During the holidays, I love giving (and receiving) sweet treats that are homemade. But I also love that year-round! This fantasy fudge is one of those that I can make any time of year and enjoy all on my own but it’s also amazing to take to a party and great for gifting.
What I love about this chocolatey dessert is that it’s so easy to make and that it comes together so quickly. It’s not a finicky fudge – just follow the guidelines for the temperature and it won’t become temperamental.
I also adore that it’s the kind of sweet goodness that anyone can enjoy. Children, adults… everyone loves a good, rich piece of fudge (or two or three pieces). Nearly no one will turn down chocolate enriched with fluffy marshmallow creme.
If you’re looking for a fudge recipe that you can experiment with, this will be up your alley. There’s nothing like taking a recipe and making it your own, right? Use your imagination (or check out the listed variations) and create an amazing concoction that’s all your own!
Why You’ll Love Fantasy Fudge
Table of Contents
Easy– all you need to do is measure your ingredients and then be prepared to pour them in the pan as needed.
Quick- who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together in less than 15 minutes?
Accessible– most of your ingredients are probably already in your pantry or are easily garnered at your grocery store. Grocery store not close? Then they’re also just a quick click away online.
Customizable– depending on the day, what we want for dessert may change. This fudge is so incredibly easy to customize – the options are literally at your fingertips.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar– because it dissolves so quickly, granulated sugar is the ideal sugar to use with this quick-cooking fantasy fudge.
- Butter– as with most recipes, unsalted butter is the best butter to use. While salt is welcome in some baked goods, this fudge doesn’t need it for the flavors to shine.
- Evaporated milk– this ingredient gives the fudge its creamy, rich texture.
- Semisweet chocolate chips– make sure to check your bag label – semisweet is the way to go for this recipe.
- Marshmallow fluff– you can easily buy the jarred version in the store, but if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own fluff… it’s easier than you think!
- Walnuts– chop these nuts up to whatever size you choose. I like to make mine small (think: minced) but if you like huge hunks, go for it!
- Vanilla extract– I typically keep homemade vanilla extract around, but if it’s out I just reach for my store-bought bottle (and you can, too).
How To Make Fantasy Fudge
- Prepare pan. Use aluminum foil to line a square pan. Allow the ends of the foil to extend over the sides of the pan so that it is easier to remove the fudge after baking.
- Add ingredients to saucepan. Add sugar, butter, and evaporated milk to a 3 quart saucepan. Bring it to medium heat, stirring the ingredients constantly while they are at a full rolling boil.
- Stir. Continuously stir the mixture until the candy thermometer reaches 234° F. Remove from heat when the thermometer reaches 234° F.
- Add rest of ingredients. To the hot mixture, add chocolate and marshmallow creme and stir until melted. Next, add the walnuts and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add to pan. Pour the fantasy fudge contents of the saucepan into the prepared pan. Be sure to spread the mixture to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Cool and cut. Allow the fudge to cool completely which should take about 2-3 hours. Use the foil handles to lift the fudge from the pan. Then, cut the fudge into squares.
Variations
- Nuts– use any other variety of nuts that you may like either instead of, or in addition to, the walnuts. Pistachios, peanuts, pecans – whatever you prefer!
- Sprinkles– make your fudge even more fantastical by topping them with colorful sprinkles.
- Decorators’ sugar– add some sparkle by sprinkling your favorite decorators’ sugar over the fudge while it cools. This is a great way to add some seasonal color, too.
- Chips– toss in some other flavored chips (or press them into the top as the fudge cools). Peanut butter or butterscotch are a couple options.
- Salt– if you’re a fan of salty/sweet combinations, sprinkling some sea salt over top of this fantasy fudge will make it your perfect dessert. If you want to add some prettiness to your fudge, use pink Himalayan sea salt.
More Fudge Recipes
Fantasy Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, crisscrossing to make a sling.
- Combine the sugar, butter and evaporated milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer and stir for 5-10 minutes or until it registers at 234°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
- Add the chocolate and marshmallow creme to the hot mixture; stir until melted. Add the nuts and vanilla.
- Pour the hot fudge into the prepared pan; spreading evenly. Cool completely. Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into 1-inch squares.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Dannii
This fudge was SO easy to make, and my kids loved it too.
Beth
Oh, yes! Now that’s what I’m talking about. I absolutely adore fudge! It’s one of my favorite sweet treats, and this looks like a great recipe.
kushigalu
Love how simple and delicious this fudge recipe is. Thanks for sharing.
Dana
This fudge is so so good and SO easy to make! Never thought it would be this simple, honestly. Just as good as any fudge you get from those fancy little stores!
Mirlene
This fudge was the ultimate sweet satisfaction! My kids loved it so much that they want me to make this again!