This classic Fantasy Fudge recipe makes the creamiest, chocolatiest, nuttiest, yummiest fudge you will ever taste in your life. Oh, and here’s the best part: it’s a breeze to make!
All you need is a microwave and 7 simple ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.
Fudge is a holiday staple in my household. My grandmother used to make it all the time at Christmas, and it brought me and my taste buds so much joy every year.
Unfortunately, it never occurred to me to ask her for the recipe, so you can just imagine my delight when I found it online! It turns out, the original recipe for Fantasy Fudge came from the label of a certain marshmallow creme jar.
But, instead of sharing with you that old recipe, I’ll do you one better. Ladies and gents, I present to you…
The Easiest Microwave Fantasy Fudge Recipe
You need not be a cooking expert to make this melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s so good your kids will think you bought it from a specialty store.
You can make Fantasy Fudge in just 20 minutes from start to finish. I’m telling you, there is no way you can fudge this up!
You don’t even need a candy thermometer or a stove to make it – just a microwave oven will do. So, if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, why don’t you try this easy peasy fudge recipe? Your family will thank you 🙂
How To Store Fudge
There are several ways to store fudge, depending on how long you want to keep it around.
- 1 to 2 Weeks. If you do not intend to keep fudge for over two weeks, then just store it in an airtight container and leave it in a cool and dark place. Do not leave it on the counter because exposure to sunlight will make your fudge all sweaty and mushy.
- 3 to 4 Weeks. If you want your fudge to last a bit longer, pop it in the fridge. When stored properly, refrigerating fudge will prolong its shelf-life for another two weeks.
Store the fudge in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment or wax paper so it’s easier to take them apart.
Do not place it near the door, as this area is most prone to temperature fluctuations. Changes in temperature will cause its flavor and texture to go bad quicker. Instead, place it at the back of the fridge to keep its integrity intact.
Be sure to take it out of the freezer or fridge 20 minutes before serving or eating it, though, because fudge tastes best at room temperature.
- 3 Months. If you want to store your fudge for up to 3 months, your best bet is to freeze it. Wrap your fudge in foil in a single layer, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Label it with the current date so you know how much time it has left.
To defrost, place the fudge in the fridge overnight. Then let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
But, while these storage tips are effective, it’s also important to check for freshness before consuming fudge. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Cracks. When fudge is exposed to too much air, it dries up and forms cracks. The deeper they are, the less tasty the fudge becomes.
- Wetness. If your fudge is too mushy and is forming liquid on the surface, that means it’s passed its prime.
- Oiliness and toughness are also indicators that it’s time to throw out your fudge.
Tips and Tricks For Making the Best Fudge
- You can easily switch up or add more elements to make your Fantasy Fudge even more fantastic! How about adding roasted pecans, cherries, butterscotch chips, and white chocolate chips?
- Want to make peanut butter fudge instead? Easy! Just swap the chocolate chips with peanut butter.
- Give your fudge a more festive feel by topping it with crushed peppermint candies!
- You can also use the same recipe to make white chocolate chip fudge by swapping chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. But, take note that white chocolate chips will not melt as quickly as milk chocolate chips do. So, you may have to put it back in the microwave to help it melt faster. Keep stirring until you get the desired consistency.
- While the original recipe only called for margarine, try using butter for a much better flavor.
- Instead of using marshmallow creme, a bag of marshmallow minis works just as well.
- Instead of greasing your pan, you can also just line it with a non-stick foil. That way, once the fudge hardens, you can easily lift the whole thing by foil. Flip it over on a cutting board, peel off the foil, and slice away.
History Of Fantasy Fudge
Fudge has been around for over a hundred years, but its origins are uncertain. However, it is believed to be an American invention that came to be by accident (like most inventions do). Whoever made it was making caramels, but “fudged” it up, yielding that ooey-gooey candy we all know and love.
As for the Fantasy Fudge, though, its history is much clearer. It was back in the 1960s when Kraft released the recipe of what they called Fantasy Fudge on the back of their Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme jar.
However, for reasons no one knows, Kraft changed the recipe entirely; and it didn’t yield the same amazing fudge that people were oh so fond of.
How To Make Microwave Fantasy Fudge
Microwave Fantasy Fudge
40
servings10
minutes10
minutes170
kcalIngredients
3 cups 3 white sugar
3/4 cup 3/4 margarine
2/3 cup 2/3 evaporated milk
1 (12 oz) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup 1 chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Place margarine in a 4-quart microwave-safe dish and microwave until it melts. Mix in sugar and milk until combined.
- Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes on high or until it begins to boil. Stir the mixture after 3 minutes, making sure that the sides of the bowl are scraped well. Microwave the mixture for 5 1/2 more minutes.
- Remove from microwave and stir in the chocolate chips until melted. Add in the marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the fudge into the 9×13 inch baking pan. Let the fudge cool and then cut into squares.
- Enjoy!
