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.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (2)

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.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (3)

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.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (4)
The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (5)
The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (6)

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).

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (7)
The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (8)
The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (9)

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.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (10)
The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (11)

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.

The Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe (12)

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! 🙂

PrintPrint Pin ItPin It

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 makes fantasy fudge grainy? ›

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. Stirring would help sucrose molecules "find" one another and start forming crystals.

Why isn't my fantasy fudge 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.

How was fudge originally made? ›

Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.

How to make fudge creamy and not grainy? ›

By cooling the fudge prior to agitation (like in the recipes included in this article), on the other hand, you'll get much smaller, finer sugar crystals and a finished fudge with a smooth, creamy texture. Cool the mixture until it reads 120° F on the thermometer—no stirring. This can take 1 to 1/2 hours.

Should you stir fudge while it's cooking? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy 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.

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

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

What happens if you boil fudge too long? ›

Too cooked

The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.) of 35% cream and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely melted. Then let it boil without stirring until the thermometer reaches 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Is Kraft marshmallow creme the same as marshmallow fluff? ›

While they have similar consistencies and flavor there is one notable difference between creme and fluff. Creme contains cream of tartar while fluff does not, making it ideal for use in fudge. What is a substitute for marshmallow cream? You can make marshmallow cream by melting down marshmallows with corn syrup.

What can I do with failed fudge? ›

Good use of failed fudge: fudge that is too hard, too soft, too runny, too sugary, too chewy, etc. Proportions are as follows: for every 2 cups (roughly 1 pound yield) of any failed fudge that is not runny, you'll need 1 egg, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup milk. If fudge is soupy, halve the milk (to ¼ cup).

Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk fudge set? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start.

What makes mackinac island fudge different? ›

To obtain the world famous taste, the fudge is slowly cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame. Once the desired temperature is reached, the mixture is poured onto marble slabs for a cooling period and then hand-paddled into loaves.

Was fudge made by mistake? ›

That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.

What is fudge slang for? ›

: foolish nonsense. often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief. 2. : a soft creamy candy made typically of sugar, milk, butter, and flavoring.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do you cut fudge so it doesn't crumble? ›

Put both knives into a large measuring cup, add boiling water onto the knives, and before cutting the chocolate or the dessert into pieces, wipe the knife with a towel. The warm knife will easily cut through without cracking.

Why does my fudge crumble when I cut it? ›

The ingredients for fudge are combined and cooked to 234 degrees, cooled to 110 degrees without stirring, then beaten until creamy. Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Secondly, the pot's material should allow for good heat distribution hence your top choice should be copper cookware or a pot with a copper core. Copper's exceptional heat conductivity offers unparalleled temperature control, an asset when working with finicky ingredients like sugar.

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