Ingredients and Their Essential Roles

• White Sugar (1 and ⅔ cups): The foundation of sweetness and structure, sugar caramelizes slightly during cooking to give fudge its characteristic texture and flavor.
• Evaporated Milk (2/3 cup): Adds creamy richness and moisture, helping to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth, fudgy consistency.
• Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the fudge with a silky mouthfeel and balances the sweetness by adding a subtle savory note.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the depth of chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Milk Chocolate Chips (6 ounces): The star ingredient providing the luscious chocolate base that melts into a creamy, smooth fudge.
• Large Marshmallows (16 pieces): Add chewiness and help stabilize the fudge while contributing to its classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and complexity, rounding out the chocolate’s richness.
• Chopped Nuts (1 cup): Adds crunch and textural contrast, balancing the smoothness of the fudge. Use your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Perfect Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge

1. Combine and cook the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the white sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly for 5 minutes. This step is crucial to dissolve the sugar fully and slightly thicken the mixture. The texture should become smooth and glossy—watch carefully to prevent burning.
2. Melt the chocolate and incorporate marshmallows: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately after 5 minutes. Add the milk chocolate chips and stir continuously until completely melted, creating a rich, chocolatey base. Then, quickly add the large marshmallows, pure vanilla extract, and chopped nuts. Stir thoroughly until the marshmallows are mostly melted and everything is well combined. The marshmallows give the fudge its signature smooth yet chewy texture.
3. Set and cool: Pour the hot fudge into an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Spread evenly to ensure uniform thickness. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for a few hours, allowing it to set fully. For faster results, refrigerate the fudge for about 1–2 hours.
4. Cut and serve: Once completely set, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut it into bite-sized squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Why This Recipe is So Loved

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge stands out for its simplicity, speed, and deliciously creamy texture. Unlike traditional fudge recipes that can be intimidating or time-consuming, this recipe cuts down preparation time drastically without sacrificing flavor or mouthfeel. The secret lies in using evaporated milk and marshmallows, which streamline the setting process while enhancing the fudge’s rich, chewy nature.

Fans adore this fudge for its perfect balance of sweetness and texture—smooth, creamy, and studded with crunchy nuts, it satisfies cravings instantly. It’s a go-to for last-minute gifts, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence.

Pro Tips for Making the Best 5-Minute Fudge

• Stir constantly: To avoid burning and ensure even cooking, keep stirring the sugar mixture during the initial 5-minute cook.
• Use good-quality chocolate chips: The chocolate is the star—choose a high-quality milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Don’t skip the marshmallows: They’re key to achieving the fudge’s creamy yet chewy texture.
• Line the pan with parchment: This makes removing and cutting the fudge much easier and cleaner.
• Customize your nuts: Swap pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds based on your preference or allergy considerations.
• Store properly: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This fudge is perfect on its own as a rich dessert bite, but you can also elevate your presentation by pairing it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce to cut through the sweetness.
• A cup of hot coffee or strong black tea to balance the fudgy richness.
• Wrapped in decorative cellophane and tied with a ribbon, it makes a perfect homemade gift for holidays or special occasions.