70+ Delicious Fudge Recipes You Need in Your Life
Fudge is one of the weirdest culinary concoctions there is. Depending on your preferences it can be soft, chewy or crumbly, and the different flavor combinations are limited only by your imagination. I’ve been collecting fudge recipes for years, trying out every different kind I could find to add to my recipe book. I have my own favorites.
My Velveeta Peanut Butter Fudge is a real crowd pleaser, until people figure out its main ingredient! I also fell in love with Eggnog Fudge this year because I can’t drink the actual beverage without tummy issues! I love spicy Mexican Fudge or just plain old Chocolate Fudge. And my kids truly love a good No Bake Reese’s Fudge. We’ve never met a fudge we didn’t like!
So where does fudge come from?
Apparently fudge began some time in 1886 in Baltimore when a batch of caramel went wrong. In other words, the confectioner “fudged it.”
According to BonBonCandies.com, the first known sale was referred to in the archives of Vassar College in a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge when she discussed her schoolmate’s cousin selling it in a Baltimore grocery store for 40 cents per pound. In 1888, she asked for the recipe and made 30 pounds of fudge for the Vassar Senior Auction, which proved so popular that it spread to other colleges, leading to new takes on the original recipe.
What’s so special about fudge?
When it comes to candy-making, sugar crystals are an absolute no-no. But with fudge, this is a rare exception to the rule. Sugar crystals are what give fudge their texture, allowing the candy to feel firm and smooth, yet melt on your tongue.
The secret to the perfect fudge comes not from cooking it perfectly but from cooling it perfectly. Fudge needs to be allowed to cool undisturbed to 110° F before stirring, otherwise the sugar seed crystals will form too early, and they will attract to one another forming a gritty, crumbly fudge.
By letting your fudge cool down after cooking, only stirring once it has reached that magical 110° F and then stirring constantly until it becomes thick, you’ll have a smooth and delicious fudge that people will rave about.
What even IS fudge?
It’s easy to feel confused about what fudge is. Is it a candy? A cookie? Does it qualify as a baked good? Is it like a box of chocolates? Or something else entirely?
According to TASTE, fudge actually has more in common with marshmallows than anything else.
“Both marshmallows and fudge are whipped candies, made by boiling sugar syrup until all the water evaporates, continuing to cook the syrup […] to a specific stage, and then removing it from the heat and whipping it with a whisk as it cools. Fudge cooks to what’s called the “soft ball” stage, between 234 and 241 degrees. Whipping the syrup encourages the formation of sugar crystals, which give the candy its structure, but by shaking the candy around and folding in air, the crystals stay nice and small, giving the candy a creamy (rather than chunky) feel.”
Source: https://www.tastecooking.com/what-is-fudge/
So realistically, fudge is basically a big thick nugget of sugar flavored with whatever delicious ingredients you happen to have on hand to add to it. NICE!
How long will fudge last?
Here’s the good news. Properly stored, fudge will last as long as a year in your freezer! So all that yummy and delicious fudge you make for Christmas this year can be served to friends and family next year, and no one will be the wiser!
To store your fudge, you’ll first want to cut it into easy portionable sizes, or at least chunks that can be portioned later. Wrap each piece in an airtight material like aluminum foil or Saran® wrap. And hey – like Dawn dish soap, brand matters here. Most other plastic wraps are NOT airtight, so go for Saran® brand if you want to be sure to protect your fudge properly against moisture or water vapor.
Once your fudge is wrapped, place the pieces, one portion at a time, into a plastic freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing the bag, and then place the whole thing in your freezer. Bada bing, bada boom. You’re good to go until you have your next fudge craving.
Remember that you should only remove as much fudge as you need at one time. That is why we have cut it into portions. Defrosting one at a time will ensure you get the best quality of fudge. In fact, the most important part of freezing is how you thaw.
When you are ready to eat your fudge, remove it from the freezer and keep it in the plastic bag. Removing it from the bag may allow moisture from the air to condense on the fudge, leaving it sticky and soft and more unappealing.
Let it sit in its wrapping inside the plastic bag at room temperature until completely thawed. Then, remove from its wrapping, take it out and enjoy!
How Do I Make Fudge?
Now if you’re ready to try your hand at making some delicious fudge of your own, I’ve got dozens of recipes for you to try. Just peruse the list below, choose your favorite and give it a try! Fudge is a pretty simple confection, and even when it occasionally goes wrong, it still tastes pretty amazing. Try it for yourself and start practicing for next year!
70+ Fudge Recipes For Every Taste
Whatever your preferences, there's a perfect flavor of fudge out there for you. We've rounded up more than 70 of the best fudge recipes for everyone. Classic recipes along with more modern takes, including alcoholic fudge, keto fudge, paleo fudge, dairy-free and gluten-free fudge, and even fudge with hidden veggies! You're going to flip out at the variety of different fudge recipes we've collected.
Butterscotch Fudge
This easy Butterscotch Fudge takes only 3 Simple Ingredients. It is a no-bake fudge recipe, which is even better. Effortless and delicious!
Caramel Apple Pie Fudge
This Caramel Apple Pie Fudge is caramel apples meets apple pie. A fantastic Fall dessert mash-up or anytime during the year!
White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
This White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge is HEAVEN! I could easily coin this the best chocolate fudge ever, great for holiday baking and exchanges.
Cheesecake It Is!
Even if you are not good in the kitchen, you can still make this fudge recipe. This Easy Cheesecake Fudge can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
Coca-Cola® Fudge Recipe with Walnuts
This rich and chocolatey fudge combines two of my favorite things -- Coca Cola and chocolate! So sweet and delicious!
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
This Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is a simple recipe to make and is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s soft and creamy and great for the holidays and special occasions or just because!
Cookie Dough Fudge
Who wouldn't want to dig into a cookie dough fudge?? It's like licking the spoon at grandma's house.
Nutella Rocky Road Fudge
Nutella Rocky Road Fudge is perfect for Nutella and fudge lovers, alike! Loaded with marshmallows, walnuts, and chocolate chips, it’s an easy and delicious treat that everyone will love.
Chocolate Kahlua Fudge
Studded with chopped chocolate covered espresso beans and laced with coffee and Kahlua in the fudge, it's truly a chocolate-coffee-Kahlua lover's dream.
5-Minute Cookie Butter Fudge
All you need to prepare this delicious gingerbread-scented fudge is three ingredients, one microwave, and five minutes. It's doesn't get easier than this!
Salted Dark Chocolate Bourbon Fudge
Salted Dark Chocolate Bourbon Fudge is a little bite of chocolate-bourbon heaven.
Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Fudge
If you love the taste of honey roasted peanuts, you're going to love this delicious fudge!
Salted Dark Chocolate Pretzel Fudge
Salty and sweet? You can't beat this gorgeous flavor combination.
The BEST Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
This sweet Butter Pecan Fudge is just like you would get on a vacation. Creamy, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and finishes with the crunch of pecans!
Rocky Road Fudge
Rocky Road Fudge is packed full of mini marshmallows and biscuit to give the most delicious soft fudge. You won't want to give this away!
Gingerbread Chocolate Caramel Fudge
Fudge doesn’t have to be difficult! This easy-to-make Gingerbread Fudge also involves lots of chocolate and caramel and makes the perfect holiday dessert or edible gift!
Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe with Holiday Swirls
This Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe is an easy treat that’s perfect for both kids and adults this holiday season! Featuring festive sprinkles and beautiful red and green swirls, this is sure to be a hit.
Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Fudge
Whip up a batch of this chocolate pumpkin spice fudge for your next party or Sunday dinner. The best part? You can make it in the microwave!
Pumpkin Butterscotch Fudge!
This delicious fudge will take you from autumn straight through winter.
4-Ingredient (No Butter!) Chocolate Fudge with Coconut
No butter, but it's big on flavor anyway.
Quick & Easy Animal Cookie Fantasy Fudge Recipe
Make this Animal Cookie Fantasy Fudge for a sweet twist on a classic childhood treat.
Pumpkin Cranberry Fudge
Perfect thanksgiving fudge that would be great for a holiday dessert.
(Sneaky) Beet Butterscotch Fudge
Hide some beets in your fudge. No one will ever know!
3 Ingredient Classic Chocolate Fudge
This classic and easy chocolate fudge recipe is made with just 3 ingredients, and whips up in five minutes or less, is perfect to serve at a party or to give as a gift, and has such a delicious, rich chocolate flavor!
Homemade S'mores Fudge Wedding Favor
A delightful gift your wedding guests will love!
Pumpkin Fudge
No candy thermometer needed, and it uses actual pumpkin.
Pomegranate and Condensed Milk Fudge with Pistachios
This pomegranate and condensed milk fudge is a slightly fruity fudge, topped with pistachios and makes a great holiday treat to give as foodie gifts.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
This peanut butter fudge is the easiest treat you’ll make all year. Just three ingredients, a little time in the microwave, and your fudge is done—no candy thermometer required!
Homemade Whisky Fudge
Made using the traditional method, this fudge recipe is delicious carrying the flavour and aroma of whisky (whiskey). It’s perfect for offering as a gift to loved ones or even treating yourself.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
When chocolate and peanut butter collide, you know you're in for a great time.
Grandpa Johnson's Easy Homemade Rocky Road Fudge
If grandpa is involved, you bet your bippy it's going to be a treat!
Chocolate Mint Fudge
Chocolate and Peppermint come together perfectly in this chocolate mint layered fudge recipe.
Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Pie With Raspberries
This rich, decadent gluten free chocolate fudge pie has is all! Thick chocolate, light raspberries, and a very creamy center. The perfect easy, no-bake gluten free dessert!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
This old fashioned chocolate peanut butter fudge has two layers for double the flavor!
Keto White Chocolate Fudge
This easy White Chocolate Keto Fudge recipe is great for gift giving.
The easiest chocolate peanut butter coconut oil fudge
Vegan chocolate peanut butter coconut oil fudge recipe! This easy, no bake fudge only takes 15 minutes of prep time and only 5 ingredients!
Mickey's Cookies & Cream Fudge
Delicious cookies and cream fudge that will knock your socks off.
Fruitcake Fudge Recipe
Just wait until you whip up a batch of this Holiday Fruitcake Fudge. It’s a simple recipe that packs a huge amount of flavor and taste. A perfect spin on a Holiday classic.
3 Ingredient Cookies & Cream Fudge!
Cookies and cream fudge seems to be a popular choice, and this one really tastes like cookies and milk!
White Chocolate Pistachio & Cranberry Fudge
This white chocolate, pistachio cranberry fudge is not too sweet, just creamy and delicious with a little crunch from the pistachio’s and slightly tart from the cranberries.
Easiest Ever Two-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe
This two-ingredient chocolate fudge is practically foolproof and easy to customize with your favourite flavorings and stir-ins!
Salted Dark Chocolate Toffee Fudge
A personal favorite, this salty and sweet with a bitter edge really slays!
Salted Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Another vote for salty and sweet, you can't help but love this decadent fudge.
Low-Carb Peanut Butter Fudge (Keto)
For those who crave fudge but follow the keto lifestyle, there's a great recipe for you.
Creamy Dreamy Dairy-Free Fudge (Paleo)
Another alternative for different diets, here's a paleo fudge option!
Healthy Bean Fudge!
This Bean Fudge (yes I said "bean" and "fudge" in the same sentence) is so super rich and flavorful that no one will expect that it's made from beans. Get ready to be amazed.
Mint Fudge Recipe - Low Carb, Dairy & Sugar Free
This Healthier Mint Fudge is a sugar-free fudge that you can for sure feel good about eating--all natural healthful ingredients, and no cooking involved either!
Love After Lockup Felon Fudge
Here's one you've probably never heard of, but who wouldn't be intrigued with a name like that!?
Candy Cane Fudge
A perfect holiday fudge for all of you mint lovers out there.
Maltesers Microwave Fudge
This unbelievable Maltesers (Whoppers for us Americans) microwave fudge recipe is literally the best thing ever in the history of the Universe! Ever heard of making microwave fudge with condensed milk? Well now you have! It’s the crazy easy ‘cheat’ way of making fudge.
White Chocolate Cookie Dough Fudge
Beautifully smooth & creamy white chocolate fudge stuffed with chocolate chip cookie dough... This White Chocolate Cookie Dough Fudge is pretty much the most amazing fudge I’ve ever made. It’s by far the quickest to disappear and it tastes incredible!
Spiked Baileys chocolate fudge
If you enjoy your fudge with a bit of a kick, you'll love this Irish Creme flavor!
2 Ingredient Strawberry Fudge
There aren't enough fruity fudges if you ask me. This strawberry fudge is a nice change from the more heavy flavors.
Chocolate Walnut Ketogenic Fudge
Another option for those who follow a keto eating plan.
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Fudge Small Batch Recipe for Two
Here's a great option for anyone who only wants to make a small batch of fudge and really loves their whiskey.
Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Anyone who claims to have the best chocolate fudge recipe better be able to back it up. I say this one is worth trying just to test that claim out!
Mocha Fudge
Rich smooth and creamy Mocha Fudge with the intense flavor of espresso and chocolate. This is a fudge that deserves a special place in your holiday baking and gift giving.
Lemon Fudge
Lemon Fudge – like a sunny little addition to your snacking needs! It’s a little sweet and a little tart. Perfect for those of you (like me!) who LOVE lemon desserts!
Almond Joy Fudge - Keto and Low Carb
Thick and rich fudge with shredded coconut and chopped almonds cut into little squares of heaven!
Fudge Fat Bombs
These Fudge Fat Bombs are the ultimate keto dessert option! This recipe is low-carb, paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, refined-sugar-free and contains minimal net carbs per serving. If you love fudge, you will love these fat bombs!
5-Minute Santa's Hot Chocolate Fudge
Hot Chocolate Fudge is a 5-minute holiday dessert made from chocolate fudge topped with toasted marshmallow creme. The best way to EAT your hot cocoa: it’s bite-sized pure comfort!
Brigadeiro Recipe: The Best Chocolate Fudge Balls Ever
Brigadeiro (plural Brigadeiros) is a chocolate fudge made with condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. It’s LOVE at first bite!
Quick and Easy Peppermint Fudge
Chocolate and peppermint go together like gangbusters in this traditional fudge.
Snowflake and Christmas Wreath Fudge
Now these are what I call "fancy fudge."
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Mmmm fudge! Nothing beats homemade fudge, and this decadent chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is simply divine.
Buttered Rum Fudge Recipe
Make some delicious Buttered Rum Fudge this holiday season. The spicy flavors of rum and cinnamon come together with white chocolate chips to make the creamiest fudge you have ever had.
White Chocolate Fudge
How to make White Chocolate Fudge (in a slow cooker) without a lot of effort! White Fudge also known as Vanilla Fudge is made with just 4 ingredients!
Old Fashioned Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Another old fashioned fudge that delivers on taste.
Dreamy Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge
For anyone who loves peanut butter and classic fudge texture.
Candied Bacon Maple Walnut Fudge
For bacon lovers everywhere, this is the classic salty sweet combination that you've been waiting for.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
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