Introduction
This classic chocolate fudge is smooth, creamy, rich, and melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, gifts, or anytime you need a satisfying chocolate treat. This generous big-batch recipe makes a full pan of thick fudge that cuts beautifully into squares.
Ingredients
For a Big Batch (9×13 inch pan)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (225 g)
- 1 can (12 oz / 350 ml) evaporated milk
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups marshmallow creme (or 1 large jar, about 200 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pan
Line a 9×13 pan with foil or parchment and lightly grease it. - Cook the base
- In a large heavy pot, combine sugar + butter + evaporated milk.
- Heat on medium, stirring constantly until it boils.
- Once boiling, keep stirring and cook for 5 minutes. Mixture should thicken slightly.
- Melt in the chocolate
Remove from heat. Add:
- chocolate chips
- marshmallow creme
- salt
- vanilla
Stir until completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour into the pan
Spread evenly with a spatula. - Cool
Let it cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, then refrigerate 1 hour to firm up. - Cut into squares
Lift the fudge from the pan, cut into small or large pieces.
Method
This fudge uses the classic soft-ball sugar method combined with melted chocolate and marshmallow creme for a smooth, stable texture. Heating the sugar mixture to a rolling boil ensures the fudge sets correctly without being grainy.
History
American chocolate fudge became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, originally made in kitchens of women’s colleges. It started as a simple chocolate-sugar-butter confection and evolved into today’s creamier marshmallow-based versions.
Benefits
- Easy, no-fail method
- Smooth and rich
- Stores well
- Excellent for gifting
- Makes a large amount
Formation (How It Sets)
The sugar dissolves and cooks to the correct stage, then the chocolate and marshmallow stabilize the mixture, allowing it to firm into a dense, creamy block that cuts easily.
Nutrition (Approx. per piece, 1 inch square)
- Calories: 110–130
- Carbs: 15–18 g
- Fat: 5–7 g
- Sugar: high (as typical with fudge)
Conclusion
This big-batch chocolate fudge is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, slices perfectly, and delivers deep chocolate flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
