Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge: A Quick & Creamy Chocolate Treat

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert, look no further than Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge. This classic Southern-style fudge is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and five minutes of cook time, you can whip up a decadent chocolate treat perfect for holidays, gifts, or an everyday sweet craving.

One of the key ingredients that makes this fudge extra smooth and creamy is evaporated milk, which helps create the perfect texture. If you’re curious about how it differs from regular milk, check out this guide on evaporated milk. Additionally, using high-quality chocolate is essential for achieving a rich chocolate flavor—learn more about the best chocolate for baking to take your fudge to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ⅔ cups white sugar
⅔ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
1 (6-ounce) package milk chocolate chips
16 large marshmallows
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Fudge Base

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt.
Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

2. Melt the Chocolate

Add chocolate chips to the mixture and stir until completely melted and smooth.

3. Add the Final Ingredients

Remove from heat and immediately stir in marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts.
Mix well until the marshmallows have fully melted into the fudge.

4. Set and Cool

Pour the fudge mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8-inch square pan.
Allow it to cool at room temperature until fully set.

5. Slice and Enjoy

Once cooled, cut the fudge into small squares and serve!

Why You’ll Love This Fudge

✅ Quick and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes of cook time!
✅ Smooth and creamy – Thanks to the perfect balance of evaporated milk and marshmallows.
✅ Perfect for any occasion – Great for gifting, parties, or holiday treats.
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, caramel, or sea salt for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve & Store Fudge

Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks for a firmer texture.
Freeze for up to 3 months—wrap pieces in wax paper and place in a sealed container.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fudge

✔ Use a candy thermometer – Cooking the fudge to 234-240°F (soft-ball stage) ensures perfect consistency.
✔ Stir constantly – This prevents the sugar from crystallizing and keeps the fudge smooth.
✔ Use high-quality chocolate chips – The better the chocolate, the better the flavor!
✔ Let it cool completely before cutting – This helps create clean, even squares.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy fudge recipe is rich, creamy, and foolproof—perfect for a last-minute dessert or homemade gift. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added mix-ins, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings

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