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I found this Paula Deen fudge recipe years ago when I needed a quick treat for my son's bake sale. Now it's my go-to when I'm craving something sweet or need a last-minute dessert. The best part? It takes about as long as my coffee break! My kids love helping stir in the marshmallows and watching them melt like magic. Just be warned - once you make this, your family will keep asking for it!
Why This Recipe's My Secret Weapon
You won't believe how quick this fudge is to make. No candy thermometer, no complicated steps just throw everything in a pot and stir! It comes out perfect every single time. My neighbor thought I spent hours making it and almost fell over when I told her it only took 5 minutes. Plus, clean-up is a breeze since you only need one pot. Though I usually have to hide a few pieces from my husband or they'll disappear before they're even set!
Grab These From Your Kitchen
- White Sugar: Just regular sugar nothing fancy needed
- Evaporated Milk: Not sweetened condensed milk they're different trust me I learned the hard way!
- Butter: A tablespoon of the unsalted kind
- Salt: Just a pinch makes everything taste better
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Get the good ones they're the star of the show
- Marshmallows: The big ones work best they melt so nicely
- Vanilla: Real vanilla makes such a difference
- Nuts: Whatever kind you like or leave them out if you're not a nut person
Let's Make Some Fudge
- First Things First
- Throw your sugar milk butter and salt in a pot. Turn on the heat and get ready for your arm workout - you've got to keep stirring! My daughter counts to 300 while we stir it's about 5 minutes.
- Add The Good Stuff
- Once it's bubbling dump in those chocolate chips. Keep stirring until everything's melted and looks like silky chocolate heaven.
- The Fun Part
- Take it off the heat and toss in your marshmallows. Watch them get all melty and swirly! This is when I usually let the kids add nuts if we're using them.
- Almost There
- Pour it into your pan give it a little shake to smooth it out. Now comes the hard part - waiting for it to set!
Make It Your Own
Some days I toss in pecans other times walnuts. During Christmas I crush up candy canes to sprinkle on top. My friend adds crushed Oreos to hers and wow is it good! Just keep the base recipe the same and have fun with the mix-ins. My kids love helping decide what to add each time we make it.
Tips From My Kitchen
Don't skip the stirring part your arm might get tired but it's worth it to avoid burnt fudge! Make sure you've got all your ingredients ready to go before you start it moves quick once you get going. And here's my secret - spray your pan with cooking spray first makes it so much easier to get the fudge out later.
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Keeping It Fresh
If you can resist eating it all at once this fudge keeps pretty well! I store mine in those plastic containers with the snap-on lids keeps it fresh for about a week. You can even cut it into squares and layer it between wax paper works great for holiday gift boxes. Just keep it away from heat or you'll have chocolate soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use marshmallows in fudge?
Marshmallows help create a smooth, creamy texture and make the recipe more foolproof. They act as a stabilizer and prevent sugar crystals from forming.
- → How do I know when to stop stirring?
Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is smooth. Any lumps will show in the finished fudge.
- → Why isn't my fudge setting?
Make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil before adding chocolate. Also, don't skip the evaporated milk - regular milk won't work the same way.
- → Can I use different chocolate?
Yes, try dark or semi-sweet chips. Just make sure to use real chocolate chips, not candy melts, for the right texture.
- → How long does it take to set?
Usually 2-3 hours at room temperature, or about 1 hour in the fridge. The fudge should feel firm when gently pressed.
Conclusion
Classic chocolate fudge that's simple to make and delicious to enjoy. Perfect for quick dessert cravings or special occasions.