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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I’ve made this years ago. Loved it. Now I am dairy free due to an allergy. Do you think non dairy/ plant based butter and non dairy almond milk would work?
Thank you
I made the original fantasy fudge tonight it is perfect now on to the butter pecan…yum…
I love this recipe for fantasy fudge. I was totally surprised the first time I made it at how simple it is to make. I make it every year. I wrap 6=7 pieces in a Christmas bag and pass them to my friends as gifts being I don’t have lots of money.everybody loves my fudge and they look forward to getting theirs every year. Now I’ve passed this delicious treat recipe on to my BFF so her peopled can enjoy the love we share at Christmas. Happy holidays and thankyou .
i have made it with white chocolate morsels, butterscothch morsels, white chocolate is great cranberry morsels, or smashes peppermint candies so many different ways
I make this every year, just like my mom. It truly never fails, regardless of weather. At least that’s been true for me. My mom made it fir years as well. Best tasting fudge!
My question is, I’m getting ready to make it (tomorrow) and realize I bought mini morsels instead of regular ones. Do I need to make any adjustments?
I have made this fudge every Christmas for about 55 years. In recent years I have been doing 2 double batches. It makes a great gift. Some people remind me they are waiting for it!
What if bags of chips are 11.5 and you are doubling recipe
followed the recipe, fudge came out grainy, what did I do wrong???? It had a rolling boil for 5 minutes.
How many pounds does this make? And does it make ok in a bread pan?
Cake flour recipe please
Hi, Sabrina! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. Here is a cake flour recipe you could use. Have a wonderful day!