A Quick and Easy Chocolate Treat That Delivers Classic Flavor in Minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 2–3 hours (or 1 hour in the refrigerator)
Total Active Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Yield: About 36 small squares
If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without much effort, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is a go-to classic. Rich, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavor, this simple stovetop fudge comes together with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of stirring.
Perfect for holiday gifting, potlucks, or an anytime indulgence, this recipe skips the complexity of traditional fudge and keeps things delightfully easy.
Ingredients
1 and ⅔ cups white granulated sugar
⅔ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
1 package (6 ounces) milk chocolate chips
16 large marshmallows (about 1½ cups)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional — pecans or walnuts work beautifully)
Note: For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts without affecting the fudge’s texture or flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the Sugar Base (5 minutes)
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat and begin stirring immediately.
Keep stirring the mixture gently and consistently for a full five minutes. The sugar will dissolve, and the mixture will begin to bubble and thicken slightly. Be attentive — don’t walk away during this stage. Avoid high heat, which could cause scorching or uneven texture.
Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula to maintain even stirring.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Add Mix-Ins
After five minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the milk chocolate chips to the hot sugar mixture.
Stir quickly and thoroughly until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Next, stir in the large marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts (if using). Continue stirring vigorously until the marshmallows are mostly melted and everything is well incorporated.
It’s okay if a few marshmallow pieces remain visible — they’ll melt further as the fudge sets and add a silky texture to the final product.
3. Pour and Set the Fudge
Quickly transfer the hot fudge mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it into the corners.
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is fully firm and set. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
4. Slice and Serve
Once the fudge is firm to the touch, lift it out of the pan using the parchment lining, or run a knife around the edges to loosen if you greased the pan directly.
Place the block on a cutting board and slice into small squares using a sharp knife. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or larger squares depending on how you plan to serve them.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the fudge in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To serve from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator before cutting or enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before cooling for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Wrap in wax paper and gift in small boxes for holidays, birthdays, or thank-you gifts.
Serve alongside cookies or brownies on a dessert platter for variety.
Why It Works
This fudge is all about simplicity and satisfaction. No candy thermometer is required. No fancy equipment or technique. Just one pot, a few basic ingredients, and ten minutes of your time. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of holiday treats or Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s house — rich, comforting, and made with love.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is almost impossible to mess up. And the result? A creamy, chocolatey treat that tastes like it took hours — not minutes.
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