The Best Fudge Ever: Paula Deen’s Magical 5-Minute Recipe

Chocolate lovers rejoice over this magical 5-minute fudge recipe by Paula Deen that promises pure decadence in record time.

Sweet tooths will absolutely adore how quickly this treat comes together with minimal effort.

Every bite delivers rich, creamy goodness that melts perfectly on your tongue.

No complicated techniques or lengthy preparation stand between you and this dreamy dessert.

The simple ingredients create a luxurious fudge that looks like it took hours to craft.

This recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a stunning confection that will impress anyone who tastes it.

Prepare to become the dessert hero among your friends with this foolproof fudge delight.

Why Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge is a Fast Favorite

• Whip up this decadent fudge in mere minutes, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert emergencies.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Packed with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey marshmallows, this recipe guarantees smiles at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday parties.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping nuts or adding different chocolate varieties to match personal taste preferences and create a signature dessert.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Fudge

• White Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the foundational sweetness for the fudge.
• Evaporated Milk: A rich, creamy dairy product that helps create a smooth and luxurious fudge texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy consistency in the fudge.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the fudge.

• Milk Chocolate Chips: The key chocolate component that gives the fudge its rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the sweet flavor profile of the fudge.

• Marshmallows, Chopped Pecans: Provide additional texture, sweetness, and nutty crunch to the classic fudge recipe.

Fudge-Making Tools for Success

• Medium saucepan: Essential for mixing and heating ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring mixture and preventing burning.
• 8-inch square baking pan: Ideal for setting and shaping the fudge.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting cooled fudge into neat squares.

How to Whip Up Paula’s 5 Minute Fudge

Step 1: Combine Sugary Base

• White sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Unsalted butter
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re smoothly integrated.

Step 2: Bring To Bubbling Boil

Heat the pan over medium temperature, continuously stirring the mixture.

Allow the concoction to bubble and brew for exactly 5 minutes, maintaining constant movement with your wooden spoon.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Goodness

Drop in milk chocolate chips and keep stirring until they completely dissolve and create a silky, uniform texture throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Fold In Delightful Extras

• Marshmallows
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Stir until all ingredients are wonderfully blended and distributed evenly.

Step 5: Transfer To Cooling Surface

Pour the creamy fudge mixture into an 8-inch pan, using a spatula to spread it out smoothly and create an even layer.

Step 6: Allow Complete Cooling

Let the fudge rest and solidify at room temperature.

Once totally cooled, slice into delectable square pieces ready for enjoying.

Quick Fudge Fixes and Tips

• Continuously stir the mixture while boiling to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even texture.
• Use milk chocolate chips at room temperature for faster and more uniform melting.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile and added crunch.
• Add marshmallows off the heat to maintain their shape and create delightful pockets of sweetness.
• Line the 8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge squares.

Fun Fudge Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap pecans with almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to create different flavor profiles and textures.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Flavor Fusion: Add peppermint extract or orange zest to create a festive holiday-inspired fudge with a unique taste experience.

Plating and Sharing 5 Minute Fudge

• Sweet Dessert Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside hot espresso or cappuccino, creating a delightful after-dinner treat that complements rich coffee flavors perfectly.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble fudge pieces over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert that adds delicious texture and intense chocolate goodness.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap fudge squares in parchment paper, tie with a rustic ribbon, and create homemade gift packages for friends and family during holiday seasons.

Storing Fudge for Sweet Cravings

• Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days. Keep container sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Keep fudge in sealed container at cool room temperature for 3-4 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain consistency.
• Remove frozen fudge from freezer, unwrap, and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture changes.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.

• How can I tell if the fudge is ready?

Watch for the mixture to reach a soft-ball stage around 235-240°F, or test by dropping a small amount into cold water – it should form a soft ball.

• What if I don't have pecans?

Feel free to swap pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you have allergies or personal preference.

• Can I make this fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely! This fudge can be prepared several days in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Paula Deen’s 5-minute fudge recipe promises quick chocolate bliss for dessert enthusiasts. Creamy chocolate goodness melts hearts with simple ingredients and effortless preparation, ensuring sweet satisfaction in moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate and Sweeteners:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) milk chocolate chips
• 1 2/3 cups (330 grams) white sugar
• 16 large marshmallows

Nuts and Flavoring:

• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Combine white sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt in a medium saucepan, creating a smooth base for the fudge.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Maintain the boil for precisely 5 minutes, ensuring consistent movement to prevent scorching.
3. Remove from heat and immediately introduce milk chocolate chips, whisking vigorously until the chocolate melts completely and integrates seamlessly with the existing mixture.
4. Swiftly fold in marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the fudge base.
5. Transfer the molten mixture into an 8-inch pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and eliminate any air pockets.
6. Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature, enabling it to solidify naturally for approximately 2-3 hours.
7. Once fully cooled and set, slice into uniform square pieces using a sharp knife, creating clean, precise edges.

Notes

• Stir Constantly to prevent sugar from burning and ensure smooth, even heating during the boiling process.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate chips for richer, more intense flavor and smoother texture in the final fudge.
• Grease Pan Lightly with butter or cooking spray to help fudge release easily and maintain perfect square shapes when cutting.
• Adjust Nut Options by substituting pecans with walnuts, almonds, or omitting nuts entirely for nut-free version, making recipe more allergy-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 29 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg