Name: Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups granulated sugar; 15 oz Marshmallow Fluff; 18 oz Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips; 1 cup crushed pecans; 1.5 cups butter; 1.25 cups evaporated milk; 1 tbs vanilla extract

There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy indulgence of fudge fresh from your own kitchen. This Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe brings together dark chocolate, marshmallow fluff, and the warmth of vanilla to create a dreamy treat that’s truly satisfying, no matter the occasion.

A stack of three square chocolate fudge pieces sits on a textured white cloth over a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece has visible chunks of dark cherries and walnut pieces inside, creating dark and light spots in the creamy brown chocolate layers. The top fudge shows a smooth, slightly rippled surface, and whole walnut halves are scattered around the base. The background is bright and softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy homemade fudge recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it balances creamy chocolate goodness with a perfectly soft texture, all without needing any complicated candy-making skills.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy to make fantastic fudge—just stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
No Candy Thermometer Required: The method relies on timing and texture, making it foolproof for fudge beginners.
Perfect Texture Every Time: Thanks to the marshmallow fluff, the fudge is melt-in-your-mouth soft, not grainy or hard.
Versatile & Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or extras like dried cherries for a personal twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this fudge recipe plays a vital role in creating that characteristic creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s why they work so well together, plus a few tips to make your shopping easier.

Flat lay of six small white ceramic bowls containing granulated sugar, glossy marshmallow fluff, shiny dark chocolate chips, golden butter cubes, creamy evaporated milk, and a translucent vanilla extract liquid, arranged symmetrically with a white ceramic plate holding a neat pile of crushed pecans, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the fudge and, when dissolved properly, provides the basis for that smooth, chewy consistency.
Marshmallow Fluff: This magical ingredient adds a luscious creaminess and helps prevent crystallization, so your fudge stays soft and silky.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Using good-quality dark chocolate melts beautifully and balances the sweetness with deep cocoa notes.
Crushed Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor – feel free to swap for walnuts or even skip if you want plain fudge.
Butter: Provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel; make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the salt level.
Evaporated Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and prevents your fudge from becoming too dry.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brightens and rounds out all the chocolatey goodness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore this classic combination, I’ve played around with variations that let you make the recipe truly your own. After all, fudge is such a canvas for creativity!

Variation: I once swapped half the pecans for dried cherries and added a pinch of cinnamon—what a festive crowd-pleaser that was! Feel free to experiment with nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
Dairy-Free Option: I've had success using coconut oil in place of butter and dairy-free evaporated milk to make a version that still holds up beautifully.
Chocolate Variety: Use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter fudge, or even mix white chocolate for a marbled effect.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of five square-shaped chocolate fudge pieces, each containing visible chunks of walnuts and dark dried fruit. The top piece has a walnut half placed on it, with a few more walnut halves scattered around the plate. The fudge has a smooth, creamy texture with slight indentations and rich brown color. The setting is a white marbled surface with a blurred glass jar filled with dark round objects in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pans Right

Start by greasing two 9x13 pans or lining them with parchment paper. I prefer parchment—it makes lifting the fudge out painlessly easy once it’s set. You can also line one pan if you want thicker fudge, just adjust the cooking accordingly.

Step 2: Melt Butter & Dissolve Sugar

Over medium heat, melt the butter along with the evaporated milk in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Once melted, stir in the sugar and keep stirring gently but continuously until the sugar dissolves. I find setting a timer for about 4 minutes helps me focus on the texture—not the clock. You want it smooth and glossy, not grainy.

Step 3: Mix in Chocolate & Vanilla

Lower the heat and add the dark chocolate chips along with the vanilla extract. Stir patiently until the chips are completely melted and the mixture looks silky and uniform. If it thickens too fast and starts clumping, just turn the heat back on low for a moment and keep stirring—it’ll smooth right out.

Step 4: Fold in Marshmallow Fluff and Nuts

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated. This lovely fluff gives fudge its characteristic texture and shine. Stir in the crushed pecans last, so they stay crunchy and fresh.

Step 5: Pour, Chill & Cut

Pour the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared pans. Let it cool at room temperature for at least an hour or until completely set. For best results, I like to refrigerate it for a bit after it firms up—it makes cutting cleaner and easier. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or, if you’re feeling fancy, triangles.

Top Tip

I learned a few tricks the hard way while perfecting this easy homemade fudge recipe, and these tips made a huge difference in my results—hopefully, they'll help you get it right the first time.

Patience is Key: Stir consistently but gently as you dissolve the sugar and melt the chocolate to avoid grainy fudge.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: It evenly distributes heat and prevents burning, which can ruin your fudge’s texture.
Marshmallow Magic: Don’t skip the marshmallow fluff—it’s what keeps the fudge soft and creamy instead of hard and brittle.
Cut When Chilled: For clean edges, refrigerate the fudge until firm before slicing. Warm fudge can be sticky and messy.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for visual appeal and crunch—especially if I’m gifting the fudge. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the squares for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea—perfect for cozy afternoons. At parties, I like to set it alongside some fresh fruit and nuts to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special events, I love lining decorative tins or mason jars with wax paper, stacking indulgent fudge squares inside, and topping it with a ribbon and hand-written tag. It always impresses friends and family and adds that personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, I find the fridge helps maintain that perfect fudge firmness without altering the texture too much.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works like a charm! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you want a quick treat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. They almost taste freshly made!

Reheating

If your fudge gets a little too firm in the fridge or freezer, let pieces sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften, or microwave briefly for about 5 seconds to regain that melt-in-mouth feel without melting completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk in this fudge?

While evaporated milk has a thicker consistency that helps create a creamy fudge texture, you can substitute regular whole milk but your fudge may be a bit softer and less rich. For best results, stick to evaporated milk.

What can I do if my fudge ends up grainy?

Grainy fudge usually results from undissolved sugar crystals. To avoid this, make sure you stir continuously and dissolve the sugar completely over medium heat. Also, don’t skip the marshmallow fluff, as it helps keep the texture smooth.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla to this fudge?

Absolutely! This easy homemade fudge recipe is a great base for customizing. You can add almond extract, peppermint, orange zest, or even a splash of coffee for different flavor profiles depending on the season or your mood.

How long does homemade fudge last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this fudge stays delicious for up to one week. Refrigerating can extend the shelf life by a few more days. Freezing works too, allowing you to keep it for months if wrapped properly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Fudge Recipe is my go-to whenever I want to share a little homemade happiness with friends or family. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and just downright delicious—no wonder it’s become a kitchen favorite in my home. Try it out, and I guarantee you’ll keep coming back to this recipe when you need a chocolate fix that feels extra special.