I still remember the way my mom’s kitchen smelled when she made fudge—rich and sugary, with the faint hint of butter melting on the stove. “Watch the boil,” she’d say, as my nosey self would get too close to the stove. I was always mesmerized by the bubbling caramel-colored mixture in the pot, knowing that in just a few hours, those liquid swirls would transform into perfect squares of chocolatey bliss.

Mom didn’t need a recipe card. Her hands knew the steps by heart, and the joy she brought to our family by making Fantasy Fudge was as much a tradition as the holidays themselves.

Fantasy Fudge is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of nostalgia, a staple in American kitchens during the holiday season. The name “Fantasy Fudge” evokes indulgence, promising a treat almost too good to be true.

Though its exact origins are murky, Kraft Foods popularized the recipe in the mid-20th century, featuring it on the back of their marshmallow creme jars. The recipe quickly became a sensation, celebrated for its creamy texture and decadent chocolate flavor.

While it doesn’t tie directly to one specific nationality, its roots are distinctly American, with a nod to the post-war era when convenience products like marshmallow creme and evaporated milk were household essentials. The “fantasy” in its name likely comes from the sheer delight of turning simple pantry staples into something magical—fudge that melts in your mouth and feels like a small, sweet escape.

Vernice's Fantasy Fudge

Fantasy Fudge is a classic, creamy chocolate confection that's both rich and indulgent. This recipe combines sugar, butter, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and optional nuts to create a delightful treat. Follow these detailed instructions to make Fantasy Fudge, even if you're new to candy-making.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 40 pieces

Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Non-stick cooking spray or butter
Medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Candy thermometer (optional, but recommended)

Ingredients

3 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
⅔ cup evaporated milk (5-ounce can)
12 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
7 8 oz marshmallow creme (1 jar)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans work well)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later.
Lightly grease the lining with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Combine Sugar, Butter, and Evaporated Milk:

In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.

Bring to a Rolling Boil:

Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. A rolling boil is when the mixture bubbles vigorously and doesn't stop bubbling when stirred.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Boil for Five Minutes:

Maintain the rolling boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring continuously. Timing is crucial; use a timer to ensure accuracy.
If using a candy thermometer, the mixture should reach 234°F (soft-ball stage).

Remove from Heat and Add Chocolate Chips:

After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat.
Immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot mixture.
Stir vigorously until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla:

Add the marshmallow creme and pure vanilla extract to the mixture.
Stir until the marshmallow creme is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.

Add Nuts (Optional):

If you're including nuts, fold in the chopped nuts now, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the fudge.

Transfer to Prepared Pan:

Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top.

Cool and Set:

Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it's firm, which may take about 2 hours.
For quicker setting, you can place the pan in the refrigerator.

Cut into Squares:

Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper or foil to lift the fudge out of the pan.
Place it on a cutting board and cut into small squares using a sharp knife.

Storage:

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
To prevent pieces from sticking together, place wax paper between layers.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Additional Tips:

Avoid Grainy Fudge: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. Stir continuously during boiling to prevent sugar crystals from forming, which can cause graininess.
Consistency: Precise timing during boiling is essential. Boiling for less than 5 minutes can result in soft fudge, while overboiling can make it too hard.
Flavor Variations: For different flavors, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. Adding a few drops of peppermint extract can create a festive minty fudge.

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As you fight for that last square of Fantasy Fudge, you realize why this recipe has stood the test of time. It’s not just about the creamy, rich chocolate or the hint of sweetness from the marshmallow cream—it’s about the memories created in the process. From the rhythmic stirring at the stove to the joy of sharing these velvety bites with family and friends, Fantasy Fudge is more than a dessert; it’s a tradition.

You’ve seen how simple ingredients and a little care can create something extraordinary, and now it’s your turn to make it your own. Maybe you’ll fold in a handful of chopped pecans or maybe you’ll try a swirl of peanut butter to give it a personal twist. Either way, this recipe doesn’t belong to a specific time or place—it belongs to whoever takes the time to make it. So, don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try. The beauty of Fantasy Fudge is in the process and in the little pieces of happiness it brings to those you share it with.

Every bite of Fantasy Fudge carries with it the spirit of holidays past and the promise of holidays yet to come. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe connects you to a long line of fudge makers who’ve stirred the same sweetness into their lives. So, keep the tradition alive, one pot of bubbling chocolate at a time. You might just find that the best part of Fantasy Fudge isn’t the taste—but the memories you’re creating while making it.