Chocolate Fudge Recipe with Marshmallow Fluff

Growing up, my grandmother had a signature touch when it came to desserts, and fudge was her masterpiece. This wasn’t just any fudge; it was the creamiest, dreamiest Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff, enhanced by the magical ingredient of marshmallow fluff. It was the highlight of every family gathering and something we all looked forward to.

How to make Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff

Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff is a rich and creamy dessert made by combining chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and marshmallow fluff (a smooth, sticky marshmallow-like spread). The fluff adds a light, airy texture to the dense chocolate fudge, making it softer and giving it a unique flavor and consistency.

Ingredients:

• Sugar: 3 cups of granulated sugar to create the sweet base of the fudge.
• Butter: 3/4 cup of unsalted butter to add richness and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
• Evaporated Milk: 2/3 cup to bring everything together without curdling, as regular milk might.
• Chocolate Chips: 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the fudge, providing that chocolate depth we all crave.
• Marshmallow Fluff: A 7-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff or crème is the secret star here, contributing to the fudge’s creamy texture and marshmallow taste.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to add a subtle aroma and enhance the overall flavor.
• Optional Nuts: 1 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch for those who enjoy a bit of texture in their fudge.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Begin by lining a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Grease the foil lightly with a dab of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once your butter melts and you’ve got a uniform mixture, crank the heat up and bring it to a full, rolling boil. Keep it there for about 5 minutes, staying vigilant and stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Chocolate and Fluff Magic: Take your saucepan off the heat and immediately add the chocolate chips, stirring until they’re completely melted into the mix. Now, for the fluffy wonder, add your entire jar of marshmallow fluff along with your teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir, stir, stir until you’ve got a beautifully smooth fudge base. If you’ve chosen to use nuts, fold them in now to distribute them evenly.
4. Set Your Fudge: Carefully pour your hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature, which could take a few hours. For a quicker set, you can place the pan in the refrigerator.
5. Slice and Enjoy: After the fudge has completely set, use the overhanging foil to lift it out of the pan. Peel back the foil and cut the fudge into square servings using a sharp knife (you can warm the knife under hot water for a cleaner slice).

Essential Tips:

• Consistency is Key: When boiling your sugar mixture, aim for the soft-ball stage if you’re using a candy thermometer (234°F to 240°F). Getting this right ensures your fudge will not be too hard or too soft.
• Avoid Graininess: Stirring constantly during the cooking process will help you avoid any grainy textures that can sometimes plague homemade fudge.
• Size Matters: Cutting the fudge into smaller squares is wise, as it’s quite rich. You can always come back for seconds!
• Storing for Later: The fudge keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or two. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniments with Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff can elevate your dessert experience, turning it into a full-on feast for the senses. When considering what to serve with this rich and creamy fudge, it’s essential to balance flavors and textures to complement its density and sweetness.

Beverages

• Coffee: A cup of strong, black coffee offers a bitter contrast that can cut through the sweetness of the fudge, providing a balanced flavor profile. The warmth of the coffee also makes the fudge slightly melt in your mouth, enhancing its creaminess.
• Milk: Sometimes, the classic pairing is unbeatable. Cold milk with rich, chocolatey fudge is a childhood favorite for many. The coolness and creaminess of the milk offer a refreshing counterpoint to the dense sweetness of the fudge.
• Red Wine: For a more grown-up pairing, choose a dessert wine like Port or a full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel. The wine’s depth and slight acidity can beautifully complement the sweetness and richness of the chocolate.

Fresh Fruits

• Strawberries: Their slight acidity and juicy bite complement the dense texture and deep flavors of chocolate fudge. Plus, strawberries and chocolate are a classic duo.
• Raspberries: Offering a tart contrast to the sweetness of the fudge, raspberries can help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas offer a mellow sweetness and a creamy texture that harmonizes well with the fudge, making for a comforting dessert option.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream beside a piece of fudge creates a divine combination. The cold, creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the thick, chewy fudge.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy texture to your dessert plate, offering a respite from the richness of the fudge.

Nut Varieties

• Toasted Nuts: If you’ve opted for a nut-free fudge, serving it with a side of toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements chocolate well.

Cheese

• Cheese Plate: Though it may seem unconventional, serving slices of cheese like sharp cheddar or brie with chocolate fudge can be a delightful surprise. The saltiness of the cheese contrasts with the fudge’s sweetness, making for an intriguing flavor combination.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow fluff is a delightful project, but sometimes, you might be short on specific ingredients or need substitutes to accommodate dietary restrictions or flavor preferences.

Marshmallow Fluff Replacement

• Homemade Marshmallow Cream: If you don’t have store-bought Marshmallow Fluff, you can make a homemade version using egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract whipped to stiff peaks. This substitute is great for those wanting a less processed option.
• Marshmallows: You can melt down regular marshmallows as a direct substitute for Marshmallow Fluff. Use about 1 cup of marshmallows (preferably mini marshmallows as they melt easier) for every cup of Marshmallow Fluff the recipe calls for.

Chocolate Substitutes

• Cocoa Powder: Without chocolate bars or chips, you can use cocoa powder with some added fat (like butter or coconut oil) to reach a similar richness. For every ounce of chocolate, use three tablespoons of cocoa powder plus one tablespoon of fat.
• Different Types of Chocolate: While semi-sweet chocolate is often used, you can experiment with bittersweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for varying sweetness levels and flavors.

Sweeteners

• Granulated Sugar Alternatives: If your recipe calls for granulated sugar and you’re out, you can use brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can also be used but be mindful of the additional liquid they introduce.
• Condensed Milk: If you are using condensed milk as a sweetener or to add creaminess but need a substitute, a mixture of evaporated milk and a sweetener (like sugar or honey) can work. Combine one cup of evaporated milk with 1-1/4 cups of sugar as an alternative to one can of sweetened condensed milk.

Dairy Products

• Butter Alternatives: Coconut oil can be a good vegan substitute for butter, offering a slightly different flavor profile. Margarine is also an alternative, although it might alter the texture slightly.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: For those avoiding dairy, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can substitute for milk or heavy cream in fudge recipes. However, these might slightly change the flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract

• Other Extracts: If you’re out of vanilla extract or want to try a different flavor, almond extract, peppermint extract, or even orange extract can add an exciting twist to your fudge.

Nuts (if used)

• Various Nut Options: If the original recipe calls for a specific nut that you don’t have or can’t use, virtually any nut can be an adequate substitute in fudge—think walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even peanuts for a crunch. For nut allergies, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds can be a good alternative, or you can omit nuts entirely.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff is not just about creating a heavenly dessert; it’s a moment to savor the joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing, and, of course, the love of fudge.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars Recipe
• Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Recipe