When you think of quick and easy desserts, fudge might not always come to mind. Traditionally, fudge requires careful timing, candy thermometers, and a good bit of patience. But leave it to Paula Deen—the queen of Southern comfort food—to take something classic and make it incredibly simple. Her 5-Minute Fudge is the perfect recipe for anyone who craves a rich, chocolatey bite without the hassle of hours in the kitchen. This recipe captures the indulgent flavor of old-fashioned fudge while cutting down on the time, effort, and equipment. With only a handful of ingredients and a short cooking process, you’ll have a batch of creamy, decadent fudge ready to share (or keep all to yourself).
Whether you’re preparing treats for the holidays, putting together a sweet gift basket, or just looking for a quick fix for your sweet tooth, this fudge is a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again. Let’s dive into how to make it and what makes it so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Paula Deen’s fudge recipe is how few ingredients it requires. Most of these are pantry staples, which means you can whip this up at a moment’s notice. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 and ⅔ cups sugar
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½ cup evaporated milk
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2 tablespoons butter
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 (6-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
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16 large marshmallows
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped pecans (optional but highly recommended for that Southern touch)
Each of these plays an important role. The sugar and evaporated milk form the base of the fudge, creating the necessary sweetness and creamy texture. Butter adds richness, while salt balances the flavors. The chocolate chips bring that deep cocoa taste we crave, and marshmallows act as a stabilizer and thickener, giving the fudge a smooth consistency. Vanilla rounds out the flavor, and pecans add crunch and nuttiness, a Paula Deen signature twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare your pan: Before you begin cooking, line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This will make it much easier to remove and cut the fudge later.
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Start the base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring constantly. This is where the magic begins—the sugar will dissolve into the milk and butter, forming the sweet foundation of your fudge.
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Boil and stir: Continue boiling the mixture for about 5 minutes, making sure to stir the entire time to prevent sticking or burning. The mixture should thicken slightly during this process.
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Add the chocolate and marshmallows: Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. The residual heat will melt them smoothly into the mixture, creating that luscious fudge texture.
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Finish with flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and pecans until fully incorporated. The vanilla brings warmth, and the pecans add crunch.
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Pour and set: Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm, or speed things up by placing it in the refrigerator for an hour.
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Cut and serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut it into small squares. It’s rich, so bite-sized pieces are perfect.
Tips for Success
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Stir constantly: The key to smooth fudge is stirring without stopping during the boiling stage. This prevents sugar crystals from forming.
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Customize it: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. If you prefer it nut-free, simply omit them.
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Flavor variations: Add a splash of peppermint extract for holiday fudge, swirl in some peanut butter for extra indulgence, or top with sea salt for a sweet-salty twist.
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Storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.
