Fudge comes in all shapes, colors and textures, but our best fudge recipes have earned high marks (and rave reviews) for their best-in-class flavors. These easy recipes capture rich chocolate classics for the holidays to no-bake variations with crunchy nuts, swirled caramel or fruity fillings.
1/25
Easy Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though fudge is a classic at Christmastime, people are excited for this chocolate pecan fudge year-round. Switch out the pecans with nuts that you have on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It’s hard to resist a tin of fudge any time of year, never mind the holidays. This microwaveable five-ingredient recipe is easy and foolproof and can be made with whatever nuts you have on hand.
2/25
Two-Ingredient Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple fudge is delectably creamy and made with only two ingredients: sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. It's great for gift-giving or a quick 15-minute dessert. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
If you’re running out of time but still want to give homemade fudge as a gift, try this two-ingredient recipe. All you need are sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
3/25
Traditional Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate fudge! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
This traditional chocolate fudge recipe uses the old-school method of cooking the sugar until it reaches 234°F, so you’ll need a candy thermometer to pull it off. Don’t worry; just because it sounds fancy doesn’t mean it’s actually difficult to make!
4/25
Microwave Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina
It doesn’t get easier than combining five ingredients in a bowl and popping it into the microwave. This is a great last-minute recipe when you’re short on time.
5/25
Oreo Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this confection for a bake sale at our children's school. Boy, was it a hit! The crunchy chunks of sandwich cookie soften a bit as the mixture mellows. It's so sweet that one panful serves a crowd. —Laura Lane, Richmond, Virginia
Cookies and cream devotees are known to seek out this nostalgic duo in every possible form: ice cream, brownies and, yes, fudge. This recipe has not one but two layers of Oreos with creamy white chocolate in between. Bonus: One panful yields enough squares for your whole crew.
6/25
Tiger Butter
From the Recipe Creator:
My younger brother and I share a passion for candymaking. We love this smooth and creamy fudge recipe from a co-worker of mine. It features the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. —Peg Kipp, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Peanut butter makes everything better, including fudge. Made with white and milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, shortening and softened butter, this tiger-striped treat is ready to enjoy in under an hour. Hot tip: Clean toothpicks create the most precise swirls.
7/25
Butter Pecan Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
Nutty and crunchy, with bits of creamy caramel in every bite, butter pecan fudge is so flavorful you’ll want to make it again and again. If you have any leftovers, you can easily freeze them. Although, as one commenter puts it, everyone who eats this fudge says it can be habit-forming!
8/25
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
Adding marshmallow creme to peanut butter fudge gives this already dreamy fudge an irresistible, whipped-like consistency. You might want to double or triple the recipe for a ravenous crowd.
9/25
Peppermint Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
I make many batches of this minty peppermint fudge to give as Christmas gifts. It's not too sweet, so it appeals to lots of palates. —Sue Schindler, Barnesville, Minnesota
Rich, chocolaty fudge may get a lot of love during the Festivus season, but don’t discount its creamy, milky cousin, white chocolate. The key to this super smooth fudge is never to stop stirring when cooking the sugar.
10/25
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Once you get the hang of basic chocolate fudge, elevate your version with dark chocolate and raspberry liqueur. Some reviewers shared that Chambord or raspberry syrup produced equally tasty results.
11/25
Marshmallow Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find it nearly impossible to resist this rich chocolate delight. It's chock-full of marshmallows and graham crackers. No one will believe that the tantalizing treat is low in fat. —Holly Mann, Temple, New Hampshire
Get all the campfire-friendly flavors of s’mores in fudge form! To keep this already decadent dessert a bit lighter, opt for fat-free sweetened condensed milk and reduced-fat graham crackers.
12/25
Candy Bar Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
My manager at work, who knows I like to try new treat recipes, shared this one with me. I've made this chewy and chocolaty fudge many times since. Packed with nuts and caramel, it's like a candy bar. Everyone who's tried it loves it. —Lois Freeman, Oxford, Michigan
If Snickers made fudge for the holidays, we imagine it would look a lot like this loaded candy bar concoction. Studded with salty peanuts and sweet ribbons of caramel, it’s the ultimate indulgence.
13/25
Mackinac Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
When I got married, a woman at my parents’ church gave me this version of a popular Michigan treat. I sometimes pipe a bit of frosting onto each piece for decoration during the holidays. —Kristen Ekhoff, Akron, Indiana
Michigan is famous for its Mackinac Island fudge, and we make it easy to recreate the old-fashioned gift shop fudge. The decorative icing and sprinkles may be optional, but this recipe has the island’s formula down to a science.
14/25
Apricot-Nut White Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
We look forward to this luscious apricot fudge recipe every Christmas. It's easy to make, and it melts in your mouth. I wrap up small squares of the candy with ribbon and silk holly.
Nuts and fruit are a classic Christmas combo for desserts like panettone and apricot-nut fudge. The tiny slices of orange fruit add a citrusy brightness to the snow-white squares, and the chopped walnuts sneak in some crunchiness. Because this fudge contains cream cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—not on the counter.
15/25
Kahlua Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
White Russian and toasted almond cocktails are popular drinks around the holidays, and this Kahlua fudge remixes those flavors into a scrumptious dessert. The best part? You need just five ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your pantry.
16/25
Rocky Road Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
We make rocky road-style fudge every Christmas, but why wait until the holidays for a recipe this good? —Ashley Berry, Montgomery Village, Maryland
You don’t have to wait for the holidays to treat yourself (and the fam) to this outrageous fudge. The rocky road-style recipe is chock full of peanuts, marshmallows and semisweet chocolate chips for the most delicious fudge that tastes just like Nana’s.
17/25
Christmas Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won't believe it. I've searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it. —Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Many hosts have their version of Christmas fudge down pat, but if you’ve yet to find yours and need inspiration, allow us to help. The base of this rich fudge combines sugar, evaporated milk and butter in perfect proportions, but the rest of the recipe is customizable based on your preference for mix-ins.
18/25
Butterscotch Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Lovers of butterscotch and fudge will agree—this award-winning recipe is a match made in heaven! Special add-ins like walnuts and marshmallow take this butterscotch fudge recipe to a whole new level. —Virginia Hipwell, Fenwick, Ontario
Butterscotch lovers: Meet the melt-in-your-mouth fudge version of your favorite candy. Walnuts and marshmallows elevate the recipe, but avoid using wet baking equipment to keep your chips from seizing—a term used when water comes in contact with butterscotch chips.
19/25
Peppermint Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
I make many batches of this minty peppermint fudge to give as Christmas gifts. It's not too sweet, so it appeals to lots of palates. —Sue Schindler, Barnesville, Minnesota
White chocolate and peppermint are made for the holidays. Of course, this would taste fantastic any time of year, so it doesn’t have to be restricted to December.
20/25
Coffee Shop Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This coffee fudge recipe is one that my son, Jackson, and I worked on together. After several efforts, we decided this version was a winner. It is smooth, creamy and has an irresistible crunch from pecans. The coffee and cinnamon blend nicely to provide subtle flavor. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
The secret weapon ingredient in this coffee-flavored fudge is cinnamon, which isn’t overpowering at all. Instead, it imparts a subtle flavor to the dense, pecan-packed fudge. Want more of a coffee kick? Add espresso granules or coffee extract.
21/25
Tootsie Roll Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband came home with 50 pounds of Tootsie Rolls he bought at a discount store, I had to figure out a way to use them so I came up with this Tootsie Roll fudge recipe! A red or green M&M's candy atop each piece makes them extra jolly. —Carolyn McDill, Ohatchee, Alabama
Need recipes using leftover Halloween candy? Use Tootsie Rolls to create extra-chewy holiday fudge. Red and green M&M’s add a bit of festive flair, but you could also use Reese’s Pieces or your favorite candy topper.
22/25
Almond Cherry Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
When you need a quick dessert for a gathering or last-minute party this season, enlist this fast fudge helper. Dried cranberries can stand in for the candied cherries if need be.
23/25
Black Cherry Swirl Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon
Get ready to watch these marbled squares disappear once you set them out for guests. The black cherry mix and white chocolate chips make this fudge tasty enough to rival any fudge shop across the country. Plus, we suspect the colors will win Santa’s approval.
24/25
Sugar Cookie Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Sugar cookie mix is the base of this creamy and celebration-worthy fudge. Customize the sprinkles to fit the occasion! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sugar cookies + fudge = a double Christmas treat. It’s a great combination for the holidays.
25/25
Maple Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Pure, woodsy maple syrup takes the starring role in this old-fashioned favorite. It's smooth, creamy delightfully decadent. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Put out a tray of this maple fudge, and it’ll be gone before you know it. Pure maple syrup adds warmth and sweetness to a decadent little morsel.
Fudge Recipes FAQ
What is the secret to making smooth fudge?
The key to smooth, sliceable fudge is heating the mixture to the right temperature and avoiding early stirring. If you’re making a stovetop version, cook the mixture to the soft-ball stage (between 234° and 240°). This helps the sugar dissolve evenly without crystallizing. Stirring too soon as it cools is one of the most common fudge mistakes and can lead to a gritty texture.
For microwave or shortcut versions, the secret is using good-quality chocolate and mixing it thoroughly with condensed milk until there are no streaks or pockets. Give it time to set without disturbing it, and you’ll get that firm, creamy texture every time.
What are creative mix-ins for fudge recipes?
Add texture and flavor to fudge recipes with creative mix-ins like toasted nuts, dried fruit, crushed candy and nut butters. For even more texture, you can fold in chopped pecans, dried cranberries or even cookie crumbs. Swirl in caramel or peanut butter for richness, or use crushed peppermint or a pinch of cinnamon to add seasonal flavor. Just be sure to chop everything small so the fudge still slices clean and holds its shape.
How long does homemade fudge last?
Homemade fudge lasts for one to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the fudge pieces between waxed paper to keep them from sticking. If your fudge includes dairy or softer fillings, store it in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor. For longer storage, fudge also freezes well as long as you wrap it tightly.
