From fifteen years of making holiday treats and testing countless candy recipes in my professional kitchen, this marshmallow fudge recipe stands as my most requested creation. What started as a desperate attempt to recreate my grandmother's Christmas candy has become the centerpiece of every bake sale, holiday gathering, and teacher gift we make. The magic happens when fluffy marshmallows meet rich chocolate - creating that perfect chewy-meets-creamy texture that makes people beg for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Back years of teaching this recipe to friends and family, this marshmallow fudge recipe becomes everyone's favorite for good reason. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with artificial ingredients, this homemade version uses simple, real ingredients you can pronounce. The texture is absolutely perfect - not too hard like some fudges, not too soft like frosting, but that ideal balance that melts on your tongue while still holding its shape. What makes this recipe truly special is how foolproof it is - Emma has helped me make this since he was five, and we've never had a failed batch.
No candy thermometer needed, no worrying about temperatures or stages - just three main ingredients and about ten minutes of your time. Plus, it stores beautifully for gift-giving and always impresses at potlucks and bake sales. The best part? You can make it your own with simple add-ins. We've done everything from crushed cookies to dried fruit, and it always turns out wonderfully. This is comfort food baking at its finest - simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- Ingredients for Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- How To Make Marshmallow Fudge Recipe Step By Step
- Smart Swaps for Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- Storing Your Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- Equipment For Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- Marshmallow Fudge Recipe Variations
- What to Serve With Marshmallow Fudge
- Top Tip
- The Flavor My Best Friend Never Told Me About
- FAQ
- Time for Sweet Success!
- Related
- Pairing
- Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Ingredients for Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
The Foundation:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Enhancers:
- Caramel swirl
- Chopped walnuts
- Pecans
- Butterscotch chips
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Marshmallow Fudge Recipe Step By Step
Quick Prep:
- Line 8x8 pan with parchment
- Measure all ingredients
- Keep everything nearby
- Work quickly once melting starts
The Melt:
- Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk
- Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly
- Watch for smooth, glossy texture
- Remove from heat immediately
The Magic Mix:
- Quickly fold in marshmallows
- Add vanilla and salt
- Stir just until combined
- Don't overmix
Setting Up:
- Refrigerate for 2 hours
- Pour into prepared pan
- Smooth top gently
- Cool at room temperature
Smart Swaps for Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Chocolate Options:
- Semi-sweet → Dark chocolate chips
- Regular → Sugar-free chocolate
- Standard → White chocolate
Marshmallow Choices:
- Mini → Regular marshmallows (chopped)
- Standard → Marshmallow fluff
- Plain → Flavored marshmallows
Milk Alternatives:
- Regular → Coconut condensed milk
- Standard → Sugar-free version
Add-In Swaps:
- Standard → Vegan alternatives
- Nuts → Seeds for nut-free
- Regular → Gluten-free mix-ins
Storing Your Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Room Temperature (1 week):
- Airtight container
- Parchment between layers
- Cool, dry place
- Away from heat sources
Refrigerated (2 weeks):
- Wrapped tightly
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Maintains best texture
Freezer (2 months):
- Perfect for gift-giving prep
- Double-wrapped in plastic
- Thaw slowly in fridge
Equipment For Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
- 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
Marshmallow Fudge Recipe Variations
Rocky Road Style:
- Add toasted almonds
- Mini marshmallows
- Extra chocolate drizzle
Peanut Butter Dream:
- Swirl in peanut butter
- Crushed peanuts
- Sea salt finish
Holiday Special:
- Crushed candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
Birthday Party:
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Cake mix powder
- Colorful marshmallows
What to Serve With Marshmallow Fudge
This rich, creamy marshmallow fudge pairs beautifully with simple beverages and light accompaniments that balance its sweetness. Hot coffee or strong black tea cuts through the richness perfectly, while cold milk provides a classic comfort combination that kids and adults love. For special occasions, try serving small squares alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries - the tartness of strawberries or raspberries creates a lovely contrast to the sweet chocolate.
During holiday gatherings, this 3 ingredient fudge with marshmallow cream works wonderfully as part of a dessert spread. Set it out with sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and maybe some salted nuts for variety. The different textures and flavors give everyone options, and the fudge's rich taste means people are satisfied with just a small piece. For gift-giving, wrap individual squares in colorful cellophane and tie with ribbon - they make perfect little treats for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who deserves something sweet.
Top Tip
- When selecting ingredients, fresh mini marshmallows make all the difference - they should feel soft and spring back when pressed. Older marshmallows don't melt as evenly and can create lumpy texture. The key technique for perfect marshmallow fudge with condensed milk is all about timing: add marshmallows to the hot chocolate mixture but don't let them completely melt. You want beautiful ribbons of marshmallow throughout rather than everything blending into one smooth mixture.
- For variations and storage, remember that marshmallow fluff is much more concentrated than mini marshmallows, so use half the amount when substituting. Create clean swirls by dropping spoonfuls of add-ins on top before using a knife to make patterns. Always line your pan with parchment that hangs over the edges for easy removal, and don't rush the setting process - this marshmallow fluff fudge recipe actually tastes better after resting overnight when all the flavors have time to marry together.
The Flavor My Best Friend Never Told Me About
My best friend had been making marshmallow fudge for years, and hers always tasted somehow richer and more complex than mine, even though we used the same recipe. Every time I asked her about it, she'd just smile and say "maybe your chocolate chips are different." It wasn't until Emma accidentally knocked over the almond extract while I was making a batch that I discovered her secret.
That tiny splash of almond extract - just a quarter teaspoon - transformed the entire flavor profile. It doesn't make the fudge taste like almonds, but it adds this incredible depth that makes people pause and wonder what makes it so special. When I finally confronted her about it at our next book club meeting, she laughed and admitted she'd been adding it for years but thought it was "too fancy" to mention. Now it's become our signature touch in this easy fudge recipe, and just like her, I sometimes forget to mention it because it seems so natural to include.
FAQ
Can you use Marshmallow Fudge Recipe of fluff for fudge?
Yes, mini marshmallows work perfectly in this marshmallow fudge recipe. Use about 2 cups of mini marshmallows to replace 1 jar of marshmallow fluff. The marshmallows create beautiful ribbons throughout the fudge, while fluff blends more completely into the mixture for a smoother texture.
What is the secret to perfect fudge?
The secret lies in proper temperature control and timing. Heat chocolate and condensed milk slowly, stirring constantly until smooth. Add marshmallows off heat so they don't completely melt. Working quickly prevents the mixture from seizing while maintaining that perfect creamy texture that sets properly.
What are the three ingredients in fudge?
The basic 3 ingredient fudge with Marshmallow Fudge Recipe cream uses chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and marshmallows (or marshmallow fluff). These three ingredients create a rich, creamy fudge without complicated candy-making techniques or special equipment like candy thermometers.
Can I use marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?
Absolutely! Mini Marshmallow Fudge Recipe often create better texture than fluff in homemade fudge. They partially melt when added to hot chocolate, creating delicious pockets of chewiness throughout. Use fresh, soft marshmallows for best results in your fantasy fudge recipe.
Time for Sweet Success!
Now you have all the secrets to perfect marshmallow fudge - from the right melting technique to my best friend's almond extract discovery. This simple treat proves that the most beloved recipes often have the fewest ingredients, and sometimes the best kitchen discoveries happen completely by accident.
Ready for more irresistible treats? Try our Best Zucchini Cake Recipe that sneaks vegetables into dessert without anyone knowing. Need a healthy snack that tastes like dessert? Our Best Energy Ball Recipe delivers chocolate satisfaction with wholesome ingredients. For a fun breakfast project with Emma, our Best Poptart Recipe Homemade creates better-than-store-bought pastries that are worth the extra effort!
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Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Marshmallow Fudge Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8x8 or 9x9 pan (For setting fudge)
- 1 Saucepan (Heavy-bottomed works best)
- 1 Wooden spoon (For stirring mixture)
- 1 Rubber spatula (For folding & smoothing)
- As needed Parchment paper (Line pan for easy removal)
Ingredients
- 3 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips - Base chocolate
- 1 14 oz can Sweetened condensed milk - Adds creaminess
- 2 cups Mini marshmallows - Fresh & soft
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract - Flavor
- 1 pinch Sea salt - Enhances taste
- ¼ teaspoon Almond extract opt. - Secret flavor depth
- To taste Chopped walnuts/pecans opt. - Crunch
- To taste Butterscotch chips/caramel swirl opt. - Variations
- To taste Sprinkles - crushed cookies, dried fruit (opt.) Fun add-ins
Instructions
-
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
-
In a saucepan over medium-low, stir chocolate chips and condensed milk until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat immediately.
-
Quickly fold in marshmallows, vanilla, salt, and almond extract (if using). Stir just until combined – don’t let marshmallows fully melt.
-
Transfer mixture to prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
-
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Lift from pan and cut into squares.
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