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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The chocolate seized as soon as I poured it into the mixture. I had to transfer the mixture to a different bowl and use my beaters. It got extremely thick and looked separated, but once I added the marshmallow fluff it seemed fine. It’s cooling now, but I’m afraid it will have a chalky texture.
I had all of my ingredients set out so I could move quickly, but it still seized for some reason.
This is the way I have made fudge for 40 years, but I use some brown sugar too. I read so.e had trouble with it setting up. If it is raining or humid is high candy will not harden.
Ooh brown sugar!! I would love to try that variation. Yum. Thanks for your tips about the humidity Sandy!
I’ve been making this fudge for over 50 years, but I have never ever used marshmallow fluff. I just use miniature marshmallows, and melt them in with the chocolate chips. Works extremely well and everyone loves it. I don’t really want to have to buy that fluff stuff! :-)
Thanks so much for chiming in Anne! I think you just answered a lot of commenters questions about using marshmallows instead of fluff!!
I’m surprised how many people commenting have had issues with this fudge. I’ve made this recipe probably almost 100 times – seriously. I make it and sell it as a fundraiser to buy presents for those angel tags at Christmas every year. The only time it’s failed is when I chose to try it with lower quality choc chips and I couldn’t get them to melt all the way (sad tear!). Luckily that was for a personal event and even that tasted fine, it just had a few small chunks. In fact someone asked me if I made mini chocolate chip fudge and I just said yes. Ha!
Here are my tips to ensure it comes out perfect every time. First, have everything completely ready to go before you start. All items measured out, 8×8 ready to go (I line with parchment), lid and seal off the marshmallow creme. I weigh my chocolate chips to get the exact amount. (Side note, I prefer about 7 oz semi sweet and 5 oz dark but the method doesn’t change if you use all semi sweet.) Put your marshmallow creme in the microwave to have it ready. (important! make sure ALL the foil seal is completely off!!)
Use a heavy pan. If it is thin on the bottom, your fudge will turn out crappy. Just being straight up honest here. Start with melting the butter over medium heat. Once it’s mostly melted, pour the sugar into the center of the pan as carefully as you can so as not to get any sugar crystals on the side of the pan. I stir super gently in the center of the pan, drawing the butter in from the edges until it’s mostly incorporated. Then add the evap milk and turn up to med high heat. Avoid touching the sides as much as possible.
Stir gently until it comes to a FULL rolling boil. Bubbles on edges is not enough. It must be boiling enough that when you stir it there are still big bubbles in the center, they won’t go away. If you stir and the boil dies down a bit, it’s not ready. Once it’s so hot it’s crazy boiling even when you stir, turn it down so it doesn’t boil over (to med) and start your timer for 5 minutes. Stir constantly. If the boil isn’t constant or starts to die a bit, you turned it too low and need to turn it back up. You will probably sweat and your hand may feel like it’s on fire at times, but that’s fudge making for you. Worth it!!
Be ready the last few seconds before the timer goes off. All the next few things happen very quickly and you’ll want to move fast. As soon as it sounds, turn off the burner, move the pan to the cool burner next to it and immediately dump in the choc chips. Start the microwave to soften the creme to make it easier to spoon out. You’ll have to watch it until you know your microwave. It’s ready when it puffs up over the opening a bit (mine is about 15 seconds). While the microwave runs, carefully but quickly stir the chocolate chips into the boiled mixture. I actually start stirring with my left hand and turn on my microwave with my right because they’re close and I can. As soon as it’s smooth, take out the marshmallow creme and stir it in til mostly incorporated, then add vanilla and stir til everything is even in color and all is mixed in.
So, just to review. Timer goes off and very quickly with as few pauses as possible you: turn off burner, move pan over, dump in chips, start microwave, stir in chips, take out creme, stir in, add vanilla, stir in.
Pour immediately into prepared pan. It needs to set for several hours before it is ready to be lifted out and cut, otherwise it will crack when you move it. If you’re leaving it in the pan you can cut into while it’s warm, it just will be soft set instead of firm.
One other thing to note, as I mentioned earlier, is quality of ingredients. Use real butter, I prefer Costco brand. Use full fat evaporated milk. Measure your sugar precisely. Don’t use walmart brand chips, those are the worst! I prefer Ghirardelli, personally. I prefer the kraft jet-puffed marshmallow creme, but that’s more for ease of opening than how it affects the fudge, I’ve used generic brand with good results.
If you’ve read my essay, you’re to be admired. Ha. I really do hope it helps though, because this fudge is the bomb.com. Happy fudge making!!
You are awesome Laura!!! (For my lovely readers, Laura is my sister and has been making Mom’s fudge longer than I have) It’s been on my to do list for a long time to update this recipe with more details. It is such a tragedy that so many people have issues with this recipe, because it really is the best when done right! I’m basically going to copy and paste this into my recipe notes. Thanks for doing all the hard work Laura ;) you’re the best!
Can you make the fudge with out the marshmallow fluff
Hi Connie! No, the marshmallow is an essential ingredient!
Here’s a tip to getting the chocolate to melt better. Melt the chips in microwave prior to making this and have the melted chocolate ready to pour in with the marshmallow allowing the marshmallow to melt all the way. We did this in 40 pound increments at a candy shop I worked at. You can also stir the mixture on the stovetop a little longer like 8 minutes instead of five to make sure there are no sugar crystals.
Hello
It seems a second try is the next step. So it’s not fudged again.
Happy Holidays
Hi I would like to try your recipe, it looks fantastic. But they don’ t sell marshmallow fluff in Greece. I found online a recipe for homemade fluff fo you think I can use that instead?
Hi Maria! Yes, if you make your own fluff I bet it would work! Let me know how it goes, enjoy!
Hello…
Sometimes you need to try again
..Kathy
Happy Holidays
My fudge was not creamy. Just trying to figure out what I did wrong. Any ideas. Tried to follow directions exactly but it was real dry and then had that powdery texture instead of creamy once cooled and cut
Did not set and way too sweet
Definitely my go to fudge—- it reminds me of my grandmothers recipe… however, I “attempted” one time to use a different recipe and decided I will definitely stick with this one for sure… it’s perfect in every way possible
I agree Laci! It really is the best! I bet it was your grandmother’s recipe, it’s been around a while :) Thanks for reviewing!
Followed the recipe to the T. Put my fluff in and stirred it up, looked like a soft blob of curdled chocolate. The longer it sat, the more it liquified.
I just finished making this recipe and all the butter came to the surface and it is very dry and grainy. Did I boil too long?
Ridonkulessly delicious. Has been years since I’ve made fudge so went in double batch plus roasted pecans. Why not!! New neighbors will benefit. Followed instructions including “leaving” some in the pot to cool more quickly I can’t stop cleaning (read scraping off and eating) the fudge pot.
Thanks for sharing and merry Christmas!
Well someone needs to clean that dirty fudge pot, right?? Haha! So glad you are enjoying the recipe Kerstin! Thanks for reviewing!
Perfect!! My go to recipe for fudge. Everyone loves it. It does disappear fast.
I have a ‘fail’ as far as chocolatey goes. I used to make fudge every year when my kids were young — in the microwave, pretty well the same, if not the same, recipe. Haven’t made it for about 10 years now and decided to make the stovetop version since my microwave recipe always resulted in too-soft fudge, had to wait days before it was firm enough to cut nicely. Stores were sold out of the smaller jar of Fluff and I had to buy the 16 oz plastic container. But how do I measure, I wondered? It’s not 7 oz ‘volume’ as in a bit less than 1 cup. So I scraped the entire container into a 4 cup measure, saw it was almost 3 cups and decided to use a bit less than half of what was in the cup. Scraped some back into container but couldn’t read measurements on cup anymore, obscured by fluff. Thought I got it right but end result is a pale, not very chocolatey tasting fudge. Oh, so so sweet, too. Do you think I used too much Fluff? Such a messy business that was and I think if I ever make fudge again, it won’t be one with Fluff in it. It’s cooling but pot scrapings were nice and creamy at least.
Hi Kathy! I’ve never seen fluff sold in anything but 7 ounce jars, how frustrating! Next time I would invest in a kitchen scale to make sure you have the right amount :) I’m guessing too much fluff is the problem.
Great fudge but after 20 minutes of stirring the Chocolate Chips did not all melt. I followed the recipe on the Marshallow fluff tub.
When I Googled the recipe it said to cool sugar, butter, salt and evaporated milk to soft ball. Then take off heat, stir in chips til melted THEN add fluff!
So, which recipe is correct??
Hi Edie! I’ve never followed the instructions on the fluff jar, my mom gave me this recipe years ago and it’s the only one I’ve made (she adapted it slightly from the original recipe). The chocolate chips go into the boiled mixture IMMEDIATELY after turning off the heat. If you used poor quality chocolate chips they will take longer to melt (because there is less or no real chocolate in them) and in that case I would put the pot back on the burner on low heat and stir until melted. Then immediately stir in marshmallow before it starts setting. Hope this helps!
How was it supposed to cool to softball stage while it’s still on the heat? Something wrong with that recipe!
I am on a life time change of eating. Just to let you guys know I altered the recipe using 1 cup sugar and packets of Stevia that equaled 1 1/2 cups Stevia and Stevia Semi Chocolate chips. I Placed it a in 9X9 pan and cut into 64 pieces. Total WW points are 160 which came to 2 points for 1 piece 5 for 2 pieces. I boiled 2 minutes longer (candy thermometer was not quite there but I stopped cooking anyways). It was perfect, had quite a few members tell me it was the best fudge they ever had! Huge hit at our Christmas party. It did trigger me big time but got rid of it quickly. Nice to have a small treat just be careful it’s a dangerous for people addicted to sugar.
I’ve never been fond of chocolate fudge until I made this recipe…oh my!
It tends to have a converting effect, doesn’t it ;) Thanks Jan!
I made this exactly as directed and it set up, but not quite completely. I can cut it, but it’s a bit more “mushy” than it should be. I understand that I should cook it a bit longer next time, but would it be possible to set this batch up firmer by putting the cut pieces into the fridge? I don’t want to waste the batch, but I don’t want to serve “mushy” pieces of fudge either.
Hi J! Yes it will firm up more if you put it in the fridge. If you are gifting it to people just make sure to tell them to refrigerate it!
I made this fudge and it looks and smells wonderful, however it did not “set up” and has remained too soft to slice. Any ideas what could have gone wrong???? I followed the instructions to the letter.
Hi there, it wasn’t boiled long enough! Don’t start your timer until there are bubbles coming up from the center of your pot. It needs to be at a FULL rolling boil for 5 minutes. Hope this helps!
Marshmallow cream fudge should be cooked longer than recipe on jar( I cook mine 12 min.& it’s perfect) didn’t know this till my sister-in-law told me.
Mom’s Favorite Fudge
I found it easy to make.
I felt it would be a harder
Then it was
Hello! I made this for a holiday party and it was VERY crumbly (I could barely cut any straight lines, it just kept falling apart). Any thoughts on what I may have done wrong? Thank you!
Hi Rachel! I’m so sorry to hear it didn’t work out! That’s always such a disappointment. Crumbly fudge is usually the result of boiling too long, or beating it too long once all the ingredients are in. Hopefully you can try amending those things next time you try it out!
During hard times I made a fudge sampler plate as gifts for friends and family. I used butterscotch, peanut butter, white chocolate (or vanilla) and mint chips in place of the semi-sweet chocolate ones. Added a few small candy canes as garnish on each plate and topped the whole thing with colored plastic wrap and a bow. Wish I had taken a photo.
I love the idea of doing sample plates Anne! Who wouldn’t want to receive that as a gift :) Thanks for sharing!
I made this recipe for my friends and family. They loved it! It was fast and simple and so wonderful, I am doing a presentation on it for my class and bringing in the results to share with everyone!
Sounded so good..and the flavor is very good..but it never got firm enough to slice..was more like Carmel when it’s warm enough to stretch. And I followed instructions to a T. Any suggestions? :(
Hi Tina! It sounds like it didn’t get cooked long enough. Add a couple more minutes to the boiling time next time!
What is the altitude (above sea level) where you live. If it is more than 1000 feet above sea level the boiling point of water is lowered enough to affect recipes and needs to be increased.
the time needs to be increased
I don’t know what I did wrong. It was very grainy n weird texture
I also had issues, stirring it to remove grainyness the chocolate melted to a liquid and it wouldn’t blend! I’ve never had trouble with fudge. I am OCD about following directions too
I tried this recipe remembering making marshmallow fudge as a child. It didn’t come out right- very grainy and did not set i see others had the dame oroblem. I called my friend who told me the recipe is on the Fluff jar. The directions combine the sugar, butter and fluff on low heat until combined, then boil before adding the chocolate chips.
Tried the recipe today.
Turned out wonderful.Followed the directions exactly.
Tastes fabulous.
Thank you
Just a fun tidbit about this fudge…. back in the “day” when this was first published, chocolate chips were 1 pound bags. Marshmallow cream was 10oz.
So, the recipe was 1 bag chips, THREE cups sugar, Two sticks butter, and a can of evaporated milk.
I have made this newer version since they started ripping us off on sizes and it’s never worked for me as well. So, in an attempt to see if the sizes actually did make a difference, last year I tried the original. Of course that meant having opened unused portions of marshmallow cream and chips, but I have to say, the old way still reigns #1 with me. I found the size difference did make a difference. I think the reason may be because they still have you boil the butter/sugar/milk for five minutes and with smaller amounts it ends up too hard. But, you have to cook it that long or the fudge is grainy.
But, yours looks perfect!
Thanks!
Thanks for the back story on this recipe Susie! How fun is this! Thanks so much for sharing!
I have made this 5 times now and every time I must add more evaporated milk to get it together. There was not enough liquid to melt the chocolate and combine it all. Added more milk to make it work. It also had crunchy sugary bits. My mother made creamy fudge and never had these problems but I’ve lost her recipe. ☹️
Hi Pamela! I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. If you try it again, add the ingredients as called for (do not add more evaporated milk) and see how it goes. I promise it will come together!
It was delicious and like the fudge my mother made. So easy and fast. Lost mom’s recipe and was afraid it was gone forever. Thank you
So happy to hear that Pam! It is the best feeling when you find a recipe you thought was lost!!
My grandma used to make this, glad I found this recipe…its absolutely delicious.
Everyone loves it!!!!
Easy to make…..
Thank you for sharing
If I wanted to make this a Guinness chocolate fudge how would I incorporate the extra liquid ?
Hi Caithlin, I haven’t tried that, let me know if you try it and how it goes!
I haven’t made Fudge for years because I remember it taking a long time and it didn’t even set up properly. This recipe looked so straightforward that I just went for it this morning. Perfection! Thank you 😀
Way to go Michelle! This one is seriously easy and doesn’t disappoint. Thanks for reading!
Have you ever made it with homemade marshmallow fluff?
Hi Michelle, no I’ve never made homemade marshmallow fluff! Let me know how it goes if you try it!
I’ve been making this fudge recipe for over 40 years! So easy to make.
Tried and true recipes are the best, right?? Thanks Vivian!!
This is the perfect fudge!!! It reminded me of one I bought as a child during vacation!!
The recipe says 12 ounces or 2 cups chips. 2 cups chips would be a half cup too much. Might be why some people didn’t have good results.
Hey Jeanie! No, 12 ounces of chocolate chips is about 2 cups!
Maybe I made it wrong but it wasn’t what I wanted. It was crumbly and grainy. It melted in my mouth, but it wasn’t rich and creamy like I was hoping. It’s good, just not the texture I wanted :/
I made this today and the consignment is that of frosting. Do I need to put it in the fridge? What could I have done wrong. I followed the directions, but I’ve never made fudge before ;)
Hi Erica! Sadly it sounds like a case of not boiling long enough. Next time go a couple minutes longer, you might just not have a very powerful stove.
This recipe has easily become my families favorite!!
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!
Yep 12 oz bag Toll House chips equals 2 cups. Measured many times.
Ugh, made this twice and both times it came out very crumbly!
Probably cooked it too long. Cut a minute off time. 4 min after full boil. As your stirring around 4 to 6 min the consistency suddenly changes. It gets slightly thicker and the candy starts to move with the spoon instead of spoon through the candy. Remove from heat right then.
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?
Peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips is what my mom always did. So delicious.
That’s genius Amber! Totally trying it!!
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.
It’s funny – the original recipe on the marshmallow creme jar called for 3 cups of sugar! But years ago I decided it was too grainy, and cut it back to 2.5. I wonder now if the difference is that the packaged amounts of chocolate chips/marshmallow creme changed, as someone recently noted above? Whatever works for you to make it delicious, I say go for it!
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?
Same thing is happening to me!
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!