I love it :)
This is the recipe my mom used for years. Now mine also. I add walnuts and put in fridge to harden up a little.
See, it’s Mom’s Fudge, just like that title ;) I’m so glad you are enjoying it Brenda! Thanks for commenting!
This is the same fudge I made for my three daughters year after year as they were growing up. My own recipe got lost somewhere along the way, so finding your “Mom’s fudge” delighted me and enabled me to prepare batches of fudge to share with friends and with folks like doggy daycare staff, vet clinic, auto mechanic, primary care physician, dental clinic…. It’s a Great recipe and pretty much a No Fail recipe. I always cut the sugar in half — and the fudge is still plenty sweet!
It really is No Fail!! I’m so glad you found the recipe Pat! Great idea cutting the sugar, I’m going to try that next time!
Totally awsome fudge, easy to fix
Just finished making this – Oh My Hanna – Just like Grandma’s!!!
Thank you so much. She has been on my mind lately and I just wanted some fudge, to make it like grandma did, Bonus for the night!
Thank you Thank you Thank you
I’m so glad you found grandma’s fudge Tracy! That is the best. It’s funny how much our memories of loved ones can be tied up with the food they made. Thank you for commenting!
This fudge never hardened. Ugh. Had to recook it to candy thermometer. 245 degrees. Frustrating. 5 minute timer not enough!
I’m sorry it didn’t work for you Christine! Was it at a rolling boil the whole 5 minutes? Bubbles all the way across the top?
That is the most important step. Also, I stir gently moving the wooden spoon around the outside of the pan constantly.
Mine never got hard either. Full 5 minutes of a roiling boil. I’ll have to add the candy thermometer next time to ensure it’s at the right temp!
Hello…I just wanted to verify on the amount of white sugar to use..Is that 2 1/2 cups of sugar?..It seems like a lot so just wanted to make sure
Thank you
Hi Anita, yes 2 and 1/2 is correct!! It’s candy, there’s LOTS of sugar :)
I haven’t made fudge in years & lost my recipe so I tried this & it came out so good. I did different flavors with this recipe. Made chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter & chocolate with Caramel swirls. I did use 9×13 pan instead and the fudge was thick. Thank you
Caramel swirls sounds so amazing Vicky!! Thanks for all these ideas!!
I will never use another recipe again! This fudge is delicious!!! And I even used pecans in mine and it was still yummy! I’m making another batch today w/o the pecans.
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!!
Ooh I like the idea of using pecans Rhonda! Sounds better than walnuts to me :) Great idea!
I just made this recipe and as it is setting I noticed it seems shiny, almost greasy. Is this normal? I followed the recipe exactly and am hoping I didn’t mess anything up. Thanks!
Hey Jerica! It should be shiny on top, but there should not be a layer of grease, is that what you mean? How did it set up?
Best recipe I have ever tried!!
Thank you
I made this recipe quite easy and very pleased with the end results very good! Thanks
Oh. My. Word. This recipe is the easiest and the most amazing fudge ever. I doubled the recipe to make fudge for my grade level team for Christmas treats. I turned the fudge over onto a piece of parchment paper and cut it up for the treat bags. The only problem was having to eat the edges that weren’t totally square…. so. divine.
I am not very good in the kitchen (truth!) and your recipes make me shine xo
Thank you!
Bonnie
Yeah it’s mandatory that the maker of the fudge eat the edges that aren’t square. I should add that to the official recipe ;) I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting!
I was looking for a simple fudge recipe- remember using marshmallows when I made it as a kid so I tried this one- it’s EXCELLENT! Followed recipe to T except added a tsp of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste. Worked! Will use this one every time I make fudge!
Didn’t work for me. After adding the chocolate it became very chunky. Not smooth at all.
Hey Terri! Yes, the mixture will become chunky after you add the chocolate chips. Just keep stirring! If it’s not smoothing out, put it back over the heat on VERY low and stir constantly until it’s getting smoother.
Just made the fudge. The reviews are true. It is delicious! Easy too.
Thank you and thank your Mom.
Don’t you love it when a recipe turns out just how it’s supposed to :) It’s the best. Thanks Stacey!!
This was by far my best fudge recipe turnout. Thanks for sharing! You were right, the whole batch never made it to the cooling stage :o)
It’s the challenge of a lifetime waiting for this fudge to cool ;)
Made this tonight, I’m picky about my fudge and this was super creamy & delicious! Super easy too. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I have made fudge at Christmas time for my family for many many years using the recipe on the back of the marshmallow cream jar, but this year I decided to use a recipe from the internet. This recipe was super easy and reminded me of the fudge my dad always made at Christmas. It is so delicious !!!!!! Highly recommend you try it!!!
I tried this fudge tonight and I can honestly say that of the many, many, many fudge recipes I’ve made, this one is absolutely the best. It’s creamy, smooth, and fantastic. I hope it makes it onto the cookie plates I’m making and that I don’t eat the whole batch! I’m going to share this recipe with my family and everyone else that loves fudge. They have to try this!
It’s hard not to eat all of it, right Rachel?? I’m so glad you found a recipe you love. It’s the best! Thanks for commenting!
I made mom’s marshmallow fudge with Splenda is it still going to set right?
Hey April! No idea! I’m curious now, did it work?
Everything looks so yummy!
Does the fudge freeze well
Question. Can freeze this fudge?
Hi Faye!! Yes you can! Seal it tightly and it should keep for a couple weeks!
I tried this and it was the best fudge i ever had the family absolutely loved it so smooth and creamy yumm
Thank you Mary, I’m so glad you liked it! We just made this fudge yesterday. It’s a must for the holidays!!
Mine never set :( what did I do wrong?
Oh sad Kathryn! Sounds like a case of not boiling long enough. Maybe add 1 extra minute next time? I’m sorry it didn’t set!
I am having trouble making fudge on my gas stove. What am I doing wrong???? Seems like the butter floats on the top, it doesn’t pour into the pan, it dumps and it is crumbly. Well, the next day I can’t get it out of the pan. I need help. Thanks
Hey Peggy! I use a gas stove too. Maybe your burner is too powerful. Try heating it on medium low for 5 minutes? I’m sorry, since I’m not in the kitchen with you, it’s hard to say what went wrong.
This just happened with mine too. Added the chocolate and it immediately crumbled :(
I have enough ingredients so I will try again on medium instead of high! 🤞
I have made this for years and always used a 9 x 13 pan and never doubled the recipe. It seemed this k enough
My family favorite growing up and now my kids~ okay, they are now fully grown men~ request this for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. NO recipe compares, not even a little.
It’s so true Teresa!! There is no better fudge recipe out there! It’s a must in our family at every holiday :) Thanks for chiming in!
Ok I’m not sure what I did wrong, as soon as I added the chocolate chips it immediately turned into a thick crumbly mess. What did I do wrong????
Hey Amy! I’m wondering if you cooked the butter and sugar for to long? It sounds like there wasn’t enough moisture.
This is the same recipe that I have used for many years. I always double mine and pour half the smooth recipe in a pan then I add nuts to the fudge that’s left in the pan. Most of our family prefers it with nuts but I have a son in law that won’t eat it with nuts…so I cater to him…lol
There’s a nut in every family Sheila! I think I’m the one in ours! ;)
I’m a rookie cook & baker, this turned out well. I used milk chocolate chips, didn’t know to look for semisweet…yeah it turned out sweet!
Hey Tom, I’m glad you liked the recipe! Semi sweet chips can be found on the baking aisle, try those next time :)
This is the fudge on the side of the marshmallow cream. It’s not an original fudge recipe. Its No ones receipe
Hey BJR! Yeah, she got it from the marshmallow jar and changed it up a bit to her liking. But to me growing up, it was my mom’s fudge that she always made :) I think it’s a lot of people’s mom’s fudge!
I’m not crazy about semi-sweet chips. Will it turn out using milk chocolate chips?
Hey Juju! It will be quite sweet if you use milk chocolate chips. You might want to add a bit less sugar. Let me know how it turns out!
Do you have to use a candy thermometer or just time the boiling times?
It is raining here so do you think the fudge will be runny or will it set?
Hey Kim! I’ve never had an issue! Did it work out?
I made this again this year…today, and it came out perfect. Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe. So easy…so delicious!
Yay! I’m glad it worked out Anne! This is the best fudge :)
Made your fudge this weekend and everyone loved it. It came out perfect and I followed the recipe as is. The only thing I might change is the brand of chocolate chips I used. I used nestle chips and might use ghirardelli when I make my next few batches. I might also try making this with mint chips. Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to add this to my Xmas box of goodies I hand out!
I have made this fudge for years. My mother taught me this recipe as a teenager and she would always make it for friends & family at Christmas time. When she passed away, I continued the tradition. I have been giving this as gifts for 49 years and everyone begs for it.
So happy to hear that memory Karen :) this fudge is so special to so many families, mine included!
I just made this today and is fabulous. Half will probably disappear before it completely cools
I was specifically looking for this old ‘jar’ recipe! Thanks so much for sharing. I never substitute anything when it comes down to a great recipe. (But if you like nuts, that’s an add-in that’s acceptable in my book!) However, this time, I’m making fudge for a “different” crowd, so I used cannabutter. It will be the weekend before I try a small piece … but I’m sure they’ll be a hit with some friends.
Cannabutter!! Haha! Enjoy Catherine, and thanks for the comment!
it says butter, is that salted, unsalted or margarine, I use blue bonnet in all my cooking but I wanted to make sure.
Hey Marianna! I use salted butter, and I don’t recommend using Blue Bonnet! Use real butter!
Thanks so much can’t wait to try this.
Have been making this fudge for years. Great with dark chocolate chips and raspberry flavor,also orange flavoring, both with extra sea salt.
WHAT! Raspberry! Orange! That is such a good idea Joyce, and endless possibilities! Thanks for sharing!
My mother has been making this fudge recipe for more years than I can remember. It is exactly the same minus the vanilla extract. Definitely the best fudge on the planet. So very rich you get full on just a few pieces.
See, my title really is accurate, this really is Mom’s Fudge :) It is simply the best! Thanks for sharing your comment Shannon, I love hearing from you!
Can you use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips
I doubt it Alice! Chocolate chips have both fat and sugar in them, and cocoa does not, so that would change the recipe quite a bit.
It doesn’t work, that’s what I tired, and it didn’t set. It turned into a giant pan of chocolate marshmallow goodness! Haha… we had to spoon out, and eat!
I just made this. I’m no baker. This was so easy and made the house smell delicious!
I’m giving it to my neighbors for xmas. I can’t wait to taste it myself! There are so many of your recipes I’m going to try. They all look so great!
Thanks!
I’m so glad it was a success for you Larissa! My mom always made this to give out at Christmas too. Let me know what recipe you try next!!
You are the best food site on the web as far as I am concerned. I have made many of your recipes.
Thank you so much Jane! You are so nice! Happy Thanksgiving!
Is the vanilla, vanilla extract?
Hey Trina! Yes, vanilla extract. :) Enjoy!
I broke up small chocolate bars as I forgot to buy the chips, melted fine, but mine isn’t as dark! Maybe I need more chocolate! Still creamy, smooth and moreish!
good idea using chocolate bars Dee! Did you use milk chocolate? That would definitely make it lighter!
A nice hint that I saw somewhere was to mix your fudge using the mixer. I have done it with my kitchenaid mixer for the past 2 years and it is much easier than stirring it by hand. I pour the sugar mixture after cooking it in the mixer bowl and add the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme and vanilla. We make this same recipe every year and it is great!
But don’t you need to continue cooking it while you stir? I know there are some recipes out there for fudge that require heavy stirring off heat, but with this one all the stirring happens on the stove. I’m no fudge expert though!
I made this last night but was not strong enough to mix it by hand. I thought it was ruined until I read Donna B’s comment. I scooped it into my kitchenaid stand mixer and added a little more evaporated milk and beat it until smooth. I just tasted it and it came out great. I will be making it this way from now on.
I’m so glad it worked out Jeanne!
Can you use sweetened condensed milk instead of the evaporated milk and sugar?
I wouldn’t recommend it Jocelyn! That would mess with the sweetness level. If that is all you have on hand, look up “sweetened condensed milk fudge”. there are a ton of recipes out there (that are usually like 3-5 ingredients!) that make fudge using a can of sweetened condensed milk. They are not the same as this recipe, but they are delicious! :) Enjoy!
You can use one can condensed milk, one and a half packages of chips, and a splash of vanilla. Throw it in the microwave and melt it, then stir really well. Line the pan the same and pour it in the pan. It almost sets up as you stir.
Great recipe, Theresa! Thanks for sharing!
My recipe is almost identical, but I add 1-2 oz baking chocolate for a deeper, lush flavor. Try it!
Ooh that sounds perfect for me! I will totally try that next time!
Do you ever add pecans?
Hi Sandy! I never do, but you certainly could! My uncle Jim is always adding nuts to his fudge and then we argue about whose is better every year at the holidays. It’s great. :)
Maybe the chips were old. you never know how long they stay in the store.
I was thinking the same thing!
Love this fudge….it’s been around a long time…it’s the only kind I make. My grandmother found it on the side of the Marshmallow Creme “jar” years ago (I’m 57….and I grew up on this stuff). Thanks for putting it out there….I’m sure more people will fall in love, just like you and I….=) Merry Christmas!
I think my mom got it off the jar too Anita! It’s such a great recipe! Merry Christmas!
Ooh, I just made an awesome variation! Sub in a 10 oz. package of Andes mints chips and about 1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, keeping everything else the same. Really tasty!!
I don’t remember the ants. Who was that?
Dad
Cultreras :) (Nate’s friend Brian)
i agree, jessica – i don’t think my fudge ever looked so good! i think i’d better go make some tonight…
Can I hire you to take photos of my food?? You make it looks soo yummy!
Thanks Jessica!