This old fashioned homemade fudge is the best easy chocolate fudge recipe you'll ever find! Perfect from Christmas or just because, it's made with dark chocolate and marshmallows for a smooth and creamy texture that the whole family will love!
Also known as fantasy fudge, this is a classic intensely chocolate fudge that will satisfy even the biggest chocolate fan!
Every year since I was three years old I've made this fudge recipe, the one my grandfather taught me when I was little. He taught me the secret to perfect, creamy, smooth fudge.
Every year I would stand over a boiling pot of sugar and watch my grandfather patiently stir the sugar, butter, and milk to silky perfection, occasionally taking my turn.
I remember him holding the large pot so I could stir until my little arms got tired, then he would take over. Every year we would take turns mixing in the chocolate and marshmallows, then scraping down the pan.
Every year until he passed away, just 3 years ago. And even though he’s not here anymore, the tradition lives on.
Now, I get to stand shoulder to shoulder with his namesake, my 3 year old son, and continue this sweet (pun intended) tradition!
What a blessing! I hope you enjoy this homemade fudge recipe as much as we do!
This is one of the family recipes featured in my From Scratch Holiday Cookbook, if you'd like a copy in a physical cookbook!
Tips for the Best Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Over the years I've found that a few things really do make the difference between a decent fudge and an amazing fudge recipe!
So, I thought I'd share them with you!
Tip One:
Use a large metal spoon and stir with the back of it. I know it sounds weird, I know it doesn't make sense, but trust me. I've been trying to figure out a way around this tip for years!
My grandfather insisted it make the fudge insanely creamy and he was right! Whenever I forego this tip I regret it with the finished product.
Tip Two:
Homemade marshmallows make the fudge a little lighter and less dense, but you can also use store-bought marshmallows or even marshmallow cream in equal parts if you don't want to make your own marshmallows.
I like making my own marshmallows for this because I can then use honey or maple syrup and reduce the processed sugar in the overall fudge recipe.
Tip Three:
Don't waste the left over fudge in your pan! After you pour the fudge into the buttered dish, there will always be some left over.
Scrap it all down and make hot chocolate with it instead! And if you need more chocolate fudge to make enough hot chocolate for the whole family, a one inch square of fudge is the perfect amount for 8 ounces of hot milk!
Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 Cups sugar
- 3/4 Cup butter
- 2/3 Cup milk
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1 Cup marshmallows (we use homemade)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (we use homemade)
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 pan.
- In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Bring mixture to boil, boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Use a large spoon and stir evenly, remembering to scrap the bottom as you stir.
- Removed from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until fully melted. The back of a large metal spoon works best, and makes the fudge extra creamy!
- Add marshmallows and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Pour fudge into greased pan and allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Kathy says
I love this recipe! Simple, and doesn’t require having evaporated milk or marshmallow cream on hand, which I don’t. I made it according to your recipe with no alterations. Perfect! I would suggest a good quality dark chocolate chips rather than store brand. I even took your tip about making a cup of hot chocolate from the scrapings left in the pot. Bonus!
Everyone wanted more ?
Thanks for sharing!
Victoria says
I’m so glad y’all loved it Kathy!! Thanks for the awesome feedback!
Sylvia says
Hi, we in Germany really don’t have a variety of choc. chips. If you are lucky you will find one kind. Can I substitute with reg. Chocolate and if so what kind do I need to use and is it the same amount?
Thanks
Sylvia
Victoria says
Hi Sylvia! You can use any sweetened or dark chocolate for this recipe. It doesn’t have to be chocolate chips specifically, those are just easy to find here. So, if you wanted to use a dark chocolate baking bar and chop it up roughly, so it will melt easily, then that will work just fine!
The amount of chocolate needed would be the same :)
Linda Spooner says
I have an even better receipt. In a glass measure cup pour a 2 cup bag of Toll House choc chips. Then add 1 regular can ;Eagle Brand Sweetened Condence Milk. Put in microwave for 3 full min. stir half way thru. Pull out of microwave and add 1 tsp of vanilla and stir. Pour into an 8″ cake pan, round or square. And put in fridge to set. I often double this receipt. And Eagle Brand has come out with fat free. And no one can tell. It is creamy and really great flavor and it done in 3 minutes.