Fudge (Cooked)
Rich, creamy fudge with chocolate and nuts, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a sweet treat anytime. Smooth, indulgent, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter an 8-inch square pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in marshmallows, chocolate morsels, vanilla, and nuts.
- Stir vigorously until marshmallows and morsels melt and blend.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Cool; cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier fudge, try using heavy cream instead of evaporated milk. If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in a bit of peanut butter for a peanut cluster flavor. Be sure to stir constantly while boiling to prevent burning, and use a candy thermometer to achieve the perfect texture. If you're short on time, mini marshmallows can be replaced with marshmallow cream.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It can also be a perfect treat alongside coffee or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, try wrapping pieces in decorative paper as gifts or serving them at gatherings to impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which can extend its freshness to about two weeks. When ready to enjoy, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fudge (Cooked) contains roughly 247 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% 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 dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet morsels?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet morsels if you prefer a richer flavor. Just ensure that the chocolate is at least 60% cacao for the best results. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate will complement the sweetness of the fudge beautifully.
What can I substitute for nuts if I have allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts altogether or replace them with crispy rice cereal for added texture. Alternatively, try adding dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
How can I tell when the fudge is done cooking?
To check if your fudge is done, look for a smooth, thick consistency after boiling for 4 to 5 minutes. If you have a candy thermometer, the mixture should reach a soft ball stage at around 234°F (112°C). This ensures a nice, fudgy texture.
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).