The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Classic Treat

Grandma’s cherished fantasy fudge recipe holds a magical charm that transports you straight to childhood kitchens.

Sweet memories dance through creamy chocolate layers waiting to delight your senses.

Generations of home cooks have whispered secrets about perfecting this classic treat.

Marshmallow cream blends seamlessly with rich chocolate, creating an irresistible texture that melts on your tongue.

Carefully selected ingredients promise a decadent experience beyond ordinary desserts.

My grandmother’s special technique ensures each batch turns out smooth and delectable.

You won’t believe how simple these ingredients can create such an extraordinary confection.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless dessert that sparks pure joy.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Highlights

The Original Fantasy Fudge Highlights
  • Masterfully Simple Technique: Crafting this fudge requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to create a professional-looking dessert without advanced pastry training.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: The combination of semisweet chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and walnuts creates an irresistibly rich and decadent treat that appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages.
  • Versatile Celebration Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, gift-giving, or spontaneous sweet cravings, this fudge adapts seamlessly to various social occasions and personal indulgence moments.
  • No-Fuss Preparation Magic: With straightforward ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing even novice cooks to produce a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients for The Original Fantasy Fudge

Main Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the base of the fudge.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture to the fudge.
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates a silky, consistent base for the fudge mixture.
  • Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The key ingredient that gives the fudge its classic chocolate flavor.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic sweet flavor to the fudge.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
Preparation Aids:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures easy removal of fudge from the baking dish.

Instructions for The Original Fantasy Fudge

Instructions for The Original Fantasy Fudge

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Get ready to create magic in the kitchen. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Build the Sugary Base

Toss granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk into a large saucepan. Fire up the stove to medium heat and start stirring.

Keep mixing until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture bursts into a rolling boil.

Step 3: Boil With Precision

Let the mixture bubble away for exactly 5 minutes.

Keep stirring like a pro to prevent any burning. Your wooden spoon is your best friend right now!

Once the timer dings, pull that pan off the heat.

Step 4: Chocolate Transformation

Drop in those semisweet chocolate chips.

Stir with passion until they melt completely, creating a silky smooth chocolate paradise.

Step 5: Mix in the Magic

Time to add some serious flavor:
  • Marshmallow creme
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Vanilla extract

Fold everything together until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 6: Smooth and Settle

Pour the fudge into your prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a picture-perfect surface.

Step 7: Patience is Key

Let the fudge chill at room temperature for at least an hour. No refrigerator shortcuts – we want that perfect texture!

Step 8: Cut and Celebrate

Grab a sharp knife and slice into 1-inch squares. Clean the blade between cuts for crisp edges.

Your delicious creation is ready to devour!

Expert Tips on The Original Fantasy Fudge

Expert Tips on The Original Fantasy Fudge
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to prevent uneven melting and achieve a smoother texture.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning during the boiling process.
  • Stir continuously while boiling to avoid sugar crystallization and maintain a consistent mixture.
  • Calibrate your candy thermometer for precise temperature readings if using one for accuracy.
  • Substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

Flavor Variations of The Original Fantasy Fudge

Flavor Variations of The Original Fantasy Fudge
  • Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different crunchy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version of the classic fudge.
  • Flavor Explosion: Incorporate different extracts like peppermint, orange, or almond to create unique taste variations while maintaining the classic fudge structure.
  • Salted Caramel Remix: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the fudge before setting or mix in caramel chips for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.

Pairing Suggestions for The Original Fantasy Fudge

Pairing Suggestions for The Original Fantasy Fudge
  • Match the rich, creamy fudge with a smooth Kentucky bourbon that complements its decadent chocolate notes, enhancing the dessert's deep flavor profile.
  • Brew a strong, bold espresso that echoes the walnut undertones and cuts through the fudge's sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint to the sugary treat.
  • Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the fudge, creating a classic temperature and texture contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Choose a full-bodied red wine with dark fruit undertones, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, to harmonize with the chocolate's intensity and nutty elements.

Storage Tips for The Original Fantasy Fudge

Storage Tips for The Original Fantasy Fudge
  • Transfer cooled fudge squares to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, maintaining texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air from the packaging.
  • Store fudge in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent melting or texture changes. Consume within 1 week for best quality.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Can I substitute the evaporated milk with another type of milk?

No, evaporated milk is crucial for the right texture and consistency of the fudge. Regular milk or other alternatives won’t provide the same results.

  • Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

While a candy thermometer can help, it’s not mandatory. Follow the 5-minute boiling time precisely and stir constantly to achieve the correct temperature and texture.

  • Why is constant stirring so important during the boiling process?

Constant stirring prevents sugar from burning, ensures even heat distribution, and helps create a smooth, creamy fudge without scorching or crystallization.

Print
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The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Rich, creamy original fantasy fudge from mid-20th century kitchens delivers nostalgic chocolate indulgence. Marshmallow creme and classic ingredients combine for a simple yet irresistible sweet treat you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 12-oz/340 g package semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 7-oz/198 g jar marshmallow creme
  • 3 cups/600 g granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup/170 g unsalted butter or margarine
  • 2/3 cup/160 ml evaporated milk
  • 1 cup/120 g chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp/5 ml pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent adherence.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  3. Maintain a steady boil for precisely 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula to prevent burning. Remove from heat immediately after boiling time concludes.
  4. Introduce semisweet chocolate chips to the hot mixture, stirring vigorously until completely melted and achieving a smooth, uniform texture.
  5. Incorporate marshmallow creme by gently folding until fully integrated, then add chopped walnuts and vanilla extract, stirring methodically to ensure even distribution.
  6. Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, using an offset spatula to spread evenly and create a polished surface.
  7. Allow fudge to cool undisturbed at room temperature for minimum 1 hour until completely firm, avoiding refrigeration to prevent unwanted crystallization.
  8. Using a sharp knife, slice the set fudge into 1-inch squares, cleaning the blade between cuts for precise edges. Serve or store as desired.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality chocolate chips to elevate the fudge’s rich, decadent flavor and ensure a smooth, glossy texture.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, aiming for the perfect 234-239°F (soft-ball stage) to guarantee a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Experiment with alternative nuts like pecans or almonds for a personalized twist, or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version that’s equally delicious.
  • For a dietary modification, substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to create a vegan-friendly fudge that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 231
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 28 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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