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!

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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.

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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

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Categorized in: Candy, Dessert

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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

What's 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.

What makes fantasy fudge grainy? ›

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. Stirring would help sucrose molecules "find" one another and start forming crystals.

Why did my fantasy fudge turn out crumbly? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Why is my fantasy fudge too soft? ›

Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft. A temperature of 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) must be maintained. This will ensure the fudge has the ideal concentration of water and sugar.

Why is my fantasy fudge oily? ›

The Science Of Oily Fudge

If your fudge is heated too much during the mixing process, or if the ingredients are insufficiently mixed together, the butter fat will separate itself from the liquids in the mix and rise to the top of the fudge, forming greasy pools.

Why is my fantasy fudge crumbly with marshmallow? ›

If it doesn't boil, your fudge will end up too mushy, and if it cooks for too long, you'll end up with a dry, crumbly mess. This is why many recipes recommend using a candy thermometer, so you know exactly when to remove your mixture from the heat.

Why is my fudge not creamy? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

If you continue stirring once the mixture is simmering, you are encouraging the development of sugar crystals. While crystallization is the goal if you're making hard candy, crunchy sugar bits can quickly ruin a fudge's silky smooth texture.

How do I fix my fantasy fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

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

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

Can I fix grainy fantasy fudge? ›

If you discover that your mixture is grainy, some quick thinking will save the entire batch. Pour the fudge back into your pan, and add about a cup of water to it, along with a tablespoon or two of evaporated milk, whipping cream, or whatever cream you're using.

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.

Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

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.

How do you fix dry fantasy fudge? ›

In the oven - wrap the fudge in foil with a tiny bit of water, perhaps 2-3 teaspoons and bake at a low temperature (120-140C or 248-284F) for 10-20 minutes, or until the fudge no longer feels/looks dried out.

How much sugar is in fantasy fudge? ›

Fantasy Fudge
Nutrition Facts
How many net carbs are in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of net carbs in Fantasy Fudge: Net carbs 40.6g-
How much sugar is in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of sugar in Fantasy Fudge: Sugar 37.3g-
How much fiber is in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of fiber in Fantasy Fudge: Fiber 1.2g5%
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