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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Equipment
- Large saucepan I like this one from Kitchenaid!
- 9×13-Inch Pan I use this pan for this recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cups (170 g) unsalted butter
- ⅔ 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
Did you make this recipe?
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Never fails with the 5 minutes.
THIS SWEET LADY EVERY RECIPE ,I MAKE OF HERS ,IS NUMBER ONE,,TY SO MUCH
I have made this fudge for years perfectly. I cannot now get a batch that doesn’t have sugar crystals. I have tried lowering the heat, increasing the heat, more stirring, less stirring. HELP! What am I doing wrong??
It sounds like you may be cooking it too long.
Easy recipe to follow . Makes a great tasting fudge…
I used to love Fudge until I became addicted to your Crockpot Candy!!
LOVE your recipes ❤️
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I made it
for a friend he said it remind him of his
Mothers Fudge.
Thank you for posting this. It used to be on the container of Kraft marshmallow crème but now it has a different recipe. I lost my original copy. Easy, delicious fudge! I leave out the nuts and it’s so creamy—unless you cook it a little too long 😆…it happens! Still delicious, just crumbly.
Do you have a recipe for chocolate fudge without the marshmallow, please…
Thank you
Could you pray for me – I am a candy flunky (seriously my friends send me recipes & say “even you can’t screw this up…lol) I would really like to make this for Xmas gift plates.
Of course!
If you double the recipe and put into a 13 + 9 inch pan how thick would the fudge be?
That’s my question, I want to double and use a deeper cookie sheet.
I lost my recipe and then found your website! Thanks, for posting both the 5 minute time and the 234 degree option. I am at an elevation that 5 minutes does NOT work for me. 234 degrees is more reliable. Woohoo, I’m back in business. Turned out perfect.
Why is my fudge chalky and crumbly?
What did I do wrong?????
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Mine turned out this way too. Not sure but I think I probably cooked it too long. Never made it to 234 degrees either. 🤷♀️