Old-Fashioned Farmhouse Fudge Recipe

There’s something magical about a recipe that feels like a warm hug from your grandma. This Old-Fashioned Farmhouse Fudge is exactly that—a rich, creamy, and utterly decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. It’s the kind of no-fuss dessert that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special and is always the star of the show at potlucks and holiday gatherings. If you’ve ever been intimidated by candy thermometers and complicated confections, let me put your mind at ease. This fudge is forgiving, fuss-free, and destined to become your new favorite thing to make.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Farmhouse Fudge

• Incredibly Simple: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required. Just a saucepan and a whole lot of stirring love.
• Rich & Creamy Texture: This fudge is the real deal—melty, smooth, and perfectly sweet without being gritty.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap up a few squares in a cute box, and you’ve got a heartfelt homemade gift anyone would adore.
• Totally Customizable: Throw in some walnuts, swap in dark chocolate, or add a swirl of peanut butter. Make it your own!

Ingredients

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• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, letting the ends hang over the sides for easy removal later. Give it a quick spritz with non-stick spray.

Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring it to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for exactly 5 minutes. This is the most important step for getting that perfect fudge texture!

Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the chocolate chips until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Beat in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. If you’re using walnuts, fold them in now.

Step 5: Immediately spread the fudge into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Let it cool completely at room temperature before using the foil to lift it out and cut it into 1-inch squares.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need much! A good heavy-bottomed saucepan is key to preventing scorching, a sturdy wooden spoon for all that stirring, and an 8×8 baking pan. That’s it!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Fudge Every Time

Don’t walk away from the boiling sugar mixture! Stirring constantly during the 5-minute boil is non-negotiable. It feels like a workout, but it’s what guarantees a smooth, not gritty, final product. If your fudge turns out a little softer than you’d like, don’t sweat it. Just store it in the fridge to firm up. It’s still delicious! For a fun twist, try swirling in a tablespoon of peanut butter right before you pour it into the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This fudge is a superstar all on its own, but it also makes a stunning addition to a dessert platter. Pair it with a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an over-the-top sundae. It’s also the perfect sweet ending to a comforting family meal, like my popular Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving (1 square): Calories: 120, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Sugar: 16g, Protein: 1g.

Your Questions Answered

Can I freeze this fudge?

Absolutely! This fudge freezes beautifully. Just wrap the whole block or individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Why did my fudge turn out grainy?

A grainy texture usually means the sugar didn’t dissolve completely. This can happen if you didn’t stir enough during the boiling stage or if the heat was too high. Don’t worry, it still tastes great! Next time, just be sure to stir constantly during that crucial 5-minute boil.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Of course! While semi-sweet is classic, feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version. You can even use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

How long does homemade fudge last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this fudge will stay fresh and delicious for about 1 to 2 weeks. If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing it in the fridge is a good idea to keep it firm.

There you have it! This Old-Fashioned Farmhouse Fudge is more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of edible history that’s meant to be shared. It’s the perfect project for a lazy weekend afternoon and a guaranteed way to make someone’s day a whole lot sweeter. For another classic dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser, check out my recipe for the Perfect Apple Crisp. Now, go preheat that stove and get ready to make some memories (and some seriously good fudge).