Old Fashioned Fudge

McKenzie
Blocks of gooey chocolate fudge on parchment paper

There’s nothing quite like a bite of homemade old fashioned fudge to transport you straight into the holiday spirit. This old-fashioned fudge recipe, passed down from my soon-to-be mother-in-law, is pure chocolate bliss—smooth, creamy, and incredibly addictive. Be warned: while it only takes 15 minutes to make and yields 24 pieces, this treat isn’t exactly waistline-friendly. But hey, it’s the holidays, right?

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, gifting it to friends, or simply indulging in a little self-care, this old fashioned fudge is bound to become a holiday favorite. Just one piece and you’ll see why this recipe has stood the test of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 cups sugar
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk
  • ¾ cup margarine
  • 12 oz chocolate chips
  • 2 cups marshmallow creme (do not use marshmallow topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to make this delicious treat

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  2. Continue to boil for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla, stirring well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
  5. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the mixture.
  6. Pour the fudge into a buttered 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly.
  7. Let the fudge cool for at least an hour or until firm. Once set, cut into 24 pieces and enjoy!

Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle sea salt or holiday-themed sprinkles on top before the fudge sets.

Serving Ideas with Old Fashioned Fudge

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, but if you’re looking for something lighter, try one of these festive mocktails, like Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and spiced, complementing the richness of the fudge. For a full holiday dessert table, consider pairing it with Chai Oatmeal Cookies or the classic Chocolate M&M Pretzels for a variety of holiday treats!

Holiday Favorites You Might Enjoy

  • Looking for something less sweet but just as comforting? Check out my Roasted Blender Tomato Soup for a cozy, nutritious option after all the holiday indulgence.
  • For those who love gifting homemade treats, this fudge is great alongside some of my other favorite holiday cookies, like Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Storage Tips

Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just wrap each piece in wax paper and store them in a freezer bag.

The first time I tried this fudge, I was blown away by how creamy and rich it was. My soon-to-be mother-in-law makes it every holiday season, and now I’ve adopted the tradition too. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big chocolatey hug, and every bite takes me right back to holiday gatherings with family, laughter, and warm cups of cocoa. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a memory, one that I hope to pass down through generations.

Print
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Hand written recipe card for old fashioned fantasy fudge.

Old Fashioned Fudge


  • Author: McKenzie
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pieces 1x

Description

Old Fashioned Fudge – Creamy, smooth, and chocolatey! Make this holiday favorite in just 15 minutes with a few simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 cups Granulated Sugar
  • ⅔ cup Evaporated Milk
  • ¾ cup Margarine
  • 12 oz Chocolate Chips
  • 2 cups Marshmallow Creme (do not use marshmallow topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 1 cup Chopped Nuts (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  2. Continue to boil for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla, stirring well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
  5. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the mixture.
  6. Pour the fudge into a buttered 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Let the fudge cool for at least an hour or until firm. Once set, cut into 24 pieces and enjoy!

Notes

Be sure to monitor and stir constantly or you will burn the mixture and it will not set correctly. 

Do NOT use marshmallow fluff you must use marshmallow creme.

  • Prep Time: 3
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Cooking
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