The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Fantasy Fudge original recipe was found on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. Today, Fantasy Fudge has become a Christmas staple in many homes. My recipe tweaks the ingredients just slightly to make for a more quality fudge while still remaining that classic dessert we all know and love. If you’re in a pinch, try my super simple 3-Ingredient Microwave Fudge Recipe.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (1)

Use a Candy Thermometer

A candy thermometeris the best way to ensure your fudge ingredients are at the right temperature in each stage of making the best fudge. Many candy thermometers are marked with the recommended temperatures for each kind of candy you make. Here is the one I use. It has great reviews and is easy to read!

Can I just use a meat thermometer?

No. A candy thermometer’s long, narrow shape allows you to safely test the temperature without burning yourself. Also, most meat thermometers don’t have the same temperature range that you need when cooking sugar.

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How to Make Fantasy Fudge

For full recipe details on this sweet treat, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making your own Fantasy Fudge recipe:

Prep 9-inch Pan

Spray a 9-inch square pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, so that there is overhang on both sides (for easy lifting).The baking spray is optional, but helps the paper stick better.

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Bring Butter, Sugar + Evaporated Milk to a Boil

In a large saucepan over medium heat to medium high heat, bring unsalted butter, sugar and evaporated milk to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Continue to stir the sugar mixture constantly and boil for 5-10 minutes until until candy thermometer reaches 234° F. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Do not stop until it reaches 234° F.

It will be boiling hard and violently. Remove from heat.

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Stir in Vanilla, Chocolate Chips + Marshmallow Creme

Stir in vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips and marshmallow creme (marshmallow fluff) until well combined and melted.At this point you could also add in nuts if desired (like walnuts or pecans).

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Pour + Spread Evenly into Pan

Pour into prepared pan, using an offset spatula to spread out evenly.Let fudge set and cool completely at room temperature, about 3 hours.

Lift fudge from pan and cut into 1-inch cubes or small squares of your choice.

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Why did my fudge turn out dry and crumbly?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. If you have cooked it too long, the fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture. Alternately, if you haven’t cooked it long enough, the water won’t evaporate, resulting in soft fudge.

Storage Directions

Fudge is best stored at room temperature and will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Use wax paper to separate layers in an airtight container. Or wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t store fudge in the fridge…it will dry it out more quickly and leave you with crumbly, sad, fail fudge. We want to keep that delicious creamy texture.

This vintage recipe is also the perfect fudge to give as holiday gifts! And it doesn’t just have to be for the Christmas season…keep it in mind for Valentine’s Day too (or any special occasion, really)!

Fantasy Fudge Recipe Tips and FAQ

Can I use margarine instead of butter for Fantasy Fudge?

When the original Fantasy Fudge recipe was written, margarine was a common kitchen staple. I personally would never use margarine, so I swapped it out for real butter. Using margarine instead of butter in a Fantasy Fudge recipe is possible, but it may lead to slight differences in taste and texture. Experimenting with small batches and making adjustments as needed can help you achieve the desired results with margarine.

Why did my fudge turn out dry and crumbly?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. If you have cooked it too long, the fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture. Alternately, if you haven’t cooked it long enough, the water won’t evaporate, resulting in soft fudge.

Can I just use a meat thermometer for fudge?

No. A candy thermometer’s long, narrow shape allows you to safely test the temperature without burning yourself. Also, most meat thermometers don’t have the same temperature range that you need when cooking sugar.

Can I freeze fudge?

Yes! If you are looking to store it longer term, freezing is the way to go. Stored in an airtight container, fudge will stay fresh up to 3 months.

What is Fantasy Fudge?

Fantasy Fudge is a marshmallow fudge. The original recipe was found on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. The name “Fantasy Fudge” is derived from the delicious and indulgent nature of the treat. Some people call it Marshmallow Cream Fudge or Marshmallow Creme Fudge.

How to store fantasy fudge-

Fudge is best stored at room temperature and will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Use wax paper to separate layers in an airtight container. Or wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t store fudge in the fridge…it will dry it out more quickly and leave you with crumbly, sad, fail fudge. We want to keep that delicious creamy texture.

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More Fudge Recipes to Try!

  • Peppermint Fudge
  • Gingerbread Marshmallow Fudge
  • Peppermint Oreo Fudge
  • Gingerbread Fudge
  • See all of my favorite Fudge Recipes

I hope you give this classic recipe a try this holiday season. If you do, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star review! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends! 🙂

5 from 1 vote

Fantasy Fudge Recipe

Originally found on a container of Marshmallow Creme, this Fantasy Fudge Recipe has become a Christmas staple in many homes. My recipe tweaks the ingredients just slightly to make for a more quality fudge while still remaining that classic dessert we all know and love.

servings 32 makes 32 – 1″ squares

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 22 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray a 9-inch square pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, so that there is overhang on both sides (for easy lifting).The baking spray is optional, but helps the paper stick better.

  • In a large saucepan over medium high heat, bring butter, sugar and evaporated milk to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (14)

  • Continue to stir constantly and boil for 5-10 minutes until until candy thermometer reaches 234° F. It will be boiling hard and violently. Remove from heat.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (15)

  • Stir in vanilla extract, chocolate chips and marshmallow creme until well combined and melted.At this point you could also add in nuts if desired (like walnuts or pecans).

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (16)

  • Pour into prepared pan, using an offset spatula to spread out evenly.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (17)

  • Cool completely at room temperature, about 3 hours.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (18)

  • Lift fudge from pan and cut into 1-inch cubes.

    The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (19)

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fudge

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the ingredients for fantasy fudge? ›

Fantasy fudge is a decadent blend of the following ingredients: sugar, margarine, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract.

Why is my fantasy fudge not creamy? ›

It's important to beat the fudge ingredients to develop the right texture, but you won't get smooth, creamy fudge if you beat it when it's too hot. Beating fudge when it's still over heat creates sugar crystals, aka the grittiness you feel in the fudge.

Why did my fantasy fudge turn out crumbly? ›

If it doesn't boil, your fudge will end up too mushy, and if it cooks for too long, you'll end up with a dry, crumbly mess. This is why many recipes recommend using a candy thermometer, so you know exactly when to remove your mixture from the heat.

Why is my fantasy fudge grainy? ›

The most common reason for graininess is because you began beating or stirring it while the fudge was still cooling. It's best to wait until it's cooled to somewhere around 110 to 113 degrees to begin stirring.

Why is my fantasy fudge too soft? ›

Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft. A temperature of 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) must be maintained. This will ensure the fudge has the ideal concentration of water and sugar.

How do I fix my fantasy fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

Why is my fantasy fudge oily? ›

The Science Of Oily Fudge

If your fudge is heated too much during the mixing process, or if the ingredients are insufficiently mixed together, the butter fat will separate itself from the liquids in the mix and rise to the top of the fudge, forming greasy pools.

What makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Why won't my 2 ingredient fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

When should you not make fudge? ›

Humidity can cause fudge to boil over in the pan or stay soft when set, so try to avoid working on humid days if at all possible. If waiting for a less humid day isn't feasible, you'll need to boil your fudge at a slightly higher temperature than usual — or just order some delicious fudge from Wockenfuss!

Can you redo fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 4) If you think the reason it didn't set was because you didn't heat it to the right temperature, you could try putting it back into the pan and re-cooking.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

Don't panic if your fudge is grainy, nothing is lost it just requires some more work. Pop the grainy fudge back into the pan along with some water and a little cream and melt the fudge back down to a liquid and re-boil it to temperature.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

How much sugar is in fantasy fudge? ›

Fantasy Fudge
Nutrition Facts
How many net carbs are in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of net carbs in Fantasy Fudge: Net carbs 40.6g-
How much sugar is in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of sugar in Fantasy Fudge: Sugar 37.3g-
How much fiber is in Fantasy Fudge? Amount of fiber in Fantasy Fudge: Fiber 1.2g5%
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