This Fantasy fudge recipe is filled with gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans. It makes for fun edible gifts and an opulent dessert for the holidays.
What Is Fantasy Fudge?
Fantasy fudge is a classic American chocolate fudge that became popular because of the recipe printed on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar, and it has stood the test of time.
This was in the 1960s–70s, and instead of the traditional fudge method, the recipe used marshmallow creme to stabilize it and make the texture. It is an easier method and produces smooth and foolproof fudge without a candy thermometer (deep-fry thermometer).
The Best Fantasy Fudge Recipe
This fudge recipe is brought out over Thanksgiving and Christmas time. It is such a nice edible gift and it is the most requested recipe. I have given it to friends and family over the years and it's become the expected gift. This original recipe is based off of our two-ingredient marshmallow fudge.
So as a warning if you do this, you need to continue it as you'll have some disappointed people, ask me how I know. But that is all the joy November and December brings.
If you prefer a green addition to your Christmas gifting, Grinch fudge is the one. Get your Grinch snacks ready and of course the movie and have a movie night. Or try out these other Gluten Free Christmas Recipes.
What makes this the best for us? It's kind of its own thing. Fantasy fudge is rich, and it's easy to adapt. We make ours with cherries and nuts. But you can swap in your favorite fruits for a multitude of variations. Let's get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Fantasy Fudge Recipe
Chocolaty - This fudge oozes chocolate, so if your a chocolate lover your are going to find this recipe hard to resist.
Great for gifting - You can't go wrong with an edible gift during the holiday season.
Quick to make - This recipe has minimal hands on time and all you need is cute boxes and some parchment paper for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients In This Fantasy Fudge Recipe
So fudge really has pantry staples in it. So you can make this at any point in time.
- Granulated sugar - Use some granulated white sugar. It adds that smoothness to the fudge.
- Marshmallow fluff - Fudge needs a stabilizer, so the marshmallow fluff does this. You can also use marshmallows instead, just make sure they're gluten-free.
- Gluten-free dark chocolate chips - It helps for setting the fudge and also for flavor. Who can resist chocolate! And, according to this research, it's a functional food as it has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
- Butter - Promotes the soft nice mouthfeel we all enjoy about fudge.
- Evaporated milk - Adds some moisture.
- Crushed pecans - You can also use walnuts or omit them if you're a nut free household.
- Vanilla extract - This is for that extra flavoring.
- Cherries (optional) - I've used glazed cherries. Remember to wash off the glaze and dry them.
- Sprinkles (optional) - This is totally up to you. You can add on any sprinkles you like, even a sprinkling of crushed pecans adds to it.
Equipment Needed
You will need a 9-inch pan (9x13) for half the batch or two if you're making the full ingredient list. You can use a square 8 inch baking pan (square baking dish) if you want them to slightly bigger and chunkier. You will need to let it set for longer. I like to use parchment paper or wax paper.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot and a candy thermometer can be useful to check the temperature has reached 234°F to 237°F. If not use the visual cues of it going more silky.
I use a long knife that is sharp so you get those nice clean cut slices.
How To Make This Fantasy Fudge
Cooking the fudge till the sugar melts correctly is key. Just when you think it needs to be taken off the stove, give it a few more minutes.
- Grease or add parchment paper to two 9 x 13 pans.
- Melt the butter with the evaporated milk, then add the sugar. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves. I set a timer for 4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir the dark chocolate and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Keep stirring.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the marshmallow cream until it is entirely incorporated, then add the pecans and cherries (if using). You can briefly add back onto a heat source if it gets too thick too fast.
- Put the mixture into the baking pans. Cool for about an hour or more. Slice them into squares or triangles.
Tips For Making This Fantasy Fudge Recipe
Here are a few things for you to consider if you're new to making fudge.
- Stir - You don't want to burn the fudge. You need a full rolling boil when melting the sugar. This is when big bubbles boil, and they look like they're rolling over. You will also notice a change in the mixture's appearance; it becomes shinier. Avoid grainy fudge by using this method.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips—I like Enjoy Life Baking Dark Chocolate Morsels. They only contain 3 ingredients and are certified gluten-free. Here's a reminder of gluten-free labeling of foods if your new around here.
- Let it cool - Let the fudge cool for an hour. I prefer longer, or leave it overnight and then you know it has set perfectly.
- Dip knife in hot water - For the perfect slices, heat your knife, dry it off, and slice. You can make the slices as big or small as you like, but a little goes a long way. Also, take into account the size of the jar or box so you slice them accordingly.
- Don't use cooking spray in the pot - You don't need to use any spray in your pot, it will break the crystallization process. There are different sugar crystallization stages.
- Use a spatula - I found a spatula was better than a wooden spoon to make this marshmallow creme fudge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's The Best Way To Store It?
I suggest you store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between the fudge to separate the layers as they do tend to stick together.
Can I Freeze This Fantasy Fudge?
Yes, and you should use longer storage for this recipe. The festive season is a busy time, so making these ahead of time as edible gifts will allow you to do other things. Just use a freezer-safe container (and separate the fudge slices with wax paper).
How Long Does It Keep?
Store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to have it for a bit more time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Can I Make It With Walnuts?
Yes, walnuts work well too. A variety of nuts can be used like almonds, hazelnuts, or as per the recipe pecans. You can omit them if you need it to be nut free.
Can I Halve This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but I'd suggest you don't, as it disappears in seconds.
Is Fantasy Fudge Gluten Free?
Some store-bought versions may not be, so check your labels as you would with any new product you purchase. This recipe is gluten-free. Always check that your marshmallow creme and chocolate chips are gluten-free. Watch any add-ins you might add.
Fantasy Fudge Recipe
This fantasy fudge recipe is a keeper this holiday season. Perfect for edible gifting and get togethers.
Ingredients
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 15 oz Marshmallow Fluff
- 18oz Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup crushed pecans
- 1.5 cups butter
- 1.25 cups evaporated milk
- 1 tbs of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease or add parchment paper to two 9 x 13 pans.
- Melt the butter with the evaporated milk, then add the sugar. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves. I set a timer for 4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir the dark chocolate and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Keep stirring.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the marshmallow cream until it is entirely incorporated, then add the pecans and cherries (if using). You can briefly add back onto a heat source if it gets too thick too fast.
- Put the mixture into the baking pans. Cool for about an hour or more. Slice them into squares or triangles.
Notes
- Stir - You don't want to burn the fudge. You need a full rolling boil when melting the sugar. This is when big bubbles boil, and they look like they're rolling over. You will also notice a change in the mixture's appearance; it becomes shinier. Avoid grainy fudge by actioning this method.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips— I like Enjoy Life Baking Dark Chocolate Morsels. They only contain 3 ingredients and are certified gluten-free.
- Let it cool - Let the fudge cool for an hour. I prefer longer, or leave it overnight and then you know it has set perfectly.
- Dip knife in hot water - For the perfect slices, heat your knife, dry it off, and slice. You can make the slices as big or small as you like, but a little goes a long way. Also, take into account the size of the jar or box so you slice them accordingly.
- Don't use cooking spray in the pot - You don't need to use any spray in your pot, it will break the crystalization process.
- Use a spatula - I found a spatula was better than a wooden spoon to make this marshmallow creme fudge.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 69mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 42gProtein: 2g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
If you make this gluten-free fantasy fudge recipe, please consider stopping by and letting me know what you think.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @glutenfreepalate on Instagram and hashtag it #glutenfreepalatebaker so we can see all the deliciousness!
Leave a Question or Comment