Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe
Fudge is one of those timeless treats that can satisfy your sweet tooth in a rich, indulgent way. Paula Deen, the beloved Southern chef known for her hearty and delicious recipes, has made it even easier to enjoy this decadent dessert with her 5-Minute Fudge recipe. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious! Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade fudge but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through Paula Deen’s famous 5-Minute Fudge recipe, including step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting it, and some creative variations you can try.
Ingredients:
For this easy, creamy fudge, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
These basic ingredients create a rich, creamy fudge that’s perfect on its own, but the beauty of this recipe is that it can be customized with different flavors and additions.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line Your Pan: Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan (or a similar-sized dish) with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make it much easier to remove the fudge once it’s set. Lightly grease the lining with cooking spray or butter to ensure the fudge doesn’t stick.
Set Aside: Set the prepared pan aside and focus on the chocolate mixture.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir occasionally as the butter begins to melt and the chocolate chips start to soften. This process should take around 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning the chocolate.
Stir: Once the mixture starts to melt, continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted, smooth, and glossy. The condensed milk will combine with the chocolate to create a rich, creamy texture that forms the base of your fudge.
Step 3: Add Flavoring
Vanilla and Salt: Once the chocolate is completely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the chocolate, and the salt helps balance the sweetness of the fudge.
Mix Well: Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined, making sure there are no lumps.
Step 4: Pour into the Pan
Transfer to the Pan: Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon. The mixture will be thick and gooey, so be gentle to avoid spilling.
Smooth the Top: Once the fudge is in the pan, use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the top of the fudge into an even layer. This will give the fudge a nice presentation once it’s set.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 2 hours. Since the fudge is quite thick and creamy, it will take a little time to firm up. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by putting it in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes.
Check for Firmness: After the fudge has chilled and set, check to ensure it is firm to the touch. The consistency should be smooth and solid.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Cut into Squares: Once the fudge has set, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the edges of the parchment or foil, then place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into small squares.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade Paula Deen fudge as a sweet treat at parties, gatherings, or simply to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee. You can store the leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The key to great fudge is the quality of the chocolate. While semisweet chocolate chips work perfectly fine for this recipe, you can use higher-quality chocolate for a richer taste. Look for chocolate with a cocoa percentage of around 60-70% for the best flavor.
Don’t Overheat: When melting the chocolate, avoid using high heat. Too much heat can burn the chocolate, ruining the smooth texture of the fudge. Medium to low heat works best.
Storage: If you’re planning to make fudge ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Be Mindful of Temperature: If you’re using a hot summer day or a warm kitchen to make this fudge, it’s best to chill it in the freezer for a faster setting time. If the fudge softens too much, it won’t set properly.
Creative Variations of Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the fudge with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Nutty Fudge
Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the melted chocolate mixture before pouring it into the pan. The nuts add a nice crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate.
2. Peanut Butter Fudge
After melting the chocolate and condensed milk, stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the mixture. This adds a creamy, nutty twist to the fudge that peanut butter lovers will adore.
3. Mint Fudge
Add a few drops of mint extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the melted fudge mixture. You can also swirl in some chopped Andes mints or mint chocolate chips for a fresh, minty flavor.
4. White Chocolate Fudge
For a lighter and creamier variation, substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. You can add a small amount of lemon zest or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. S’mores Fudge
Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to the top of the fudge before it sets. This creates a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat!
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is one of the quickest and most satisfying fudge recipes you’ll ever make. The recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and those looking for a last-minute dessert. With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a decadent, creamy fudge that will impress family, friends, and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different flavors and add-ins, this fudge recipe is sure to be a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, start stirring, and in just a few minutes, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s hard to resist!