Basic Fudge
Creamy and rich fudge with chocolate, nuts, and marshmallow cream, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and a dash of salt in a saucepan and stir constantly.
- Add marshmallow cream, chocolate bits, nuts, and vanilla to the mixture and bring to a boil, cooking for 9 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot mixture into a prepared pan and let it cool before cutting into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, ensure that you stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning. If you want to experiment, consider using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate bits for a different flavor. You can also substitute the nuts with dried fruits for a chewy texture. If you prefer a richer taste, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares and serve as a sweet treat at parties or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Butterscotch Tapioca Cream for a delightful dessert spread. You can also package it as a homemade gift, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To reheat, cut into pieces and microwave in short bursts, just enough to soften slightly without melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Fudge contains roughly 1599 calories, with 12g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 807mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
Using sweetened condensed milk will result in a much sweeter fudge, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the flavors. It will also alter the texture slightly, making it creamier but less firm.
How can I make this fudge gluten-free?
This basic fudge recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the chocolate bits and any additional ingredients you use, such as nuts, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can customize your fudge by adding flavors like mint extract or almond extract. Adding crushed cookies or candy bars can create unique variations, so feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to suit your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).