The Original Fantasy Fudge recipe is an old recipe from the back of the Kraft marshmallow creme jar. It’s full of rich chocolate flavor, and continues to be a Christmas season favorite. This old fashioned marshmallow fudge recipe has truly stood the test of time. I’m excited to share my best tips for making this original recipe, including some variation ideas and step-by-step instructions!
How to Make Original Fantasy Fudge
Let’s start by gathering our simple ingredients to make this creamy chocolate fudge.
Fantasy Fudge Ingredients
Sugar: Acts as the base of the fudge, giving it sweetness and structure as it cooks.
Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the finished fudge.
Evaporated milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and gives the fudge a silky consistency without being too heavy.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide deep chocolate flavor and help the fudge set up firmly as it cools.
Marshmallow cream: Creates a soft, smooth texture and helps stabilize the fudge so it doesn’t become grainy.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the chocolate’s natural sweetness.
Chopped nuts: Completely optional, but they add crunch and extra flavor if you like texture in your fudge.
Original Fantasy Fudge Instructions
Step One: Prepare Your Pan
Start by spraying a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. A 9×13 pan will absolutely work as well. Next, line with parchment paper (the cooking spray helps it stick), with overhang on both sides so you can easily lift your fudge from the pan.
Step Two: Mix the Sugar, Butter, and Evaporated Milk
In a medium-sized pot, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir the sugar mixture well.
Step Three: Bring to a Full Rolling Boil
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full boil.
Step Four: Boil for Five Minutes (EXACTLY!)
Allow the mixture to boil for exactly five minutes. I use a wooden spoon and stir the entire time to prevent scorching. Sticking to the cooking time is very important for perfect creamy Fantasy Fudge.
Step Five: Add Chocolate Chips
After five minutes, remove the marshmallow creme fudge from the heat. Add the semi-sweet morsels and stir until they are completely melted and blended in.
Step Six: Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff and Vanilla
Mix in the small can of marshmallow cream and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract Note, some people use marshmallows in a similar recipe. I recommend sticking with the small can of marshmallow creme as my original Fantasy Fudge recipe indicates.
Step Seven: Optional Nuts
Optionally, stir in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. During the holiday season, I usually make a batch with and without nuts.
Step Eight: Pour and Cool Original Fantasy Fudge
Finally, quickly pour the luscious original Fantasy Fudge mixture into your prepared pan, scraping the sides of the pot. Let it cool until it reaches room temperature.
Now that you’ve got the basics of this vintage recipe down, let’s explore some variations.
Variations
- Nuts: Besides the classic walnuts, try experimenting with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Flavored Extracts: Switch up the vanilla extract with other flavors like almond, peppermint, or even orange.
- Chocolate Swaps: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamy fudge. Alternatively, try peanut butter chips to make some peanut butter Fantasy Fudge!
Love easy fudge recipes? Try my easy 3 Ingredient Fudge.
Tips for Best Results
- There’s no need to use a candy thermometer to achieve the right temperature for our original Fantasy Fudge, as long as you follow my easy steps exactly.
- I use a 9-inch pan, but you can certainly use a 9×13 if that’s what you have. It will taste just as good!
- It’s a great idea to ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth blend. One of my favorite things about this fudge is its smooth texture. Just say no to grainy fudge!
How to Store Fantasy Fudge
Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the pieces from sticking together.
Refrigerator: If you prefer firmer Original Fantasy Fudge or need to keep it longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze Fantasy Fudge! For longer storage, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw the fudge overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Original Fantasy Fudge turns out too soft?
If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it usually means the sugar mixture didn’t boil long enough. Be sure to bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium heat and cook for a full five minutes, stirring constantly. Hitting that timing is key to achieving the right creamy texture.
Do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
It’s a good idea. When the butter and other ingredients are at room temperature, everything blends more smoothly, which helps prevent graininess and gives the fudge its signature creamy texture.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can swap in milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor or even peanut butter chips for a fun variation. The base recipe stays the same.
Original Fantasy Fudge is such a great sweet treat, and is a guaranteed no fail fudge recipe. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your favorite flavors, the end result will be result in the perfect fudge recipe. Hey, it might even start a new family tradition.
No need to wait for a special occasion. Whether it’s Christmas time or any time of year, this delicious chocolate fudge is the perfect recipe. Gather your ingredients and whip-up a batch today. You have my permission, ha! I hope you enjoy this easy fudge recipe!
More Christmas Treats
- Old-Fashioned Pecan Pralines
- Maple Walnut Fudge
- Velveeta Fudge
- Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Cocoa Powder Cookies
Original Fantasy Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar marshmallow creme 7 oz. (1.5 cups)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Spray a 9×9 (or 9×13) pan with cooking spray. Next, line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on both sides so you can easily lift the fudge out when it’s done.
- In a medium pot, mix sugar, butter and milk.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil using medium-high heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Boil for exactly five minutes. This is important! Set a timer!
- Remove the mixture from the heat. Working quickly, stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla.
- Optionally, add nuts.
- Pour into the prepared pan; allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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I make this fudge often one pan original second pan with a hint of peanut butter or butterscotch makes a nice variety normally make it while camping over a camp fire it goes great with roasted marshmallows over camp fire
Just like Mom used to make
This is awesome! Do you happen to have this in Peanut Butter Fudge?
Just replace choc chips with the pb ones and my favorite topper is reeses pieces!!
I’ve tried to make fudge many times over the years and have failed miserably every, single, time! This is the FIRST fudge I have attempted and it was not only easy but the fudge is delicious! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I made fudge from semi-sweet chocolate and also milk chocolate and they are superb. Next I am using white baking chips with white creme de menthe rather than vanilla, butterscotch, and chocolate peanut butter. I also may make another semi-sweet batch with peppermint candies in and on the fudge. My neighbors may wish I was growing zucchini rather than making fudge.
YAY! So glad it turned out perfect for you!!
My mom made this most of her adult life that I remember and now I make it. People say it’s the best they’ve ever tasted!
Absolutely the best fudge recipe I have ever used!
This is the best recipe out there! You can modify it as you need to. Super easy to follow! Makes great gifts!
This is an awesome recipe!
This is the only fudge recipe that I have used for years! Best ever and easy.
So glad I found the recipe again.
Wonderful fudge. Easy to make. But easier to eat!!