Mom’s Marshmallow Fudge Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic treats, you are going to absolutely adore Mom’s Marshmallow Fudge Recipe. This classic fudge is creamy, rich, and wonderfully smooth, with the perfect touch of marshmallow fluff that makes it irresistibly light and fluffy. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is a treasured favorite that brings back warm memories and fills every bite with comfort. It’s simple, quick, and uses pantry staples to create a decadent candy that tastes like a little bit of homemade heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about this recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one building layers of flavor and texture that make the fudge so dreamy. Every item in this list plays a crucial role—from the butter giving it that silky mouthfeel, to the marshmallow cream adding that light, airy swirl.

• Butter (3/4 cup / 1 and 1/2 sticks): Use real butter for the best creamy texture and rich flavor; margarine just won’t do here.
• White granulated sugar (2 & 1/2 cups): The backbone of your sweetness and structure—measure carefully to ensure perfect consistency.
• Full-fat evaporated milk (2/3 cup): Adds creaminess and helps dissolve the sugar properly; do not substitute with sweetened condensed milk.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces / 2 cups): Choose a high-quality brand for that deep chocolate note that balances the marshmallow’s sweetness.
• Marshmallow cream (7-ounce jar): Also known as marshmallow fluff, this lightens the fudge’s texture and brings that classic marshmallow flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Finishes everything off with a warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Mom’s Marshmallow Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, line everything up like a pro. Measuring out your ingredients ahead of time is key because fudge-making waits for no one. When the sugar mixture boils, you’ll want to be ready to move fast and smooth or risk a grainy mess.

Step 2: Line Your Pan

Grab an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. This simple step makes life easier when you cut and lift out your beautiful fudge squares later.

Step 3: Get Your Mix-Ins Ready

Open that bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the jar of marshmallow cream. Removing the foil seal from the marshmallow fluff now saves time and hassle—trust me, you’ll thank yourself once you get going.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Use a heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt slowly and use your spoon to coat the sides of the pan with melted butter, which helps prevent sugar crystals from sticking—a little trick that ensures smooth fudge.

Step 5: Add Sugar Carefully

Pour the sugar slowly into the melted butter’s center, trying not to let any crystals cling to the pan’s sides. Then, gently swirl the butter into the sugar with your wooden spoon to moisten it all. This delicate dance is what keeps the fudge silky rather than gritty.

Step 6: Stir in Evaporated Milk

Pour in the evaporated milk and stir everything thoroughly, making sure every dry speck of sugar gets soaked. This is crucial for a flawless finish once it boils.

Step 7: Boil with Attention

Brace yourself for this part. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and turn the heat down to medium so your fudge doesn’t burn on the bottom. Keep stirring the whole time. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature of about 234-236°F. This perfect boil sets the foundation for a melt-in-your-mouth fudge.

Step 8: Melt the Chocolate Chips

As soon as your timer goes off, remove the pot from heat and dump all the chocolate chips in at once. Stir vigorously until they completely melt and the mixture is perfectly smooth. No lumps allowed if you want that silky consistency!

Step 9: Blend in the Marshmallow Cream

Give your marshmallow cream a quick zap in the microwave—about 10 to 15 seconds—to soften it up, then add it to your chocolate mixture. Beat with your wooden spoon until almost fully blended. The marshmallow brings that iconic fudge softness and sweetness that you just can’t get elsewhere.

Step 10: Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla until there are no more streaks. Stop stirring right when it’s fully combined—you want to keep the texture perfectly smooth but not overworked.

Step 11: Pour into Prepared Pan

Immediately pour the liquid fudge into your lined pan, leaving behind any dried fudge bits clinging to the pot edges. Give your pan a gentle shake to help the fudge settle evenly. Don’t fuss with smoothing it out; those natural ripples are part of the charm.

Step 12: Cool and Set

Patience is a virtue here! Let the fudge cool completely to room temperature. This step is the hardest because the aroma alone might tempt you to sneak a bite early.

Step 13: Slice and Enjoy

Once set, cut your velvet-smooth fudge into 7×7 small squares—perfect for sharing or keeping close for yourself since it’s beautifully rich and satisfying.

Step 14: Store Properly

Keep your fudge covered with plastic wrap on the counter, never in the fridge. Trust me, fudge tastes best at room temperature, and if it disappears quickly, that’s a good problem to have.

How to Serve Mom’s Marshmallow Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add delightful texture and an extra pop of flavor, but this fudge is so perfect on its own that garnishing is completely optional.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a cozy afternoon snack. It’s also a fabulous sweet finish after a hearty holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces and wrap each square in colorful parchment or place them in decorative tins. You can even layer fudge with crushed candy canes or chopped dried fruits to personalize each batch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fudge stored tightly covered at room temperature. Plastic wrap or an airtight container works best to maintain its soft texture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your fudge longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Fudge generally tastes best at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If it’s too firm, simply leave it out for a bit to soften before serving. This way, you’ll preserve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk’s concentrated creaminess is essential for the fudge’s texture and flavor, so regular milk won’t provide the same result. Stick to evaporated milk for the best outcome.

Why shouldn’t I use margarine in this recipe?

Butter delivers rich flavor and a smooth creaminess that margarine cannot replicate. Margarine’s higher water content can affect the fudge’s texture, making it less silky.

What if my fudge turns out grainy?

Graininess usually happens if sugar crystals aren’t fully dissolved or if sugar sticks to the sides of the pot. Make sure to carefully moisten the sugar and avoid letting crystals cling on the pot edges during cooking.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with baking chocolate?

Yes, but be careful with the quantity and stirring. Chocolate chips have stabilizers that help with smooth melting, while baking chocolate may behave differently. If using baking chocolate, chop it finely and watch the melting process closely.

How long does this fudge last at room temperature?

Stored properly, this fudge can last up to two weeks on the counter. Just keep it covered tightly to retain freshness and softness.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely have to give Mom’s Marshmallow Fudge Recipe a try—it’s the kind of treat that instantly becomes a favorite in any household. Easy to whip up and packed with that perfect combination of chocolate and marshmallow goodness, it feels like a warm hug in every bite. So grab your saucepan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some unforgettable fudge magic today!

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