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?
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.
I lost my copy of the original recipe that Kraft sent me about 40 yrs ago after I lost my original copy I’d been using for 25 years before that, when I was 13. And every recipe, I looked at, except yours, tried to say it was original, yet they called for marshmallow creme, NOT miniature marshmallows, which is what the real original recipe called for.
My only complaint is you didn’t give the microwave instructions for cooking the fudge. Kraft sent the microwave instructions to me along with the replacement recipe and a bunch of variations. Cooking the fudge in the microwave doesn’t make it any better, but it does make it easier, especially for us old ladies with mobility issues.
Thank you for posting the authentic original recipe!
Thank you for this. I started making this in 1967. I’ve made this so many times I just don’t think of it till one of my grandkids reminds me. I couldn’t find my recipe, jeez I have so many easy, fast, recipes over the past 50 years of cooking that some things just get put away. So, thanks for getting me easily back to my past happy days.
Thanks Valeris (Mema)
Can u use pecans?
Of course
I made this fudge for the first time I’ve ever made any fudge and everybody went crazy over it
I grew up making my mother’s version of this fudge and once even won the grand champion ribbon at the state fair! We use marshmallow fluff and cut the sugar in HALF which I personally find makes this perfect fudge even more perfect… and so did the judges😉🥰
This recipe is perfect. Except this time I was in a rush and put the entire can of evaporated milk in the recipe instead of just the 2/3 cup. I just realized it was getting firm so I put it in the refrigerator and hoping it will harden. OR, SHOULD I JUST THROW IT AWAY AND START OVER?
I like fudge but usually find it too sweet. Can the amount of sugar be reduced?
My mom and grandmother both made this fudge. The recipe I had for this was missing one thing so my mom found your website and sent it to me and the recipe worked perfectly. One question I have is do you think you could use dark chocolate in this recipe or other types of chips?
Yes! You can definitely utilize variations. 🙂
I absolutely love fantasy fudge!
Is it possible to freeze this for the holidays?