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!
PIN IT HERE!
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.
Yep,,this is only fantasy,,,the real fudge was on the side on the Hershey cocoa can,,,I am 65,,and none can compare to any out there,,,mom would make this every Friday,,and with popcorn,,,,,beating by hand,,,dropping a little in cold water to see when it forms a ball,,,,
Great and easy to make fudge
Do you beat by hand or mixer and how long
I’ve been making this EXACT fudge recipe for almost 40 years. It was originally released of the labels of Carnation Can Milk, the name is “Carnation 5 Minute Fudge” you are not the first people to claim fame to it.
I literally say “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. If you have never made fudge before, this is a great recipe to start with. I can almost guarantee that you won’t fudge up this Original Fantasy Fudge recipe!” Not sure where you think I “claimed” it. I’m simply sharing the recipe we have been making.
My husband says he only likes my by scratch fudge.made this & he loved it.very good I love it also.
How can I add peanut butter to this recipe???
Working on it! Recipe coming soon!
Similar to my own and it is very easy to make and very tasty I don’t have a candy thermometer all I did was time it once it started to boil and it was just fine,ty so much
I am going to make this I love recipes.Thank you ❤
I have not regretted following your site on any level yet!! Love the up beat posts and the yummy recipes, always a diverse posting !!! Thanks!!
Love your help Amanda some of us Poor People, Do not get the chance for fudge with Walnuts, I love fudge, thank can we do Whit fudge the same,