Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

Original Fantasy Fudge doesn’t have to be just a fantasy! It’s a no-fail fudge that is loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts for a perfectly sweet treat. If you love fudge, try my Butter Pecan Fudge or Mint Chocolate Oreo Fudge!

PIN IT HERE!

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (1)

Original Fantasy Fudge

Fudge has been around for over 100 years, and it’s believed that it was an accident. Someone had ‘fudged’ a bunch of caramels, which could be how we got the term fudge. It doesn’t matter how we got the name, but rather that fudge is around and there are so many fun recipes for it. It’s also great for gifts, especially around the holidays. (And I have eggnog fudge and sugar cookie fudge that would be delicious treats to share at Christmas time and New Year’s Eve.)

This is definitely a no-fail fudge recipe! Original Fantasy Fudge has been passed down from generation to generation, and I am lucky that I was in line to get it. I’ve come to find out it comes from a Kraft recipe. It has definitely stood the test of time!

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2)

Can I Make Fudge Without a Candy Thermometer?

A candy thermometer, also known as a deep-fry thermometer or sugar thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of a sugar solution. You can find them in most grocery stores and houseware stores. Just make sure you don’t let the bulb hit the bottom or sides of the pan.

If you do not have a candy thermometer, you can always do the ‘cold water test’. Just (carefully) drop a small amount of the hot liquid fudge into a glass of cold water. As it falls to the bottom of the glass, the syrup cools and forms into a ball. Remove the ball from the water and check its consistency with your fingers.

Some readers have also suggested that after 5 minutes at a full boil the fudge is perfect.

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (3)

How to Harden Fudge

Allowing fudge to come to room temperature will solidify it and make it easy to handle. You can also pop it into the refrigerator for a couple of hours or even the freezer for about 30 minutes. Fudge is best consumed at room temperature though, so be sure to take it out a few minutes before you want to eat it.

Do You Have to Use Walnuts?

Nope! You can use pecans or whatever nut you prefer. You can even do a combination of your favorites. The original uses walnuts, but as this recipe is easily adaptable, I love the idea of pecans.

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (4)

Can You Use a Different-Sized Pan?

Absolutely! You can use an 8×8-inch pan or a 9×9-inch pan if you want a thicker fudge.

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (5)

How to Store Fudge

If you are planning on eating it within 2 weeks, you can store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to separate the layers with parchment or wax paper. You can also store fudge in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Again, an airtight container with separated layers is best.

If you need longer storage, like months, the freezer is the best option. Tightly wrap the fudge with plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. Be sure to label and date.

More Fudge Recipes

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (10)

4.98 from 38 votes

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cool 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

This Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe is a no-fail fudge that is loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts for a perfectly sweet treat.

SavePrint Rate Comment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cups (170 g) unsalted butter
  • cups (168 g) evaporated milk
  • 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 bag (10 ounces) mini-marshmallows, (could use 7-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff instead)
  • 1 cup (117 g) walnuts, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Line a 9×13-inch pan* with parchment paper.

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.

  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Leave on heat until the mixture registers 234°F on a candy thermometer (about 5 minutes).

  • Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and thoroughly combined.

  • Add the mini-marshmallows, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Stir to incorporate.

  • Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature (about 4 hours). To speed up the setting process, you can let it chill in the refrigerator to set.

  • Serve at room temperature.

Video

Notes

*For thicker fudge, pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch parchment paper-lined pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal

Course: Dessert

Keyword: Original Fantasy Fudge

Servings: 32

Calories: 218

Author: Amanda Rettke-iambaker.net

Did you make this recipe?

Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.

Categorized in: Candy, Dessert

Related Recipes

Candy

$300 Candy

Cookies

Chocolate Haystacks

Candy

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Dessert

Peppermint Fudge

Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my fantasy fudge not creamy? ›

Sugar Crystals Formed

It's important to beat the fudge ingredients to develop the right texture, but you won't get smooth, creamy fudge if you beat it when it's too hot. Beating fudge when it's still over heat creates sugar crystals, aka the grittiness you feel in the fudge.

What is the secret to perfect fudge? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

How was fudge originally made? ›

Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What makes fudge softer? ›

If you don't heat your fudge to a high enough temperature, you'll end up with a soft product. And if you heat the mixture too much, your fudge may be harder than you'd like.

Can you fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 4) If you think the reason it didn't set was because you didn't heat it to the right temperature, you could try putting it back into the pan and re-cooking.

Should you stir fudge while it's cooking? ›

Brush the sides of the pan with a wet brush at the beginning of cooking to dissolve sugar crystals stuck to the sides. Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Good use of failed fudge: fudge that is too hard, too soft, too runny, too sugary, too chewy, etc. Proportions are as follows: for every 2 cups (roughly 1 pound yield) of any failed fudge that is not runny, you'll need 1 egg, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup milk. If fudge is soupy, halve the milk (to ¼ cup).

Why does homemade fudge get hard? ›

As water gradually evaporates, sugar is concentrated and the temperature of the mixture rises above 100°C (212°F). If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard.

What makes mackinac island fudge different? ›

To obtain the world famous taste, the fudge is slowly cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame. Once the desired temperature is reached, the mixture is poured onto marble slabs for a cooling period and then hand-paddled into loaves.

How was fudge invented by mistake? ›

The exact origin and inventor of this delicious confection are hotly debated. However, many believe the first batch of fudge was created by accident when American bakers “fudged” a batch of caramels. Hence the name “fudge.”

What is fudge slang for? ›

: foolish nonsense. often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief.

Why is my fantasy fudge dry? ›

If your fudge is crumbly, it means that you cooked it for too long.

How do you fix soft fantasy fudge? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

Why is my fudge like taffy? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

Cooking is necessary to dissolve sugar crystals and to evaporate part of the water in the cream. The length of this step has a direct impact on the firmness of the fudge. As water gradually evaporates, sugar is concentrated and the temperature of the mixture rises above 100°C (212°F).

Why did my fudge come out grainy? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

How do you add moisture to fudge? ›

Cut the fudge into small pieces around one inch and put it on the plate and place each fudge with the distance in between. Keep a bowl of water inside the microwave along with the fudge to create moisture for the pieces to inhale. Next, microwave the fudge pieces for just 10 seconds.

What can I do with failed fudge? ›

My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6522

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.