WHAT’S FOR DESSERT?
Homemade Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff
Array/5
COOK TIME
15 min
TOTAL TIME
30 min
SERVINGS
24- 30 squares
When I first created this easy chocolate fudge with marshmallow fluff I had just given birth to a tiny human who wanted all of my time. I was horribly sleep-deprived and was in no shape to be posting things to the blog. But I was still able to make this no-bake fudge for the holidays. So let that be a sign of just how easy it is to make!
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. I love everything about it, the smells, the decorating, the traditions, all of it. So naturally, making holiday treats and doing holiday baking projects with my daughter (who is now THIS old) are some of my favorite things.
This chocolate fudge with fluff is always on my holiday roster. It’s so simple and so good. And you can really make it your own. If you love nuts like I do, add them in! If you don’t, leave them out. Mixing in other ingredients can take this dessert to the next level.
I love to cut these up in squares, throw them in a pretty box with a pretty bow and give as gifts or bring to a party. But no matter how you slice it, this easy homemade fudge is a no-fail Christmas recipe you should try!
What is marshmallow fluff fudge?
Chocolate fudge made with marshmallow fluff is basically magic. Also called Marshmallow Creme. It’s not only the easiest, no-fail fudge you’ll ever make. It’s also probably the most delicious homemade fudge out there. It has a perfect fudge texture that is hard to describe but you know it when you taste it. It’s very sweet but well-balanced with plenty of cocoa too. Basically, it’s the perfect candy to make at home.
I also love this fudge because it’s so easy to customize. I’ll share some of my favorite ideas to tweak this recipe further down in this post.
Easy Chocolate Fudge Ingredients
Butter
This recipe calls for a stick and a half of butter, so it’s not exactly for the health-conscious holiday snackers (if such a thing exists). Butter is part of what gives this fudge its luscious, creamy texture – so don’t skimp on it! I like to use salted butter for a sweet and salty flavor but you can use unsalted too.
Evaporated Milk
Canned evaporated milk is another key ingredient for getting the perfect fudgy bite with this recipe. Make sure you choose the right can off the shelf – evaporated milk and condensed milk are sold right next to each other and they’re not the same thing!
Sugar
Of course we need sugar for a sweet treat. Regular granulated sugar is all you need for this easy homemade chocolate fudge.
Chocolate Chips
I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips when I make this fudge recipe but you can use your favorite kind. Milk or dark chocolate would be really good too!
Marshmallow Fluff
If we’re going to make chocolate fudge with marshmallow fluff, we’re going to need some fluff! This is probably the most important ingredient in this recipe. Make sure you’re buying marshmallow fluff only. Don’t try to use actual marshmallows – it won’t come out the same!
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla brings out the flavor of chocolate in any dish, including this fudge.
Optional Mix-Ins
I like to add nuts to my fudge, but you can also leave it plain or add in other ingredients, like sprinkles, peppermint stick pieces or chocolate chips.
Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff Recipe Substitutions
Here are some of the most common questions I get about making this fudge with different ingredients.
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
Nope, they’re not the same – not even close! Don’t try to substitute them for each other in this fudge recipe or, frankly, any other recipe. The recipes won’t turn out the way they’re supposed to!
Can you use marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff for fudge?
No, you really can’t. And this isn’t just me being a stickler, the fudge truly won’t turn out the same. If you’ve ever reached your hand into a bag of marshmallows, then you know that they are coated in cornstarch, which helps them not stick together in the bag. When melted down to use for fudge, this cornstarch remains and affects the texture of the fudge.
What's the difference between marshmallow cream and marshmallow fluff?
Marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme are similar but they do have some differences. Marshmallow creme, for example, contains cream of tartar and xanthan gum, which marshmallow fluff does not.
The two products are also made differently. Fluff is made by a batch-whipping process, providing a creamier texture, while creme is whipped in a continuous mixing process. While fluff and marshmallow creme can be used interchangeably in some recipes, making fudge can be a bit finicky, so I don’t recommend using anything but fluff when making this dessert.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff
Making any kind of candy – even fudge – can be a little tricky. But that’s why I love this no-bake fudge recipe so much. It has never failed me! Here’s how to make it in your home:
Step One: Melt the butter, sugar and evaporated milk in a large saucepan and stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Bring this mixture to a boil and then stir constantly for 4 minutes while it bowls.
Step Two: Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate chips, fluff and vanilla. Stir until all are combined and the mixture is very smooth.
Step Three: If you’re adding in any mix-ins like nuts, do that now. Then, pour the mixture into a 9×9 pan. Let the fudge cool completely and then cut it into squares.
Pro Tip: Add some parchment paper to the pan before pouring in the fudge mixture. This makes it very easy to remove the fudge and quickly slice it. In other words, it reduces the time it takes to get the fudge from the pan to your mouth.
Common Marshmallow Fudge Recipe Questions
How long does fudge have to cool?
After boiling and mixing, fudge usually takes several hours to set. I recommend letting it rest for at least three hours, and even a bit longer if it doesn’t seem totally set. The wait is hard, but it’s so worth it!
Why is my fudge not setting?
The most common reason that fudge may not be set is usually due to its cooking temperature. If it didn’t get to a high enough temperature while boiling, your fudge could come out sticky, gummy or even liquidy. The good news is, you may be able to save it! You could use it for something different, like fudge icing for cookies or brownies, or you could even re-boil it and try again.
How long does fudge last?
In my house? About 2 hours. If you take it to a party, even less time 😉 But in all seriousness, fudge actually has a pretty long shelf life. It can stay good on the counter for about 2-3 weeks. I don’t recommend storing it in the fridge, this can change the texture of the fudge and make it much harder.
Can you freeze fudge?
Yes, you actually can! I love doing this each holiday season and pulling out a piece of fudge (or 5) whenever I need a little taste of Christmas. To freeze fudge, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or freezer bag and make sure to label and date it.
Fudge can last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, simply let it come to room temperature and enjoy (or eat it slightly frozen – we won’t judge).
Explore more of my favorite holiday dessert recipes!
I’ve shared family-favorite holiday dessert recipes for years, so I have a lot to choose from. These are just a few of my favorites.
- Christmas Light Sugar Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Candied Pecans
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- Spritz Butter Cookies
- Gingerbread Eggnog
- Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
- Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Reindeer Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
Tag #lolohk in any photos you post, I love to see what you are baking! Plus, follow me @lolohomekitchen on Instagram and Facebook.
Print
Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Classic, creamy homemade fudge. Easy to make, easy to eat and a nice little gift too.
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter ( 1 and 1/2 sticks)
2/3 cup evaporated milk
3 cups sugar
1 package semi sweet chocolate chips (or milk or dark chocolate- whatever you fancy)
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow fluff (gotta be the fluff, not regular marshmallows) *Also called Marshmallow Creme
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter, sugar and evaporated milk. and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then stir constantly for 4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the chocolate chips, marshmallow fluff and vanilla and stir until all combined and smooth
- Add nuts if you desire at this time. Pour the mixture into a 9×9 pan. Let cool completely and then cut into squares.
Notes
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