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Aunt Barbara’s old-fashioned fudge recipe is so easy to make in under 20 minutes! Made from scratch with rich chocolate, marshmallows, and evaporated milk, you’ll love this easy chocolate Christmas fudge recipe.
I believe almost every one of us has one recipe that identifies our family and us. For my mom, it was Nordy bars, and this almond roca recipe for my Nana.
For my friend Anne, it is her Aunt Barbara’s old-fashioned fudge. And I am honored to share it with you.
Reader Review
“I’ve never even attempted to make fudge before because I’m definitely not a baker nor candy maker.
Following a recipe to produce good results has always been my downfall so I stick to savory and simple. This recipe has made me think differently about life. Easy to follow, great tips to follow when I am about to go off track, tried and true substitutions, and fabulous results.
This recipe is easy and tasty! My husband is picky and he says, “It’s all about how it sets up and how it taste”. He loved this and so do I!”
Marcella
If you want a fun take on this recipe, check out our chocolate peanut butter fudge.
This recipe uses marshmallows, but if you need a recipe that uses marshmallow creme, check out our fantasy fudge recipe.
How to Prevent Grainy Fudge
Heating the ingredients too quickly over high heat will produce a grainy fudge that is dry and crumbly. To prevent this from happening, heat the ingredients consistently over medium heat and pay attention to the instructions when they direct you to stir the ingredients (and for how long).
Allow the sugar to fully dissolve before it comes to a rolling boil to prevent grainy, gritty, and crunchy fudge.
Using lower-quality chocolate, which contains a lot of filler, can produce a grainy fudge.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a lightweight but large(ish) saucepan. The first time I made this I used an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, and it was bonkers awkward and heavy to pour the fudge into the baking dish. I now use this saucepan.
- I have tried using vegan marshmallows, and while it turned out ok, the texture was not as creamy as traditional marshmallows.
- This easy fudge recipe will be completely set within 45 minutes under normal kitchen conditions. Warmer kitchens or climates may impact the cooling time.
- Need to use up some of the leftover evaporated milk? Try slow cooker hot chocolate. Or, just do like we do…and make another batch of fudge. 🙂
Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe With Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter {1 1/2 sticks}
- 6 oz evaporated milk {half of a can}
- 3 cups sugar {see notes below if using Costco's organic sugar}
- 1 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13 glass baking dish. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.3/4 cup unsalted butter
- Add evaporated milk and sugar and stir frequently, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve (~5 minutes).6 oz evaporated milk, 3 cups sugar
- Once the sugar has fully dissolved, increase the temperature to medium and allow the fudge to reach a rolling boil. Stir constantly for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate chips and marshmallows. Stir until completely combined and smooth (~2 minutes).1 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 10 oz mini marshmallows
- Add vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth (~1 minute).1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pour into the buttered dish and smooth to distribute evenly around the pan.
- Allow it to set (~45 minutes) before cutting. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
