This old-school fantasy fudge (dream fudge) uses evaporated milk and marshmallow creme for a glossy, creamy bite that sets reliably every time. Boil, stir in chocolate chips, walnuts and vanilla, then cool for tidy, candy-shop squares.
Are Fantasy Fudge and Marshmallow Creme Fudge the Same?
Fantasy fudge, marshmallow creme fudge and dream fudge are the same thing-just two names for that classic, old-school fudge made by boiling sugar with evaporated milk and butter, then stirring in chocolate chips and marshmallow creme (marshmallow fluff) for a glossy, creamy finish. It’s famous for setting reliably (no sandy sugar drama) as long as you hit the right temperature, which is exactly why it’s the version people drag out every holiday season like a treasured family sweater.
What You’ll Need
One of the best things about this easy marshmallow cream fudge recipe is that the simple ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Evaporated milk
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Marshmallow fluff
- Walnuts
- Vanilla extract
What to Serve with Fantasy Fudge
Easy chocolate fudge is a great sweet treat all by itself, but you can also use it to garnish ice cream or put it on a seasonal cookie tray. It’s also delicious dunked in homemade whipped cream or drizzled with caramel sauce.
Variations
There are lots of different ways you can take the original recipe for this fantasy fudge and make it your own.
- Nuts– Try adding or swapping pistachios, peanuts, pecans – whatever you prefer!
- Sprinkles– Dress up your fudge with colorful sprinkles.
- Decorators’ sugar– Add some sparkly seasonal color with a little bit of decorators’ sugar.
- Chips– Peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch are a couple of options for folding in or pressing into the top.
- Salt– Sprinkle some fleur de sel over top of the fudge to make it the perfect dessert. Use pink Himalayan sea salt for a touch of pretty color.
- Extract– Use almond extract for nutty flavor or peppermint extract to make the perfect treat for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number one key to making the best fantasy fudge is to pay close attention to your candy thermometer so you know exactly when it has reached the right temperature.
High-quality fudge is the result of attention to detail in terms of timing. Avoid overcooking fudge because it will be hard and dry, and don’t overcook it — then it will be too soft.
You need to cook your fudge to just the right temperature in order for it to harden. Make sure you use a candy thermometer to be precise.
If the mixture does not reach the intended temperature, it will be soft with too much liquid remaining and likely gritty from the sugar not fully dissolving.
Sugar crystals. They form if sugar clings to the sides of the pan or if you stir at the wrong time-wipe down sides with a damp pastry brush and don’t “panic stir.”
More Creamy Fudge Treats
Of all of the desserts, fudge is definitely one of my favorites. Here are some of the best.
Fantasy Fudge (Marshmallow Creme Fudge)
Equipment
- 8×8 square baking pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, crisscrossing to make a sling.
- Combine the 3 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsalted butter and ⅔ cup evaporated milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer and stir for 5-10 minutes or until it registers at 234°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
- Add the 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup marshmallow fluff to the hot mixture; stir until melted. Add the chopped 1 cup chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot fudge into the prepared pan; spreading evenly. Cool completely. Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into 1-inch squares.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
How much Plant Based Mini Marshmallows would I use with this recipe?
I’ve never worked with plant based marshmallows- I’d check the packaging and see if it is a 1:1 ratio.
Enjoyed this for an afternoon treat and it does not disappoint! Turned out perfectly rich, creamy and delicious; a chocolate lover’s dream!
I like this Fudge recipe! This looks so easy to make.
This fudge was amazing!! It was super rich and dense, and perfectly sweet. Really easy to make too!
Your Fantasy Fudge post hit the sweet spot for me! The blend of marshmallow cream and chocolate is basically magic in a pan. Your step-by-step instructions made the process foolproof, and I love the extra tips you threw in about storage—that’s if any fudge survives long enough to be stored! Seriously, this recipe is a keeper.
I love this recipe! I made it for my friend who’s a fudge queen and she said this was her favorite she’s ever had!