The Best Paula Deen’s Fudge Recipe: Ready in a Flash

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen sparked my obsession with this paula deens 5 minute fudge recipe that promises pure chocolate bliss.

Nostalgic flavors dance across my taste buds whenever I whip up this magical treat.

Creamy textures and rich chocolate waves promise instant satisfaction for anyone craving a quick dessert.

Minimal ingredients make this recipe incredibly approachable for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Smooth, decadent squares melt in your mouth with surprising ease and speed.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over how simple yet luxurious this confection becomes in mere moments.

You can transform basic pantry ingredients into a spectacular dessert that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Grab a pan and let magic happen – this fudge will become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

What You Need For Paula Deen’s Fudge

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that helps create the fudge's rich, sweet base.
• Evaporated Milk: A creamy, concentrated milk that provides smooth texture and richness to the fudge.
• Butter: Adds a deep, luxurious flavor and helps create a silky consistency.
• Chocolate Chips: The key ingredient that gives the fudge its classic chocolate taste and color.

• Marshmallows: Contribute to the soft, creamy texture and add extra sweetness.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, complex background flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the fudge.

• Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to contrast with the smooth fudge.

Steps For Quick Five Minute Fudge Success

Step 1: Create Sugary Caramel Base

• Sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Salt

Heat the mixture over medium flame, whisking continuously until it reaches a vigorous rolling boil.

Keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.

Step 2: Boil and Bubble

Maintain the bubbling boil for 4-5 minutes, never stopping your stirring motion.

The mixture will start transforming into a rich, golden liquid.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Magic

• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Stir enthusiastically until all ingredients melt into a glossy, irresistible mixture.

The chocolate will create a luxurious sheen and the marshmallows will add incredible creaminess.

Step 4: Set and Chill

Pour the molten fudge into a greased 8×8-inch pan.

Let it rest at room temperature until it firms up completely.

The fudge will transform from liquid to a solid, rich treat.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once set, slice the fudge into perfect squares.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure chocolate joy.

Tips For Creamy Paula Deen’s Fudge At Home

• Stir the mixture constantly during boiling to avoid scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
• Use a candy thermometer to reach the soft-ball stage (around 235-240°F) for perfect fudge texture.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh pecans to enhance the overall flavor and richness of the fudge.
• Allow fudge to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours before cutting to achieve clean, smooth squares.
• Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Fudge Variations For Every Chocolate Lover

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nutless Wonder: Omit pecans or substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for nut allergies.
• Flavor Fusion: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips and add crushed peppermint or dried cranberries for a unique taste.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.

Serving Paula Deen’s Fudge With A Smile

• Sweet Social Gathering: Serve this fudge at book club meetings or neighborhood potlucks where everyone loves a quick, delightful dessert that sparks conversation.
• Dessert Gift Idea: Package small squares in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbons, perfect for holiday gifting or as a thoughtful homemade present for teachers and friends.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these rich chocolate squares with a hot espresso or cappuccino for an indulgent afternoon treat that transforms a simple break into a luxurious moment.
• Portion Control Tip: Cut fudge into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing, making it ideal for parties where guests can enjoy multiple sweet samples without feeling overwhelmed.

Storing Paula Deen’s Fudge For Easy Snacking

• Seal fudge in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Store up to 1 week in the refrigerator, keeping it cool and fresh.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or taste.
• Keep fudge in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and flavor.
• Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.

FAQs

• What makes Paula Deen's fudge unique?

Her recipe uses a quick method with simple ingredients like marshmallows and chocolate chips, creating a creamy, rich texture in just minutes.

• Can I substitute the pecans?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version of the fudge.

• How do I know when the mixture is ready during boiling?

Look for a rolling boil where bubbles continue even while stirring, and the mixture looks smooth and consistent. This typically takes 4-5 minutes.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Yes, this fudge recipe is very beginner-friendly. It requires minimal ingredients, simple steps, and doesn’t need a candy thermometer, making it perfect for novice cooks.

Why Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Is Famous

• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of common pantry staples, anyone can create a rich, decadent dessert without complicated shopping or preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The classic combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and pecans makes this fudge universally appealing for kids and adults alike, guaranteed to bring smiles at gatherings or family events.
• No-Fuss Dessert Solution: Minimal cooking skills required, straightforward steps, and simple mixing technique make this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced bakers wanting a stress-free chocolate indulgence.

Paula Deens 5 Minute Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate magic meets pure indulgence in Paula Deen’s 5-minute fudge. Creamy, quick, and irresistible, this simple dessert delivers rich flavor with minimal effort, letting you enjoy a luxurious treat in mere moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (6-oz) bag semi sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 4 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, merge sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt over medium heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous, rolling boil, maintaining constant stirring to ensure even heat distribution.
3. Continue boiling for precisely 4-5 minutes, watching the texture and color carefully while stirring continuously.
4. Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and swiftly incorporate chocolate chips, marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans.
5. Vigorously stir the mixture until all ingredients melt smoothly and integrate completely, creating a glossy, uniform texture.
6. Quickly transfer the molten fudge into a pre-greased 8×8-inch pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate air pockets.
7. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting, until it achieves a firm, slice-able consistency.
8. Once fully set, use a sharp knife to cut into uniform square pieces, creating clean, precise edges.
9. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture, storing any remaining fudge in an airtight container.

Notes

• Prevent sugar crystallization by using a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stirring consistently during the boiling process.
• Achieve perfect fudge consistency by using a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches exactly 234°F (soft-ball stage).
• Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for varied flavor and texture.
• Make it gluten-free by verifying all ingredient labels, especially chocolate chips and marshmallows, to ensure no wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg