Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and absolutely irresistible, then Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine a silky, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fudge that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The best part? It only takes five minutes to prepare—yes, you read that right! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a decadent treat that’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of fudge that feels like a cozy hug in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

Super Quick and Easy: We’re talking five minutes of prep and minimal effort for a fudge that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s a total win, especially when you’re short on time but craving something sweet.

No-Bake: This fudge doesn’t require any baking, which makes it perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or when you’re just in the mood for something super low-maintenance.

Creamy and Rich: With the combination of chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, the fudge has a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfectly rich without being overly heavy.

Perfect for Gifting: Wrap up squares of this fudge in some pretty gift paper or put them in a jar, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for family, friends, or neighbors. It’s a treat that’s sure to impress!

Customizable: Add nuts, sprinkles, or a swirl of peanut butter to make it uniquely yours. The recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors!

Ingredients

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

These provide the rich chocolatey base that makes this fudge so irresistible. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully and create a smooth, velvety texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

The magic ingredient that makes this fudge extra creamy and perfectly sweet. It helps to hold everything together and adds richness without the need for any extra sugar.

Butter

Butter adds that melt-in-your-mouth, creamy texture to the fudge and gives it an extra layer of flavor. It’s the secret ingredient for richness and smoothness.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness of the fudge and balances out the richness. It adds a lovely, aromatic note that rounds out the flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get that fudge ready in just five minutes! Here’s how you do it:

Melt the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Keep stirring constantly until everything is melted and combined into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Add Vanilla Extract

Once the fudge mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This little touch of vanilla will give the fudge a sweet, aromatic depth that makes it even more irresistible.

Pour Into a Pan

Prepare a square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Let It Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set. If you’re in a rush (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you can even pop it into the freezer for 30 minutes to speed up the process.

Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is set and firm, cut it into squares or rectangles, and it’s ready to serve! The perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy any chocolate craving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1-2 hours (for setting)

How to Serve Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

This fudge is a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with all sorts of things. Here’s how to serve it:

As a Dessert: Serve this fudge after a hearty meal for a sweet finish. You can even drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over it for an extra indulgent touch.

As a Gift: This fudge makes an amazing homemade gift. Cut it into pretty squares and wrap them in gift bags or boxes for a thoughtful, edible present that anyone will love.

With Coffee or Tea: A small square of this fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s a sweet pick-me-up that’s perfect for your afternoon break.

With Ice Cream: Top your favorite scoop of ice cream with a few chunks of fudge for a delightful sundae. You could also crumble it over a milkshake for added texture and chocolate goodness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most out of this fudge recipe:

Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the star of this fudge, so choose a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

Add Toppings: Want to make it extra special? Add some crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or swirl in peanut butter for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Let the fudge cool and set in the fridge or freezer as directed. If you try to cut it before it has completely set, it may be too soft.

Store Leftovers: Store the leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
A1: Yes, you can! Milk chocolate will give your fudge a sweeter, creamier flavor, so feel free to swap it out if you prefer a milder sweetness.

Q2: How do I know when the fudge is ready to cut?
A2: When the fudge is firm to the touch and has set in the fridge (or freezer), it’s ready to cut. It should hold its shape and not feel soft or sticky.

Q3: Can I add nuts to the fudge?
A3: Yes! Feel free to stir in crushed walnuts, pecans, or almonds once the fudge is fully melted and mixed. This will give it a crunchy texture and a nice contrast to the smooth chocolate.

Q4: How long can I store this fudge?
A4: You can store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you freeze it, it will last up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Q5: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
A5: Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the fudge a richer, more intense flavor. Just keep in mind that it will be less sweet than semi-sweet chocolate, so adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Q6: Can I make this fudge in advance?
A6: Yes! This fudge is perfect for making ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve it.

Q7: What’s the best way to cut the fudge?
A7: Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares or rectangles. If the fudge is too sticky, you can lightly grease the knife with butter or cooking spray to make cutting easier.

Q8: Can I use whipped cream instead of butter?
A8: While whipped cream could add some creaminess, butter is essential for giving the fudge its rich, silky texture. I recommend sticking with butter for the best results.

Q9: Can I make this fudge without sweetened condensed milk?
A9: Sweetened condensed milk is key for achieving that creamy, smooth texture, so I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out. However, you could try making your own condensed milk if you’re in a pinch!

Q10: Can I add flavorings like mint or almond extract?
A10: Definitely! Add a teaspoon of mint or almond extract to the fudge mixture for a fun twist. Just be mindful that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is the ultimate indulgence for when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of fudge that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gift-giving to satisfying your chocolate cravings. It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to impress everyone who gets a taste. What are you waiting for? Whip up a batch and treat yourself to this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fudge today!

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