There is something truly special about homemade candy, isn’t there? It brings back memories of holidays, family gatherings, and pure comfort. And when it comes to classic treats, nothing beats this Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe.
If you have ever been intimidated by candy making, this is the recipe for you. It is a wonderfully simple fudge recipe that does not require any special equipment. Just a pot, a spoon, and a little bit of stirring will do the trick.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the texture is just amazing. It’s all thanks to the secret ingredient, marshmallow cream. This gives the fudge a consistently smooth and creamy quality that is hard to achieve otherwise. You get a soft bite every time.
Another great thing is its simplicity. You do not need a candy thermometer or any complicated techniques. The instructions are straightforward, making this a fantastic recipe for beginners or anyone who wants a delicious treat without a lot of fuss.
This is a truly traditional fudge recipe that has been loved for generations. Making a batch is like making a little piece of history. It is perfect for holiday gift giving, sharing at parties, or just for a cozy night in.
Plus, it’s so quick to prepare. The active cooking time is less than ten minutes. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down before you can slice into it and enjoy. The results are always worth the short wait.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make this wonderful Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe. The list is short and sweet, just like the fudge itself!
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter (not margarine)
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 ounce) Fantasy Fudge Marshmallow Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some fudge? Let’s walk through it together. It’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps for a flawless batch of fudge.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First, get your pan ready. An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan works wonderfully for thick fudge squares. If you prefer thinner pieces, a 9×13 inch pan is a good choice.
Spray the pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some overhang on two opposite sides. This will create little handles to easily lift the fudge out later.
Step 2: Combine The Base Ingredients
In a medium to large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. You want a pot with high sides to prevent any boiling over. Trust me on this one.
Stir these ingredients together over medium high heat. You want to keep stirring as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. This prevents anything from sticking to the bottom and scorching.
Step 3: The Five Minute Boil
Now for the most important step. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. This is a boil that you cannot stir down. Once it reaches this point, set a timer for exactly five minutes.
Continue stirring constantly throughout the entire five minutes. This is key to making sure the sugar cooks correctly for a smooth final product. Do not walk away during this time. Your fudge needs you!
Step 4: Add The Good Stuff
Once the five minutes are up, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Now you have to work fairly quickly. Pour in the semi sweet chocolate chips and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Next, add the entire jar of Fantasy Fudge Marshmallow Cream and the vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined and glossy. The mixture will be thick.
Step 5: Add Nuts And Pour
If you are using nuts, now is the time to fold them in. Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for this Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe, but feel free to get creative.
Quickly pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, reaching all the corners. It will start to set up fast, so do not delay.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Now comes the hardest part. You must let the fudge cool completely. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least two to four hours, or until it is firm. You can also place it in the refrigerator to speed things up a bit.
Once it is fully set, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into small squares. Your delicious homemade fudge is now ready to enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any fudge left over, which is sometimes a big if, storing it properly is important. You want to keep it fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Luckily, it is quite simple.
The best way to store your Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe is in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about one week this way. Placing layers of wax paper between the squares can prevent them from sticking together.
If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store the fudge in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, it will last for two to three weeks. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips
Want to make your fudge even better? Here are a few tips to ensure your simple fudge recipe turns out great every single time.
First, measure your ingredients before you start. The cooking process moves quickly, so having everything ready to go is a huge help. This is especially true for a traditional fudge recipe like this one.
Do not guess the boiling time. That five minute boil is very specific for a reason. It allows the sugar to reach the soft ball stage without needing a candy thermometer. Use a timer for accuracy.
Feel free to customize your add ins. You can swap semi sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You could even use peanut butter chips. Instead of nuts, try adding crushed peppermint candies or dried cranberries for a festive touch.
When stirring, use a wooden spoon or a heat resistant silicone spatula. This will help you scrape the bottom and sides of the pot effectively to prevent any scorching, which can ruin the flavor of your fudge.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A foolproof guide to making the classic Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe. It is a delightful treat that is fun to make and even more fun to share. Its rich flavor and creamy texture are sure to win over everyone.
This recipe proves that you do not need to be a professional pastry chef to create amazing sweets at home. So go ahead, give this simple fudge recipe a try. You will be so glad you did!
FAQ
Do I Need A Candy Thermometer For This Recipe?
Nope! That is one of the best things about this Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe. The strictly timed five minute boil brings the sugar to the right temperature without needing a thermometer, making it very beginner friendly.
Can I Use A Different Size Pan?
Yes, you can. A 9×9 inch pan gives you nice thick squares. A 9×13 inch pan will result in thinner fudge pieces. It all comes down to personal preference. Just remember that thinner fudge might set a little faster.
What Kind Of Chocolate Chips Are Best?
Semi sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice and provide a balanced, rich flavor. However, you can easily substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Quality chips will melt better.
Why Didn’t My Fudge Set Properly?
The most common reason for fudge not setting is that the sugar mixture was not boiled long enough. It is crucial to let it cook at a full rolling boil for exactly five minutes. Cutting this time short can result in a soft, runny fudge.
Can I Make This Nut Free?
Absolutely. The nuts are completely optional. Simply leave them out for a smooth, creamy, and nut free version of this traditional fudge recipe. It is delicious either way.
Creamy Homemade Fantasy Fudge
This simple fudge recipe delivers a rich, creamy candy experience. It’s a classic treat that’s easy to make without special equipment, perfect for sharing or a cozy night in.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, get your pan ready. An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan works wonderfully for thick fudge squares. If you prefer thinner pieces, a 9×13 inch pan is a good choice. Spray the pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some overhang on two opposite sides. This will create little handles to easily lift the fudge out later.
- In a medium to large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. You want a pot with high sides to prevent any boiling over. Trust me on this one. Stir these ingredients together over medium high heat. You want to keep stirring as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. This prevents anything from sticking to the bottom and scorching.
- Now for the most important step. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. This is a boil that you cannot stir down. Once it reaches this point, set a timer for exactly five minutes. Continue stirring constantly throughout the entire five minutes. This is key to making sure the sugar cooks correctly for a smooth final product. Do not walk away during this time. Your fudge needs you!
- Once the five minutes are up, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Now you have to work fairly quickly. Pour in the semi sweet chocolate chips and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Next, add the entire jar of Fantasy Fudge Marshmallow Cream and the vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined and glossy. The mixture will be thick.
- If you are using nuts, now is the time to fold them in. Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for this Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe, but feel free to get creative. Quickly pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, reaching all the corners. It will start to set up fast, so do not delay.
- Now comes the hardest part. You must let the fudge cool completely. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least two to four hours, or until it is firm. You can also place it in the refrigerator to speed things up a bit. Once it is fully set, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into small squares. Your delicious homemade fudge is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
Measure ingredients before starting; the process moves quickly.
Use a timer for the exact five-minute boil for accuracy.
Customize with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter chips, or crushed candies.
Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent scorching.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
