Name: Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups granulated sugar; 1.5 cups butter; 1.25 cups evaporated milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 18 oz gluten-free dark chocolate chips; 15 oz marshmallow fluff; 1 cup crushed pecans

There’s something so comforting about creamy, rich fudge melting in your mouth. This Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe captures that nostalgic magic with a perfect balance of chocolate and marshmallow fluff, making it absolutely worth the little bit of effort it takes to make at home.

A stack of three square fudge pieces is shown on a white marbled surface, each piece filled with visible dark dried fruits and light-colored nuts. The top piece reveals a dense chocolate texture with chunks of dried fruit, the middle piece also shows scattered nuts and dark fruit inside, and the bottom piece clearly displays large nut pieces embedded in the chocolate. Around the stack, there are small nut pieces scattered on the white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, keeping the attention on the rich, dense fudge texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of fudge recipes over the years, but this one stands out because it’s both decadent and surprisingly easy. The mix of smooth dark chocolate and gooey marshmallow fluff gives it an irresistible texture that your friends and family will rave about.

Perfect Texture: Soft yet firm fudge with a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel every time.
Simple Ingredients: You can find everything at your local store, no specialty items needed.
Customizable: Easy to add nuts or other mix-ins to suit your taste or occasion.
Great for Gifting: It slices cleanly and looks beautiful when wrapped, making it a wonderful homemade present.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe is in how the ingredients combine to create that creamy, rich texture without any complicated steps. Here’s a quick rundown on why each plays an important role:

Flat lay of six heaping cups of granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, a generous scoop of glossy white marshmallow fluff on a white plate, a simple white bowl filled with shiny dark gluten-free chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding roughly crushed pecans, a chunk of creamy pale yellow butter on a white dish, a small white bowl of smooth beige evaporated milk, and a tiny white bowl containing a clear to light amber vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Provides the classic, sweet backbone while dissolving smoothly into the mix.
Marshmallow Fluff: This is the secret to that irresistibly soft, creamy fudge texture – it melts right in and binds everything together beautifully.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich, deep chocolate flavor that balances sweetness with a slight bitterness, making every bite dreamy.
Crushed Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and earthy contrast to the smoothness.
Butter: Gives the fudge a silky mouthfeel and helps everything come together cohesively.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and ensures the fudge sets correctly without being grainy.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch brings out each flavor and adds warmth.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this fudge. It’s a great base to customize, whether you want it nut-free, extra gooey, or with a seasonal twist. Don't hesitate to make it truly yours!

Nut-Free Variation: Simply leave out the pecans – the fudge remains just as creamy and delicious without them.
Cherry Addition: Sometimes, I toss in dried cherries for a pop of tanginess, which balances the chocolate wonderfully.
Salted Twist: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading it into the pan takes it to the next level if you like a sweet-salty combo.
Spiced Fudge: For the holidays, I add a pinch of cinnamon and a hint of cayenne—trust me, you’ll love the warmth it adds!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe

The image shows a stack of five rectangular pieces of chocolate fudge on two white plates, one plate stacked on top of the other, against a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece is rich brown with visible chunks of walnuts and dark dried fruits inside. The top fudge piece has a walnut half placed on it, and more walnut pieces are scattered around the plates. In the background, there is a blurred glass jar with a light wood lid holding dark chocolate pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pans

Start by greasing two 9x13 pans or lining them with parchment paper. This step is key because fudge can stick like crazy otherwise. I always use parchment — it makes cleanup a breeze and you can lift the fudge out easily for cutting.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Milk and Sugar

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt together the butter and evaporated milk over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar. Here's a must-do: keep stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves—set a timer for about 4 minutes. This helps avoid gritty fudge and ensures smoothness.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Vanilla

Turn the heat down low. Stir in your dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Keep stirring patiently until the chocolate melts fully and the mixture is glossy and smooth. This part smells heavenly—I always find myself sneaking a taste!

Step 4: Stir in Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans

Remove the pan from heat before folding in the marshmallow fluff. Stir until it's completely incorporated, creating that creamy texture you’re aiming for. Then toss in your crushed pecans (and cherries if you’re adding). If the fudge begins to get too thick or stiff, you can put it back on very low heat just momentarily while stirring to loosen it.

Step 5: Pour, Cool, and Slice

Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared pans. Spread it out smoothly, then let it cool for about an hour—or longer if you want it firmer—before cutting into squares or triangles. Patience really pays off here; fudge that’s cooled completely slices far better.

Top Tip

From my many fudge adventures, I’ve learned some tips that make this recipe foolproof and help your fudge come out perfect every single time. These little tricks can save you from common pitfalls—trust me, I’ve been there!

Consistent Stirring: Always stir continuously once you add sugar and chocolate — it prevents graininess and burning.
Low Heat Control: Using low heat when melting chocolate preserves its smooth texture and prevents separation.
Quality Ingredients: Choosing good dark chocolate chips makes a huge flavor difference — I prefer a brand with around 60-70% cocoa.
Patience with Cooling: Don’t rush cutting; wait until fudge is fully set for clean, neat slices that hold their shape.

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish my fudge with a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top before it sets, adding both texture and a lovely rustic look. Sometimes, I dust a little powdered sugar or drizzle some white chocolate for a festive touch—it really elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy moment. For holiday gatherings, I like serving it alongside spiced nuts, cranberry bites, or a cheese platter to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped little fudge squares in festive wax paper tied with twine to hand out as gifts. For parties, arranging bite-sized fudge pieces on decorated platters or in mini cupcake liners makes them feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for about a week, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long around here!

Freezing

If I need to store fudge longer, I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, fudge retains its flavor perfectly and thaws quickly when taken out.

Reheating

Usually, I enjoy fudge cold, but if it gets too hard, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften. You can also microwave a piece briefly (5–7 seconds) to get that fresh-from-the-kitchen softness back without melting it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can swap dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, milder fudge. Keep in mind it will be less intense but equally creamy and delicious.

What if my fudge turns out grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve or if the mixture isn’t stirred continuously. Make sure to stir constantly when heating and don’t rush the sugar dissolving step for smoother results.

Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter and evaporated milk for that creamy texture, so it’s tricky to make it fully vegan without altering the texture. However, you can experiment with vegan butter and coconut milk, but expect some texture changes.

How long does fudge keep at room temperature?

Stored in an airtight container, fudge stays fresh at room temperature for about a week. After that, its texture and flavor might start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed within that time frame or refrigerated for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chocolate Fudge Recipe is one I’ve returned to time and time again because it never disappoints. The balance of smooth chocolate with fluffy marshmallow makes it feel special, yet it’s so easy you can whip it up anytime you want a treat to share with loved ones. Give it a go—I’m confident you’ll enjoy every bite as much as I do!