The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Fantasy Fudge original recipe was found on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. Today, Fantasy Fudge has become a Christmas staple in many homes. My recipe tweaks the ingredients just slightly to make for a more quality fudge while still remaining that classic dessert we all know and love. If you’re in a pinch, try my super simple 3-Ingredient Microwave Fudge Recipe.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (1)

Use a Candy Thermometer

A candy thermometeris the best way to ensure your fudge ingredients are at the right temperature in each stage of making the best fudge. Many candy thermometers are marked with the recommended temperatures for each kind of candy you make. Here is the one I use. It has great reviews and is easy to read!

Can I just use a meat thermometer?

No. A candy thermometer’s long, narrow shape allows you to safely test the temperature without burning yourself. Also, most meat thermometers don’t have the same temperature range that you need when cooking sugar.

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How to Make Fantasy Fudge

For full recipe details on this sweet treat, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making your own Fantasy Fudge recipe:

Prep 9-inch Pan

Spray a 9-inch square pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, so that there is overhang on both sides (for easy lifting).The baking spray is optional, but helps the paper stick better.

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Bring Butter, Sugar + Evaporated Milk to a Boil

In a large saucepan over medium heat to medium high heat, bring unsalted butter, sugar and evaporated milk to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Continue to stir the sugar mixture constantly and boil for 5-10 minutes until until candy thermometer reaches 234° F. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Do not stop until it reaches 234° F.

It will be boiling hard and violently. Remove from heat.

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Stir in Vanilla, Chocolate Chips + Marshmallow Creme

Stir in vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips and marshmallow creme (marshmallow fluff) until well combined and melted.At this point you could also add in nuts if desired (like walnuts or pecans).

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The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (8)
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Pour + Spread Evenly into Pan

Pour into prepared pan, using an offset spatula to spread out evenly.Let fudge set and cool completely at room temperature, about 3 hours.

Lift fudge from pan and cut into 1-inch cubes or small squares of your choice.

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Why did my fudge turn out dry and crumbly?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. If you have cooked it too long, the fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture. Alternately, if you haven’t cooked it long enough, the water won’t evaporate, resulting in soft fudge.

Storage Directions

Fudge is best stored at room temperature and will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Use wax paper to separate layers in an airtight container. Or wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t store fudge in the fridge…it will dry it out more quickly and leave you with crumbly, sad, fail fudge. We want to keep that delicious creamy texture.

This vintage recipe is also the perfect fudge to give as holiday gifts! And it doesn’t just have to be for the Christmas season…keep it in mind for Valentine’s Day too (or any special occasion, really)!

Fantasy Fudge Recipe Tips and FAQ

Can I use margarine instead of butter for Fantasy Fudge?

When the original Fantasy Fudge recipe was written, margarine was a common kitchen staple. I personally would never use margarine, so I swapped it out for real butter. Using margarine instead of butter in a Fantasy Fudge recipe is possible, but it may lead to slight differences in taste and texture. Experimenting with small batches and making adjustments as needed can help you achieve the desired results with margarine.

Why did my fudge turn out dry and crumbly?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. If you have cooked it too long, the fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture. Alternately, if you haven’t cooked it long enough, the water won’t evaporate, resulting in soft fudge.

Can I just use a meat thermometer for fudge?

No. A candy thermometer’s long, narrow shape allows you to safely test the temperature without burning yourself. Also, most meat thermometers don’t have the same temperature range that you need when cooking sugar.

Can I freeze fudge?

Yes! If you are looking to store it longer term, freezing is the way to go. Stored in an airtight container, fudge will stay fresh up to 3 months.

What is Fantasy Fudge?

Fantasy Fudge is a marshmallow fudge. The original recipe was found on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. The name “Fantasy Fudge” is derived from the delicious and indulgent nature of the treat. Some people call it Marshmallow Cream Fudge or Marshmallow Creme Fudge.

How to store fantasy fudge-

Fudge is best stored at room temperature and will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Use wax paper to separate layers in an airtight container. Or wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t store fudge in the fridge…it will dry it out more quickly and leave you with crumbly, sad, fail fudge. We want to keep that delicious creamy texture.

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More Fudge Recipes to Try!

  • Peppermint Fudge
  • Gingerbread Marshmallow Fudge
  • Peppermint Oreo Fudge
  • Gingerbread Fudge
  • See all of my favorite Fudge Recipes

I hope you give this classic recipe a try this holiday season. If you do, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star review! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends! 🙂

PrintPrint Pin ItPin It

5 from 1 vote

Fantasy Fudge Recipe

Originally found on a container of Marshmallow Creme, this Fantasy Fudge Recipe has become a Christmas staple in many homes. My recipe tweaks the ingredients just slightly to make for a more quality fudge while still remaining that classic dessert we all know and love.

servings 32 makes 32 – 1″ squares

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 22 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray a 9-inch square pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, so that there is overhang on both sides (for easy lifting).The baking spray is optional, but helps the paper stick better.

  • In a large saucepan over medium high heat, bring butter, sugar and evaporated milk to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (14)

  • Continue to stir constantly and boil for 5-10 minutes until until candy thermometer reaches 234° F. It will be boiling hard and violently. Remove from heat.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (15)

  • Stir in vanilla extract, chocolate chips and marshmallow creme until well combined and melted.At this point you could also add in nuts if desired (like walnuts or pecans).

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (16)

  • Pour into prepared pan, using an offset spatula to spread out evenly.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (17)

  • Cool completely at room temperature, about 3 hours.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (18)

  • Lift fudge from pan and cut into 1-inch cubes.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (19)

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fudge

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients for fantasy fudge? ›

Fantasy fudge is a decadent blend of the following ingredients: sugar, margarine, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract.

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? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

What's the main ingredients in fudge? ›

This delicious fudge recipe is easy to make in the microwave with just 3 ingredients: chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Add nuts, mini marshmallows, or candy before chilling to make this treat even more decadent, or try peanut butter chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips to make peanut butter fudge.

How do you thicken fantasy fudge? ›

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.

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.

Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk fudge set? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

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.

Why won't my 2 ingredient fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›

Sweetened condensed milk is high in calories and unsuitable for people with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Its sweet flavor may be off-putting for some and doesn't typically serve as a good substitute for regular milk in recipes.

Can you use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk in fudge? ›

With its very similar consistency, 1 cup of heavy cream can replace 1 cup of evaporated milk in sweet and savory dishes. While the flavor will be blander than evaporated milk's unique caramelized tones, the texture will be noticeably richer.

Why is my condensed milk fudge grainy? ›

The most common reason for graininess is because you began beating or stirring it while the fudge was still cooling. It's best to wait until it's cooled to somewhere around 110 to 113 degrees to begin stirring.

Is Kraft marshmallow creme the same as marshmallow fluff? ›

While they have similar consistencies and flavor there is one notable difference between creme and fluff. Creme contains cream of tartar while fluff does not, making it ideal for use in fudge. What is a substitute for marshmallow cream? You can make marshmallow cream by melting down marshmallows with corn syrup.

What is Penuche fudge made of? ›

Penuche (/pəˈnutʃi/, from Italian: panucci) is a fudge-like candy made from brown sugar, butter, and milk, using no flavorings except for vanilla. Penuche often has a tannish color, and is lighter than regular fudge.

What are the ingredients in good pop fudge? ›

Ingredients. Frozen dessert: oatmilk (water, gluten free oats*), cane sugar*, coconut oil*, pea protein*, sunflower oil*, fair trade vanilla extract*, guar gum*, sea salt, sunflower lecithin*. Fudge coating: chocolate, powdered sugar, coconut oil, canola oil, natural flavor. Are all GoodPop products plant based?

What is opera fudge made of? ›

Wertz's opera fudge contains four basic ingredients: heavy cream, cane sugar, pure vanilla extract and liquid chocolate for the coating. “The ingredients are very simple,” Bill said, “yet they are all important.”

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