Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re in search of a quick dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is just what you need! Here’s what makes this recipe a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: In just five minutes of cooking time, this fudge can be yours! It’s ideal for those busy days when you need something sweet in a pinch.
• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients like evaporated milk, sugar, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
• Rich, Creamy Texture: A delightful combination of marshmallows and chocolate chips gives this fudge an incredibly smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
• Versatile: Want to customize it? Toss in some nuts or your favorite toppings to make this fudge uniquely yours!

Recipe: Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 16 large marshmallows (or 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and measuring out all your ingredients. If you’re using large marshmallows, consider cutting them into smaller pieces for quicker melting.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, mix together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat, and keep stirring to ensure the mixture doesn’t burn. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, allow it to boil gently.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
As soon as the mixture starts to boil, stir in the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Keep stirring continuously as the chocolate and marshmallows melt. This process should only take a couple of minutes—just keep going until everything is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract and Nuts (Optional)
Once your mixture is uniform in texture, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor, and if you like a little crunch, toss in the chopped nuts.

Step 5: Pour the Fudge into a Pan
Carefully pour the hot fudge mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly so it reaches all the corners of the dish.

Step 6: Let the Fudge Set
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until it solidifies. To speed up the process, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour. Once firm, cut it into delicious squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Fudge

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients lead to the best flavor! High-quality chocolate chips can elevate your fudge even more.
• Stir Constantly: To prevent the mixture from burning, it’s important to stir constantly while heating the milk and sugar mixture.
• Don’t Overheat: Be mindful not to boil the fudge mixture for too long. Simply cook it until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted entirely.
• Grease Your Pan: It’s a good idea to line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil before greasing it. This will help you remove the fudge easily once it’s set.

Serving Suggestions

This fudge is wonderfully rich, so small squares are the perfect serving size! Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk to balance out the sweetness. It’s an ideal treat for gatherings, festive gifting, or simply a delightful dessert at home.

Variations on Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

While this fudge is fabulous as it is, here are some fun variations to try:

• Peppermint Fudge: Swap out the vanilla extract for 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
• Nutty Chocolate Fudge: If you love nuts, increase the amount to 1 cup for an even nuttier flavor, or experiment with various nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
• Salted Caramel Fudge: Before it sets, drizzle melted caramel on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty delight.
• Espresso Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the hot milk mixture for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Mistake 1: The Fudge Is Too Soft

• Solution: If your fudge doesn’t firm up correctly, it may need more cooking time or additional cooling. Try placing it in the refrigerator to help it set and ensure you cook it long enough next time.

Mistake 2: Grainy Texture

• Solution: Make sure to stir the fudge constantly to fully dissolve the sugar. Undissolved sugar leads to a grainy fudge, so ensure it’s completely dissolved before adding the chocolate and marshmallows.

Mistake 3: Fudge Sticks to the Pan

• Solution: Always line your dish with parchment paper or foil. This tip will make it a breeze to lift the fudge out once it’s set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, they are not interchangeable. Condensed milk is much sweeter and has a thicker consistency, which will alter the flavor and texture of your fudge.

Q2: Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the evaporated milk for coconut milk or another plant-based alternative, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind this may change the flavor slightly.

Q3: Can I freeze fudge?
Yes, fudge can be frozen! Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q4: What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they strike the perfect balance of sweetness for this recipe. Dark chocolate chips can also be used for a richer taste.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! If you double the ingredients, just make sure to use a larger pan. Bear in mind that you may also need to cook the mixture a little longer to achieve the desired thickness.