Mary Ball Fudge

Prep: 10 min Cook: 9 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: American

Mary Ball Fudge is a rich, creamy treat with deep chocolate flavor complemented by nuts and marshmallow cream. Its smooth texture and sweet, indulgent taste make it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a homemade gift. A nostalgic favorite for fudge lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large can pet milk
  • 5 cups sugar
  • 3 packages chocolate bits
  • 1/2 pound butter
  • 2 cups nuts
  • 1 jar marshmallow cream
  • vanilla to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar and pet milk together in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for exactly 9 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in chocolate bits, butter, and marshmallow cream until melted and well combined.
  5. Add vanilla and nuts, stirring until evenly incorporated.
  6. Pour into a prepared pan and let cool before cutting into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother fudge, ensure your sugar completely dissolves in the pet milk before boiling. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting half the chocolate bits with white chocolate or adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness. For added texture, consider using pecans instead of mixed nuts. This fudge can also be mixed with crushed candies for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the fudge into squares and serve it on a decorative plate for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings. You can also serve it alongside Ranger Cookies for a mixed dessert platter that will impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mary Ball Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate the fudge, which can keep it fresh for a month. To reheat, simply microwave a small piece in 10-second intervals until slightly warm, making it easier to enjoy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mary Ball Fudge contains roughly 427 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.

427 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 12.2g 16% DV
Carbs 42.4g 15% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 22.2g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 15.3mg 1% DV
Potassium 272.6mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 1.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.7mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 24.4mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 pet milk?

Yes, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk for pet milk, but reduce the sugar to about 4 cups since sweetened condensed milk is already quite sweet. This will help maintain the right balance of sweetness and texture in your fudge.

What can I use instead of marshmallow cream?

If you don't have marshmallow cream, you can substitute it with 1 cup of mini marshmallows or a homemade marshmallow fluff. Just melt the marshmallows into the mixture until smooth, ensuring you achieve the same creamy consistency.

How do I know when the fudge is done cooking?

The fudge is done cooking when it reaches a soft ball stage, which you can test by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape, it’s ready. Cooking for exactly 9 minutes typically achieves this, but using a candy thermometer for precise results is recommended.

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).

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