If you’re craving a luscious, rich treat that comes together quicker than you can say “chocolate,” Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic Southern delight brings together the perfect balance of creamy chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy pecans for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s irresistibly indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gift, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this fudge proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe so magical is how just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such luscious depth of flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, from the smooth base to that delightful nutty finish.
- Sugar: Essential for the signature sweetness and helps create the fudge’s creamy texture.
- Evaporated milk: Adds richness and helps the fudge set perfectly while staying soft and smooth.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a velvety finish and balances the sweetness with its natural creaminess.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors and cut through the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The heart of the fudge, giving it that decadent chocolaty punch.
- Large marshmallows: Create extra softness and a subtle sweetness that makes this fudge extra special.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- Chopped pecans: For a satisfying crunch and a touch of nuttiness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
How to Make Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your fudge won’t stick when it’s done. This simple prep work makes cutting and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Keep your eye on it, because this blend needs to be stirred constantly to avoid burning and to ensure everything melts evenly.
Step 3: Bring to a Rolling Boil
This is the critical moment in Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe. Stir perpetually until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, which means bubbles are continuously rising to the surface, signaling that your fudge is on its way.
Step 4: Melt in the Chocolate and Marshmallows
Once boiling, turn down the heat slightly and add your semi-sweet chocolate chips and large marshmallows. Keep stirring until everything has melted into a glossy, smooth mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.
Step 5: Finish with Vanilla and Pecans
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. This final addition amps up flavor and texture, making every bite tantalizingly complex.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for a few hours, or pop it in the fridge to speed up the process until it’s firm enough to cut.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
After your Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe has set, cut it into squares and get ready to delight your family and friends with a classic, old-fashioned treat that’s anything but ordinary.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
While the fudge is perfect on its own, a sprinkle of sea salt or extra chopped pecans on top really highlights the rich chocolatey flavors and adds a touch of sophistication to your homemade treat.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner dessert. Fresh fruit can also be a light and refreshing contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrapping each fudge square in decorative wax paper or placing them in festive tins turns this simple recipe into a charming gift. You might also layer fudge pieces with cookies or pretzels on a dessert platter for a buffet that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and delicious for up to two weeks, perfect for sneaking a sweet snack whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze fudge for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve that creamy texture and unbeatable flavor.
Reheating
Reheating fudge is generally unnecessary since it tastes best chilled or at room temperature, but if you do want a warm treat, gently microwave a small piece for 10-15 seconds until just soft enough to melt slightly.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate provides a wonderful balance of sweetness and richness, milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier fudge. Just keep in mind it might be a bit less intense in flavor.
Do I have to use marshmallows in this recipe?
The marshmallows are key for that perfectly soft and chewy fudge texture in Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe. If you skip them, you may end up with a denser fudge, so they’re definitely worth including.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used for a different but equally delightful crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely to blend well into the fudge.
Why does my fudge sometimes turn out grainy?
Grainy fudge often happens when the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely or if the mixture is stirred too vigorously after boiling. Follow the recipe closely, stirring just until smooth after adding chocolate and marshmallows for that perfect silky texture.
How long does it take for the fudge to set?
Typically, the fudge sets firm enough to cut after cooling at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. Refrigerating it shortens this to about 1 hour. Keep an eye on it so you don’t chill it too long and lose that creamy softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and utterly delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, you can’t go wrong with Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe. It’s a comforting classic that’s easy enough for beginners and delightful enough to impress seasoned dessert lovers. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy making (and devouring) this irresistible treat that truly feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge is a rich and creamy chocolate treat made quickly on the stovetop with simple ingredients like sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. This no-fuss recipe results in a decadent, nutty fudge perfect for sharing during festive occasions or anytime you crave a classic homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1 and 1/3 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate & Add-ins
- 1 (6 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 16 large marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the fudge from sticking after it cools.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt, stirring constantly to ensure even heating.
- Boil the Mixture: Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, which helps dissolve the sugar and blend flavors.
- Add Chocolate and Marshmallows: Remove the pan from heat briefly, then stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and marshmallows until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Flavor and Nutty Addition: Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners.
- Cool and Set: Let the fudge cool at room temperature until firm. To speed up setting, you can refrigerate it for about 1-2 hours.
- Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into squares and serve as a delicious homemade treat.
Notes
- Using parchment paper helps you lift the fudge out easily for cutting and serving.
- For a different nut option, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans.
- Ensure constant stirring when boiling to prevent burning or sticking at the bottom.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a smoother texture without nuts, simply omit the pecans.
