Classic Fantasy Fudge with Step by Step Instructions

Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Michele Tripple

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The classic fantasy fudge is super simple to make and tastes delicious and makes perfect gifts to give friends and neighbors around the holidays!

3 pieces of Classic fantasy fudge stacked

Classic Fantasy Fudge

Do you remember the excitement you felt during the holidays when the doorbell rang? To little kids, it always meant that plates of goodies were being delivered to your door!

As the door would open I would find some way to sneak in between my parents to get a peek at the plate of treats, hoping that I would find fudge on the plate!

I was always so elated when I spotted it!

stack of 3 Classic fantasy fudge pieces with big plate of fudge in background

Once I got older, one of the first things I learned to bake on my own during the holiday season was fantasy fudge.

So today, I am sharing with you my childhood favorite, Classic Fantasy Fudge!

Fantasy Fudge Recipe

closeup of 3 pieces of fudge
  • Yield: About 50 pieces
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Cool Time: 2-3 hours

Fantasy Fudge Ingredients

ingredients for Classic fantasy fudge

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 12oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 7oz jar marshmallow creme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Directions for Classic Fantasy Fudge:

bowl of mini chocolate chips
  • You will first want to prepare your 9×13 inch baking pan lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, you will want to combine the sugar, butter and evaporated milk stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
pouring evaporated milk into pot
melted butter in pot
boiled wet ingredients in pot
wet ingredients in pot
  • Once the mixture is boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and continue to stir constantly. You will want to stir constantly because this helps prevent the sugars from crystallizing. If your sugars crystalize your fudge will become grainy so definitely stir constantly.
chocolate chips pouring into pot
  • Once 5 minutes is up, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallow cream and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
chocolate chips on top of wet melted ingredients.
fudge in pot with wooden spoon
  • Pour into the prepared baking pan and let the fudge set for at least 3 hours.
  • When it is time to slice the fudge, lift the entire block by using the edges of the parchment paper.
Classic fantasy fudge in pan before it sets
overhead shot of Classic fantasy fudge
  • To cut the fudge as cleanly as possible, heat the knife in hot water. Then dry the knife and slice. Between each slice, wipe the knife clean.
  • Cut into small pieces and serve.
  • Store your fudge at room temperature in an airtight container. It will last 1-2 weeks if you don’t eat it all first!
stack of 3 pieces of Classic fantasy fudge with blue and white linen

Tips and Tricks for Original Fantasy Fudge

Does Fantasy Fudge need refrigeration?

Fudge does not need to be refrigerated. It will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container so that it doesn’t dry out.

If you are hoping your fantasy fudge lasts longer than 1-2 weeks you can refrigerate it in an airtight container.

How long does Fudge last?

In an airtight container at room temperature, your fudge should last 1-2 weeks. By placing it in the fridge it will last up to one week longer.

closeup of 3 pieces of fudge

What makes Fudge grainy?

Fudge becomes grainy because it begins to crystalize. Stirring constantly helps prevent the sugars from crystallizing, which will make your fudge grainy. It’s important to stir constantly during the boiling process as well as the cooling process Stirring is key to smooth fantasy fudge.

Can you remelt this Fantasy Fudge Recipe?

If you are having trouble and your fudge is not setting properly and it is appearing to have a grainy texture you probably did not get it hot enough while cooking it.

If this happens, reheat your fudge and then place it back in your pan to set.

3 pieces of fudge stacked with a blue and white linen in background

Can you freeze Fantasy Fudge?

It is possible to freeze your classic fantasy fudge. You will first want to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then you will want to wrap it in aluminum foil, and then throw it in a freezer bag.

Do you remember Fantasy Fudge as a kid? Share with us how making this recipe went in the comments!

Looking for more Desserts and Treats? Check out these Tasty Treats!

Share this super simple fantasy fudge recipe on Pinterest!

Yield: About 50 pieces

Fantasy Fudge

Fantasy Fudge

The classic fantasy fudge is super simple to make and tastes delicious and makes perfect gifts to give friends and neighbors around the holidays! 

Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 12oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 7oz jar marshmallow creme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

    1. You will first want to prepare your 9x13 inch baking pan lining it with parchment paper. 
    2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, you will want to combine the sugar, butter and evaporated milk stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. 
    3. Once the mixture is boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and continue to stir constantly. You will want to stir constantly because this helps prevent the sugars from crystallizing. If your sugars crystalize your fudge will become grainy so definitely stir constantly.
    4. Once 5 minutes is up, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. 
    5. Pour into the prepared baking pan and let the fudge set for at least 3 hours. 
    6. When it is time to slice the fudge, lift the entire block by using the edges of the parchment paper. 
    7. To cut the fudge as cleanly as possible, heat the knife in hot water. Then dry the knife and slice. Between each slice, wipe the knife clean. 
    8. Cut into small pieces and serve.
    9. Store your fantasy fudge at room temperature in an airtight container. It will last 1-2 weeks if you don’t eat it all first! 

4 thoughts on “Classic Fantasy Fudge with Step by Step Instructions”

  1. I haven’t tried your recipe. I came across it while searching for ways to keep fudge from getting grainy, or how to fix graininess. I’m definitely going to give yours a try though. I have an awesome peanut butter fudge recipe that uses marshmallow creme, so this one has to be good too. 😉 I do have a question though… what type of boil should I bring it to… bubbles just starting to appear, gently bubbling, or full-on “violent” bubbling? With the recipe I made today that turned out grainy, it just said to bring to a boil too. I brought it to the point of bubbles just beginning to appear around the edges of the pot. Perhaps that’s where I went wrong – not boiling hard enough and setting my timer too soon, thus not allowing it to cook quite long enough. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hey Kelly! It sounds like you are setting your timer too soon. You want to make sure it is boiling first. I would say an in between boiling not just starting but not violently when you start your timer. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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