Description
This no-fail fudge recipe delivers creamy, velvety chocolate perfection using marshmallow creme. Perfect for family gatherings, it’s a delightful, easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (425g) Semi-sweet chocolate chips — The heart of our fudge; choose quality for the best, richest chocolate flavor.
- 7 oz jar (200g) Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme — The secret to its incredibly creamy texture and no-fail consistency.
- ½ cup (113g) Butter — Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to every bite.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) Granulated Sugar — Balances the sweetness and helps with the fudge’s overall structure.
- ⅔ cup (160ml) Evaporated Milk — Provides the right liquid base without thinning the fudge, ensuring a dense, delightful texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract — Essential for deepening the chocolate flavor and adding a warm aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon Optional: A pinch of salt — Enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper/foil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a full boil (about 5-7 minutes). Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and boil gently for exactly 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. My tip: keep a timer handy!
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the chocolate chips, the entire jar of Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously and continuously until everything is completely smooth and melted, with no streaks remaining. This rapid stirring is key to a silky finish.
- Pour and Chill: Quickly pour the warm, smooth fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Set: Chill the fudge for at least 2-4 hours, or until it is completely firm. For the best, most sliceable results, I always recommend chilling overnight.
Notes
Alternative Swaps:
- Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips for less sweetness, or milk chocolate for a milder taste.
- Marshmallow Creme: Other brands of marshmallow creme will work if Jet-Puffed is not available.
- Butter: Margarine can be used, though real butter provides a richer flavor and texture.
Premium and Healthy Upgrades:
- Opt for organic or fair-trade chocolate chips.
- Add finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch, healthy fats, and added texture, making it a higher-protein snack in moderation.
Seasonal Highlights:
- For holiday fudge, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before chilling.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest for a bright, aromatic winter citrus twist.
Tips for Success (Common Mistake Callouts):
- Stir constantly: When boiling butter, sugar, and evaporated milk, constant stirring is crucial to prevent scorching and grainy fudge.
- Avoid over-boiling: Boiling the sugar mixture for more than 5 minutes can lead to crumbly, dry fudge. Stick to the exact timing.
- Allow full setting time: Patience is key! Chill fudge for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, for firm, neat slices.
Nutrition Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient data and a yield of 36 servings. Actual values may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 28g)
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 17mg
- Fat: 6.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg