Fantasy Fudge is a thick, rich and creamy, no-fail fudge recipe made with semi-sweet chocolate, marshmallow creme, and salty bits of roasted walnuts. It’s perfect for the holidays or any time, and is great for gifting!
Fool-Proof Fantasy Fudge Recipe
Rich and creamy Fantasy Fudge is a quick and easy way to make homemade candy any time you want it! This is a tried-and-true classic – one that includes all the ingredients from the original fantasty fudge recipe, from the back of the jar of Kraft’s marshmallow creme. It features a fudgy mix of semi-sweet chocolate and marshmallow creme that’s studded with crunchy, salted walnut bits. This sweet treat is perfect for the holidays, or any time, and makes a beautiful DIY gift. It also freezes well!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate, marshmallow creme, butter, and salty walnuts – oh you will love this easy fantasy fudge recipe! Here are my top reasons why you’ll love this fudge:
- Easy, budget-friendly ingredients. This recipe includes a short, simple ingredients list. All you need is butter and a few ingredients from the grocery store baking aisle.
- A straightforward recipe. No need to be intimidated with making a fantastic batch of fudge. This fantasy fudge recipe is simple and stress-free.
- Irresistible flavor and texture. Homemade candy is always a treat, and this one is especially delightful with its perfect mix of flavors and irresistible texture.
- Fun to make with the kids. It feels magical to turn a few ingredients into a special chocolate treat. Our daughters have always liked making homemade candy, such as homemade peanut butter cups, Oreo truffle balls, and my grandma’s chocolate caramels!
- Fun to gift. So many people appreciate the gift of homemade candy and cookies. This fudge travels well – it’s perfect for gifting!
What is Fantasy Fudge?
The original Fantasy Fudge recipe first appeared on the back of a jar of Kraft marshmallow creme. Also known as marshmallow creme fudge, it’s a decadent blend of sugar, margarine (I use butter), evaporated milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract.
This no-fail fudge recipe gets its creamy texture partially from the addition of marshmallow creme in the batter. It’s different from a traditional fudge recipe because it uses melted chocolate and marshmallow creme rather than cocoa powder. Fantasy fudge also cooks up much faster than regular fudge and has a slightly softer and creamier texture.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make this fantasy fudge recipe.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredient amounts.
- Butter – Butter adds richness and delicious flavor to the fudge. Margarine was used in the original fantasy fudge, so if that’s what you have on hand, feel free to use that.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the fudge.
- Evaporated milk – This adds rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture. Make sure to use evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The original fantasy fudge called for semi-sweet chocolate, so that’s what I use too. I recommend Guittard brand, for top-notch flavor.
- Marshmallow creme – This adds another layer of sweetness, plus lightens the fudge texture, giving it that soft, buttery bite that everybody loves!
- Walnuts – This nut is the classic addition to fantasy fudge, but you could leave them out or swap them for another nut if you prefer. I often use roasted, salted pecans.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of the chocolate.
How to Make Fantasy Fudge
Homemade candy is one of life’s fun little pleasures! Here’s how to make fantasy fudge in your own kitchen:
- Prep. Line a 9″ x 13” pan with parchment or foil and spray it very lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk. Heat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk. Stir occasionally, until the butter and sugar have melted. Then insert a candy thermometer and cook the mixture just until it reaches 234° F.
- Add remaining ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the chocolate chips followed by the marshmallow creme. Turn off the heat and fold in the walnuts and vanilla.
- Transfer fudge mixture to pan. Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and allow it to set completely before cutting – about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Tips for Success + Variations
Homemade candy such as this is not difficult, but here are some of my best tips for making this chocolate walnut fudge:
- Use a candy thermometer. This kitchen tool is super easy to use, and essential for knowing when the mixture has reached 234° F. This ensures that you don’t overcook the fudge, to give it the optimal texture.
- Make a thicker fudge. For a thicker fudge, use a different-sized pan, such as an 8″ × 8″ pan or a 9″ × 9″ pan.
- Try different nuts. Salted walnuts are included in this original fudge recipe – but feel free to omit them or use a different kind of nut. Chopped roasted, salted almonds or pecans would also be wonderful in fantasy fudge.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky salt. For a sweet-salty touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes (I like Maldon sea salt flakes) over the fudge as soon as you spread the mixture into the pan.
Serving Suggestions
I like to gift homemade fantasy fudge – simply package it up in cute little bags or containers and give it to your family and friends. Or, serve fudge the next time you have guests over. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions for fantasy fudge:
- In a candy buffet. There are so many great candy options to choose from on this site! You can add a plate of fantasy fudge to a holiday candy buffet along with caramel apple bark, pecan pralines, marshmallow caramel rice krispies puffs, peppermint bark, and my mom’s buttercrunch toffee!
- With cocktails. Serve fantasy fudge with a festive, sweet cocktail like a salted nut roll shot, or with a brandy alexander or classic old fashioned.
- With festive NA drinks. For a drink without alcohol, how about some homemade eggnog or a vanilla almond steamer?
- Salty snacks. To balance out the creamy sweetness of fantasy fudge, you can serve it with pretzels, salted nuts, or potato chips for a salty bite.
How to Store Fantasy Fudge
Here’s how to store this fudge – so easy!
- Fridge – Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freezer – For longer storage, place the fudge in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Defrost the fudge in the fridge before serving it.
Either way, fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature.
More Fudge Recipes
Fantasy Fudge
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter 1½ sticks
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup or a 5-ounce can evaporated milk
- 12 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips I recommend Guittard brand
- 1 container 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1 cup chopped toasted & salted walnuts
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9" x 13” pan with parchment or foil and spray it very lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat a large heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat and add the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter and sugar have melted.
- Insert a candy thermometer and cook the mixture just until it reaches 234° F. You can swirl the pan or stir with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and then stir in the chocolate chips followed by the marshmallow creme. Turn off the heat and very quickly fold in the walnuts and vanilla – the fudge will thicken quickly!
- Spread the fudge into the prepared pan and allow it to set completely before cutting, about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Serve at room temperature.
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