If you are a chocolate lover on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat, look no further than Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe. This beloved family recipe has been passed down through generations, and it holds a special place in my heart and my sweet tooth. With its perfect balance of rich milk and semisweet chocolate, the smoothness brought by marshmallow creme, and just the right hint of vanilla and nuts, this fudge melts decadently in your mouth. What’s truly wonderful is how simple it is to make—just a few ingredients, about 15 minutes of active cooking time, and a little patience while it chills, and you’ll have a pan of pure chocolate bliss ready to share or savor solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe lies in its unpretentious ingredients that come together to create such a luscious texture and rich flavor. Each element plays a key role—from the sweetness of the sugar and marshmallow creme, to the creaminess of evaporated milk and butter, to the depth of the dual chocolate chips. Here’s what you will need:
- White sugar (1 ½ cups): The foundation of sweetness and structure for your fudge.
- Marshmallow creme (1 jar, 7 ounces): Adds a wonderfully creamy texture that gives fudge its signature smoothness.
- Evaporated milk (2/3 cup): Brings creaminess without the heaviness of regular milk, enhancing that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and a silky finish to the fudge.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips (2 cups): Creates the classic creamy chocolate base.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds complexity and depth with just a touch of bittersweet contrast.
- Chopped nuts (1/2 cup): Gives delightful texture and a nutty crunch, but feel free to adjust or omit based on preference.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out and elevates the entire flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil. This simple prep step ensures your fudge will lift out perfectly once it’s set and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the pan aside while you prepare the fudge mixture.
Step 2: Combine and Boil the Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the white sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Stir consistently and bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, continue cooking and stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve the correct fudge consistency—too short might make it too soft, too long could make it grainy.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add both the milk chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips. Stir thoroughly until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy—this is where the magic happens! Afterward, fold in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract for the final texture and flavor boost.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Pour the warm fudge mixture into your foil-lined pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. The wait is definitely worth it—this chilling step lets the fudge set to that perfect, creamy consistency we all crave.
How to Serve Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
While this fudge is delectable on its own, consider topping it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast. If you love nuts, a few toasted pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch on top just before chilling.
Side Dishes
Fudge is a super indulgent treat, so serving it with something refreshing like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries provides a pleasant balance. A cup of strong coffee or bold black tea also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and making each bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Since Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe is usually made in a pan, cutting into perfect little squares makes it easy to serve at gatherings or gift in decorative boxes. For a special occasion, arrange the fudge pieces on a tiered dessert stand or wrap small portions in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fudge keeps wonderfully well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping it chilled maintains that creamy texture and prevents it from becoming too soft or sticky at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead or store fudge longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is rarely necessary. However, if you prefer it a little softer, leave it at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds, watching carefully to avoid melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate instead of the chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute chopped chocolate bars of milk, semisweet, or even bittersweet chocolate. Just keep the total amount equal to the recipe’s chocolate requirements, and ensure it melts smoothly when stirred into the hot mixture.
What if I don’t have marshmallow creme?
Marshmallow creme is key to the smooth, creamy texture in this recipe. If unavailable, you can try using an equal amount of mini marshmallows, though you may need to melt them carefully with the butter and milk to achieve a similar effect.
Can I omit the nuts or replace them with something else?
Yes! Nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free fudge. Alternatively, you can add dried fruits, crushed peppermint, or even toffee bits for different textures and flavors.
Why does my fudge sometimes turn out grainy?
Overcooking or undercooking the sugar mixture can cause graininess. Make sure to boil the mixture for the full 5 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar properly. Avoid stirring once the chocolate is added and fully melted.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
This classic recipe relies on dairy ingredients, but with some substitutions—like coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips—you could experiment to create a vegan-friendly version. It might require some tweaks to get the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe at home. It’s one of those rare desserts that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging by yourself. Simple, quick to prepare, and absolutely heavenly, this fudge is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe box. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s been loved for generations!
PrintAunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge is a classic, rich, and velvety homemade fudge recipe passed down through the family. This easy-to-make fudge combines a perfect blend of white sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, and two types of chocolate chips, delivering a luscious chocolate treat that solidifies to a smooth, creamy finish. Perfect for sharing or gifting, it requires just 15 minutes of active prep and cook time with minimal ingredients, chilling in the fridge to set.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 48 pieces (1 8×8-inch pan)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate & Flavorings
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan tightly with aluminum foil and set aside to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of fudge.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add white sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook Mixture: Bring the ingredients to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Maintain the boil for 5 minutes while stirring continuously to achieve the correct fudge consistency.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the milk chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips until they are fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Mix Nuts and Vanilla: Stir in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract evenly throughout the fudge mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Chill: Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and place the pan in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Serve: Once chilled completely, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil, cut into 48 small squares, and serve. Store leftover fudge in the refrigerator for freshness.
Notes
- Use an 8×8-inch pan lined with foil for easy removal and clean-up.
- Keep stirring during the boiling process to avoid burning or grainy texture.
- Chilling the fudge for the full 2 hours ensures it sets properly for clean slicing.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
