Easy, Irresistible Paula Deens 5-Minute Fudge Recipe

Sweet chocolate lovers often stumble upon this magical 5-minute fudge recipe that changed my dessert game completely.

My grandmother first shared her unexpected cooking hack decades ago.

I remember watching her blend ingredients with lightning speed and precision.

Her kitchen always felt warm and inviting during these moments.

Creamy chocolate melted into smooth perfection while she stirred with practiced ease.

Quick and simple techniques make this recipe a game-changer for busy home cooks.

This delightful treat promises to wow anyone who takes a bite.

Why Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Is a Hit

• Discover the Magic of 5-Minute Fudge
• Conquer this recipe in mere minutes, perfect for sudden sugar cravings or last-minute dessert emergencies.
• Even novice cooks can nail this simple recipe with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that delights kids and adults alike, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats.
• Skip the complicated baking process and enjoy a rich, creamy dessert without turning on the oven, saving time and energy.

What You’ll Need for 5-Minute Fudge

• Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate flavor, key to creating smooth fudge texture. Dark or semi-sweet varieties work best.
• Butterscotch Chips: Adds sweet caramel-like depth, complements chocolate nicely. Optional for traditional fudge.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base that helps ingredients bind and creates smooth consistency. Full-fat version recommended.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm background flavor, enhances overall sweetness. Pure vanilla preferred over imitation.
• Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and nutty complexity. Walnuts or pecans are classic choices, toasted for deeper flavor.

• Parchment Paper or Foil: Helps easy removal and clean cutting of fudge. Non-stick surface essential.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Light greasing prevents sticking and aids in smooth removal from pan.

How to Make Paula’s Fudge Fast and Smooth

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges overlap for simple removal. Lightly coat the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

Melt ingredients over low heat, stirring continuously until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Fudge

Transfer mixture into prepared pan, spreading with a spatula to create an even layer. Press gently to eliminate air pockets.

Refrigerate for approximately two hours until fudge becomes firm and set.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove fudge from pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife. Serve chilled and enjoy your decadent treat.

Tips for Rich, Chocolatey Fudge Every Time

• Grease Pan Perfectly: Use non-stick cooking spray or butter for seamless parchment paper release, preventing any fudge from sticking.
• Control Melting Temperature: Maintain low-medium heat and stir continuously to prevent chocolate from burning or becoming grainy, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
• Customize Nut Options: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for varied crunch and flavor profiles, making the fudge uniquely yours.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of espresso to intensify the chocolate's richness and create a more complex taste experience.
• Store Smartly: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with wax paper to maintain its perfect texture and prevent sticking.

Store Your Fudge Without Losing Its Texture

• Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge stays fresh for 3 months.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Always keep fudge chilled until just before enjoying to prevent melting and preserve its rich, creamy consistency.

Fudge Pairings That Work Like Magic

• Rich, velvety fudge pairs perfectly with bold beverages and complementary treats.
• Dark, intense espresso cuts through the fudge's sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor balance.
• Smooth bourbon whiskey enhances the fudge's butterscotch notes, delivering a warm, complex tasting experience.
• Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature and texture contrast to the dense, rich fudge.

Flavor Variations for 5-Minute Fudge

• Vegan Chocolate Fudge: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and omit butterscotch chips. Add chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Fudge: Ensure all chocolate chips are certified gluten-free. Swap regular nuts with gluten-free certified nuts like macadamia or cashews. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
• Low-Sugar Berry Fudge: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and monk fruit sweetened condensed milk. Mix in dried cranberries or freeze-dried raspberry pieces for natural sweetness and tangy notes.
• Keto Chocolate Fudge: Substitute condensed milk with heavy cream and sugar-free sweetener. Use dark chocolate with 85% cocoa content. Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts and a tablespoon of almond butter for richness.

Paula Deens 5-Minute Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge delivers pure chocolate bliss with minimal effort. Creamy, rich squares melt effortlessly on your tongue, promising sweet indulgence in moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170 grams) butterscotch chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped nuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare a square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil, ensuring some edges hang over the sides for easy fudge removal. Lightly coat the lining with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine sweetened condensed milk with chocolate and butterscotch chips, creating a rich base for the fudge.
3. Place the saucepan on low-medium heat, continuously stirring the mixture to ensure even melting and prevent burning. Maintain steady movement until the chips completely dissolve and the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform texture.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat source and introduce vanilla extract, gently folding it into the melted chocolate mixture. If desired, incorporate chopped nuts, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly throughout the fudge.
5. Transfer the silky chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create a smooth, level surface.
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to set and solidify for approximately 2 hours, or until it reaches a firm, slice-able consistency.
7. Once completely chilled, lift the fudge from the pan using the overhanging parchment or foil. Slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife, creating neat, uniform pieces ready for serving.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the ratio of chocolate to butterscotch chips for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap nuts with dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a different texture and taste.
• Use gluten-free chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk condensed milk alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg