Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Irresistibly Rich Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe For Dessert Lovers

Whipping up a luxurious chocolate fudge recipe transforms ordinary dessert moments into pure bliss.

Sweet lovers understand the magic of rich, velvety textures melting across taste buds.

My grandmother shared her secret technique decades ago, sparking my passion for decadent treats.

Creamy chocolate becomes irresistible when crafted with precision and love.

Smooth ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Each bite promises a delightful escape from everyday stress.

Let’s dive into this simple yet extraordinary chocolate experience that will make you the kitchen hero.

Why This Chocolate Fudge Is a Must-Try Treat

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, this fudge brings instant joy and satisfies chocolate lovers of all ages.
  • Quick and Convenient Delight: Prepare this rich dessert in just a few simple steps, with most of the time spent chilling, allowing you to multitask while the fudge sets perfectly.
  • Customizable Chocolate Bliss: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping walnuts for other nuts or adding fun mix-ins like crushed candy or dried fruit to create your unique fudge variation.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Chocolate Fudge

Core Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich and smooth chocolate base for the fudge.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and texture.
  • Sugar: Sweet component that helps create the fudge's structure.
  • Evaporated Milk: Smooth dairy product that contributes to the creamy consistency.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Soft, sweet ingredient that helps bind the fudge together.
Nuts and Flavoring:
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm, classic flavoring that enhances the chocolate taste.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Baking Dish Butter: Helps prevent sticking and aids in easy fudge removal.

Making Perfect Chocolate Fudge Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and generously coat the interior with butter, ensuring a smooth release for your delightful chocolate treat.

Step 2: Assemble Base Ingredients

Gather your key ingredients:
  • Butter
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla extract

Place these in a spacious mixing bowl, setting them aside for the magical transformation ahead.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Evaporated milk
  • Marshmallow creme

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Continue cooking for approximately 6 minutes, maintaining constant stirring.

Step 4: Merge Chocolate Mixture

Remove marshmallow mixture from heat.

Pour directly over butter and chocolate chips in the mixing bowl.

Beat vigorously until chocolate completely melts and the mixture loses its shiny appearance, developing a rich, thick consistency.

Step 5: Incorporate Crunchy Walnuts

Swiftly fold chopped walnuts throughout the fudge, ensuring an even distribution of nutty goodness.

Step 6: Set and Chill

Transfer the luscious mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Refrigerate for several hours until firm.

Once set, slice into delectable squares and indulge in your homemade chocolate walnut fudge.

Tips to Nail Your Chocolate Fudge Every Time

  • Stir the marshmallow mixture constantly during boiling to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat immediately after boiling to prevent overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.
  • Fold walnuts quickly and gently to maintain an even spread throughout the fudge without deflating the mixture.
  • Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3-4 hours to achieve the ideal firm, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Fudge

  • Store fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore its smooth, creamy texture.
  • If serving within a day or two, keep fudge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality and prevent melting.

Sweet Pairings for Chocolate Fudge

  • Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the deep chocolate flavor and cuts through the sweetness of the fudge.
  • Create Espresso Contrast: Serve alongside a hot, robust espresso or strong black coffee to enhance the chocolate's intensity and provide a delightful bitter counterpoint to the sweet fudge.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a square of fudge with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a luxurious dessert combination that balances the rich chocolate and adds a cool, smooth texture.
  • Complement with Nutty Liqueur: Pour a small glass of hazelnut or almond liqueur to echo the walnut notes in the fudge and add an extra layer of nutty, warm complexity to the dessert experience.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Fudge Lovers

  • Nutty Almond Crunch: Swap walnuts with toasted sliced almonds for a lighter, crispier texture and delicate nutty flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute marshmallow creme with vegan marshmallow spread for a plant-based version.
  • Sea Salt Caramel Swirl: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before refrigerating for a gourmet sweet-salty combination.
  • Gluten-Free Classic: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially chocolate chips and marshmallow creme, to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this chocolate fudge recipe?

The key ingredients are chocolate chips, butter, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and walnuts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor.

  • Why do I need to stir the marshmallow mixture constantly while cooking?

Constant stirring prevents the sugar from burning and ensures even heat distribution. This helps create a smooth, uniform base for the fudge and prevents any scorching or uneven cooking that could affect the final texture.

  • How do I know when the fudge mixture is ready to be poured into the dish?

The mixture is ready when it loses its gloss and starts to thicken after beating. This indicates that the chocolate has melted completely and the ingredients have combined properly, creating the perfect fudge consistency.

  • Can I make this fudge without walnuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply skip the walnuts altogether without changing any other part of the recipe.

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Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate fudge delivers pure bliss in every rich, velvety bite. Sweet chocolate magic melts seamlessly, promising a delectable escape that will sweep you into pure dessert paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butter

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 1 (5 ounces/142 grams) can evaporated milk
  • 1 (7 ounces/198 grams) jar marshmallow creme

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and facilitate easy fudge removal.
  2. Assemble chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, positioning them for immediate use.
  3. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, and marshmallow creme in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
  4. Gradually bring the marshmallow mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 6 minutes, maintaining constant stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.
  5. Transfer the hot marshmallow mixture directly onto the prepared chocolate chip and butter combination in the mixing bowl.
  6. Vigorously whisk the ingredients until chocolate completely melts and the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick fudge texture.
  7. Incorporate chopped walnuts swiftly, ensuring even distribution throughout the fudge mixture.
  8. Carefully pour the fudge into the greased baking pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and eliminate air pockets.
  9. Refrigerate the fudge for several hours, allowing it to set completely and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
  10. Once fully chilled, slice the fudge into neat, uniform squares and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Select high-quality chocolate chips for maximum richness and smooth texture.
  • Choose butter with low moisture content to prevent water separation during mixing.
  • Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching marshmallow mixture.
  • Stir continuously during boiling to avoid sugar crystallization and ensure silky consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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