Fantasy Fudge
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This rich and creamy Fantasy Fudge is the perfect chocolate treat, loaded with smooth marshmallow creme and crunchy walnuts. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together with simple pantry ingredients—no candy thermometer needed!
Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this old-fashioned fudge is sure to disappear fast. It’s sweet, chocolatey, and so easy, even beginner bakers can nail it!
Why You’ll Love This Fudge
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Rich and Velvety – The combination of chocolate chips and marshmallow creme gives you that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Foolproof Recipe – No fancy tools, no candy thermometer, and no stress. Just stir, pour, and let it set!
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Perfect for Sharing – Cut into clean little squares, it’s great for gifting or adding to a holiday dessert tray.
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Totally Customizable – Swap out the nuts, add swirls of peanut butter, or sprinkle in some crushed cookies.
Tools You’ll Need
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Heavy-bottomed saucepan
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Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
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9×13 or 8×8-inch pan
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Parchment paper or foil
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Optional: Candy thermometer (helpful, but not required!)
Tip: Grease your parchment or foil with a little butter or cooking spray to make removing the fudge a breeze.
Ingredients
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3 cups granulated sugar
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¾ cup unsalted butter
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⅔ cup evaporated milk
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12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
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1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Tip: Use a good-quality chocolate chip—this really makes a difference in flavor!
How to Make Fantasy Fudge
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line your baking dish with parchment or foil and lightly grease it. I usually go with an 8×8 for thick, bakery-style fudge squares, but a 9×13 works great if you prefer them thinner.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture starts bubbling.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Once it reaches a boil, keep stirring and let it cook for 4–5 minutes. You want it to hit the soft-ball stage—around 234°F if you’re using a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, just drop a bit into cold water. It should form a soft, flexible ball.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Mix in Marshmallow & Vanilla
Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla. Stir until everything is fully combined and velvety.
Step 6: Fold in the Nuts
If you’re using walnuts, stir them in now until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Pour & Let It Set
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Let it cool at room temp for about 3 hours, or pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Once it’s fully set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment. Slice into squares with a sharp knife. I like to run the blade under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for those picture-perfect edges.
Storage Tips
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Fridge: Keeps for 2–3 weeks, just let it sit out a bit before serving.
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Freezer: Wrap individual pieces and freeze for up to 3 months!
Helpful Tips
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Don’t skip the stirring—keep it moving so the sugar doesn’t scorch.
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Measure everything before you start; once it boils, you’ve got to move fast!
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Let the fudge fully cool before cutting or it’ll stick and smear.
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Use evaporated milk—not sweetened condensed milk. They’re not interchangeable!
Flavor Ideas
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Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel
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Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts
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Stir in crushed Oreos or toffee bits
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Mix in peppermint extract for a holiday twist
What to Serve With Fantasy Fudge
This fudge is great on its own, but here are a few fun ways to dress it up:
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With a glass of cold milk
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Paired with fresh berries
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Crumbled over ice cream
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With a drizzle of warm caramel
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Served alongside salty pretzels for a sweet-and-salty treat
Nutrition Info (Per Square – Approx.)
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Calories: ~150
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Carbs: ~25g
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Fat: ~6g
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Sugar: ~22g
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Protein: ~1g
FAQs
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes! Just leave them out—no other changes needed.
Why didn’t my fudge set?
It likely didn’t boil long enough. You can try reheating, boiling for another minute, and resetting.
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead?
Nope—too thick and sweet. Stick with evaporated milk.
How do I cut it cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, rinse with hot water between cuts, and wipe the blade.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and watch the boiling time closely.
The Bottom Line
This Fantasy Fudge is a chocolate lover’s dream—smooth, rich, and packed with that classic old-fashioned flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat and special enough for holiday gift boxes. No thermometer, no stress—just delicious fudge that’s guaranteed to impress!
