If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge. This recipe is simple, fast, and irresistibly delicious, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or whenever you need a quick chocolate fix. With a rich, creamy texture and an optional crunch from chopped nuts, this fudge satisfies your sweet tooth without hours of preparation. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this fudge easy to make and hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is a hit:
- Quick and Easy: With just five minutes of cooking time, this fudge recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using only basic ingredients like evaporated milk, sugar, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, it’s a recipe that requires no fancy components.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of marshmallows and chocolate chips makes this fudge incredibly smooth and creamy.
- Versatile: Add nuts or other toppings to make this fudge your own. It’s easy to customize and versatile for different occasions.
Recipe: Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 16 large marshmallows (or 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure out all the ingredients ahead of time to make the process smoother. If you’re using large marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces so they melt quickly.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to cook until the mixture starts to boil.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Once the mixture is boiling, add the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Stir continuously as the chocolate and marshmallows melt into the hot sugar mixture. This should take only a few minutes. Continue stirring until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract and Nuts (Optional)
Once the fudge mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor and, if desired, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Pour the Fudge into a Pan
Pour the hot fudge mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.
Step 6: Let the Fudge Set
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it sets. You can speed up this process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Once the fudge is firm, cut it into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Fudge
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your ingredients are fresh. Using high-quality chocolate chips also enhances the taste of the fudge.
- Stir Constantly: When heating the milk and sugar mixture, stir constantly to prevent it from burning. This step ensures your fudge has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t Overheat: Avoid boiling the fudge mixture for too long, as this can cause the chocolate to seize. Just cook it long enough to melt the chocolate and marshmallows completely.
- Grease Your Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or foil and greasing it will make it easier to lift out the fudge once it’s set.
Serving Suggestions
This fudge is rich and flavorful, so small squares make the perfect serving size. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk to balance the sweetness. It’s a great treat for sharing at parties, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying as a quick dessert.
Variations on Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
While this fudge recipe is fantastic on its own, here are some ideas to make it even more unique:
- Peppermint Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive twist.
- Nutty Chocolate Fudge: Increase the amount of nuts to 1 cup for a nuttier flavor, or try different types of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
- Salted Caramel Fudge: Drizzle melted caramel over the fudge before it sets, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.
- Espresso Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the hot milk mixture to give the fudge a subtle coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Mistake 1: The Fudge Is Too Soft
- Solution: If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it may be due to insufficient cooking time or not allowing it to cool completely. Place the pan in the fridge to help it firm up, or cook a little longer next time to ensure it reaches the right consistency.
Mistake 2: Grainy Texture
- Solution: Stir the fudge constantly while heating to dissolve the sugar completely. Undissolved sugar can lead to a grainy texture. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before adding the chocolate and marshmallows.
Mistake 3: Fudge Sticks to the Pan
- Solution: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil. This helps you lift the fudge out of the pan easily once it’s set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk and condensed milk have different consistencies and sugar levels. Using condensed milk will make the fudge too sweet and affect its texture.
Q2: Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or another plant-based milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Q3: Can I freeze fudge?
Yes, you can freeze fudge for up to three months. Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q4: What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work well in this recipe, as they provide a good balance of sweetness. You can also try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a larger pan. Be sure to cook the fudge mixture long enough to ensure it thickens properly.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is the ultimate quick dessert, bringing rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort. This easy-to-make fudge is perfect for beginner bakers, holiday gifting, or whenever you need a quick sweet treat. With its smooth, creamy texture and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite of this delicious fudge!
Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge
Prep Time5minutes mins
Cook Time5minutes mins
Chill Time1hour hr
Total Time1hour hr 10minutes mins
Servings16 squares
Calories160 kcal
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 16 large marshmallows or 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Measure out all the ingredients ahead of time to make the process smoother. If you’re using large marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces so they melt quickly.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar
- In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to cook until the mixture starts to boil.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
- Once the mixture is boiling, add the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Stir continuously as the chocolate and marshmallows melt into the hot sugar mixture. This should take only a few minutes. Continue stirring until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract and Nuts (Optional)
- Once the fudge mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor and, if desired, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Pour the Fudge into a Pan
- Pour the hot fudge mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.
Step 6: Let the Fudge Set
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it sets. You can speed up this process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Once the fudge is firm, cut it into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your ingredients are fresh. Using high-quality chocolate chips also enhances the taste of the fudge.
- Stir Constantly: When heating the milk and sugar mixture, stir constantly to prevent it from burning. This step ensures your fudge has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t Overheat: Avoid boiling the fudge mixture for too long, as this can cause the chocolate to seize. Just cook it long enough to melt the chocolate and marshmallows completely.
- Grease Your Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or foil and greasing it will make it easier to lift out the fudge once it’s set.
