Okay, friends, let me tell you about this absolutely dreamy creation: Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge! Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick, decadent treat that’ll have everyone raving, you’ve hit the jackpot. This fudge is so easy to whip up, you might just find yourself making it on a whim, which I totally do! I remember the first time I made it—I had a sudden chocolate craving, and within 10 minutes, I was blissfully indulging in creamy, rich fudge that melted in my mouth. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
What I love most about this recipe is how it captures that classic fudge flavor without all the fuss. You don’t need any fancy equipment or an advanced degree in baking—just a saucepan, a few simple ingredients, and your trusty spatula. Plus, you can make it in no time at all! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just when you need a little chocolate pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this fudge, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge
Gather up these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to fudge heaven! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure everything accurately—especially the sugar, because it’s the star of this show! And don’t worry, you can totally customize this by adding your favorite nuts if you like a little crunch. Let’s get ready to make some magic happen!
How to Prepare Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge
Alright, my fellow fudge lovers, let’s dive right into the magic of making this sweet delight! I promise you, it’s as easy as 1-2-3-4! Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring your fudge in no time!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab a saucepan and toss in the sugar, milk, and butter. Set that on medium heat and start stirring! This is where the magic begins. You want to mix everything together until the butter is melted and it looks like a lovely, creamy concoction. Just keep stirring to ensure it all blends nicely—this is your base, and it needs to be perfect!
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Now, let’s bring it to a boil! Keep stirring until you see those bubbles start to form. Once it’s boiling, put that spatula down and let it bubble away for exactly 5 minutes. Don’t stir it during this time; this is crucial for that perfect fudge texture! Just keep an eye on it and enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once those 5 minutes are up, remove the saucepan from the heat—careful, it’s hot! Now, it’s time to add in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir, stir, stir until everything is melted and smooth. The marshmallows will give it a lovely, gooey texture that just makes my heart sing!
Step 4: Pour and Cool
Finally, grab a greased pan and pour that beautiful mixture right in! Make sure to spread it out evenly. Now, let it cool at room temperature. You can be patient for a bit, or if you’re like me, sneak a spoonful while it’s still warm—oh, the joy! Once it’s set, you can cut it into squares and enjoy your homemade fudge masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this heavenly fudge! Each piece packs a delightful punch of flavor, and here’s the scoop on what you’re getting:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
So there you have it—sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in every now and then. Just remember, with great fudge comes great responsibility! Enjoy it in moderation, and share with your friends if you can resist eating the whole batch yourself!
Tips for Success with Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge
Alright, let’s make sure your fudge turns out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your fudge game:
- Watch the Clock: Timing is everything! When you’re boiling the mixture, set a timer for exactly 5 minutes. This is crucial for achieving that rich and chewy texture we all love. Don’t be tempted to stir during this time—just let it do its thing!
- Measure Accurately: I can’t stress this enough—measure your ingredients carefully, especially the sugar and butter. Too much sugar can make it grainy, and too little butter can leave it dry. Precision is key here!
- Don’t Skip the Vanilla: That splash of vanilla extract is what takes your fudge from good to great! It adds a depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully, so don’t leave it out!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix it up! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your fudge a delightful crunch. Dried fruits or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top can create a beautiful sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Cool it Right: Let your fudge cool at room temperature before cutting it into squares. If you pop it in the fridge too soon, it might not set properly. Patience pays off in fudge-making!
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: If you have a non-stick saucepan, use it! It makes cleaning up a breeze and helps prevent any sticking issues while cooking.
There you have it—my top tips for making Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge a resounding success! With these little tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be the fudge master in no time. Happy fudging!
Variations for Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge
Now, if you’re like me and love to play around in the kitchen, you’ll definitely want to try some fun variations with this fudge recipe! It’s so versatile, and a little creativity can take your fudge to a whole new level. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:
- Chocolate Lovers Dream: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. You could even mix and match for a marbled effect—super fun and delicious!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch. Just make sure to add them in along with the chocolate chips for that perfect blend!
- Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of mint extract to the mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate fudge. You could even sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch—perfect for the holidays!
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Stir in half a cup of creamy peanut butter with the chocolate chips for a rich, creamy peanut butter fudge. It’s a classic combo that never fails to impress!
- Seasonal Spice: For a warm twist, sprinkle in some cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the mixture. This is especially delightful in the fall and gives your fudge that cozy, spiced flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Try adding some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a chewy surprise! Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips, and enjoy the added tartness they bring.
Experimenting with these variations can be so much fun, and you’ll discover new favorites along the way! Don’t be afraid to let your taste buds guide you—after all, that’s what cooking is all about! Enjoy the process, and happy fudging!
Storage Instructions
Okay, so you’ve made this incredible fudge and now you’re wondering how to store it, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered! To keep your fudge fresh and delicious, simply store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain that creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
Make sure to let the fudge cool completely before transferring it to the container. If you try to store it while it’s still warm, it could leave moisture inside, and nobody wants that! Once it’s safely tucked away, you can keep it at room temperature for about a week. But let’s be real—it’s probably going to disappear much faster than that!
If you want to keep it for longer (which is a great idea, trust me!), you can pop it in the fridge. It’ll last for up to two weeks in there. And if you really want to make it last, you can freeze your fudge! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay good for about two months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. No need to reheat—just slice, serve, and enjoy that deliciousness all over again! Happy storing!
FAQ About Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this delightful fudge! I want to make sure you have all the info you need for a successful fudge-making experience, so here we go!
Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Evaporated milk can add a creamier texture to your fudge, but keep in mind it might change the sweetness slightly. You might want to adjust the sugar if you go this route. Just remember to keep an eye on it while it cooks!
How do I make it creamier?
If you’re aiming for creamier fudge, consider adding a little more butter or even a splash of heavy cream when you mix in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. This can elevate the richness and give you that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also do a mix for a fun flavor twist! Just be sure to keep the measurement the same.
How do I know when my fudge is set?
Once it’s cooled to room temperature, it should feel firm to the touch. If you want to be sure, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It will set up nicely and be much easier to cut into squares!
Can I add more mix-ins?
Of course! This fudge is super versatile. You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even crushed cookies. Just remember to fold them in gently with the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed!
What if my fudge is too soft?
If your fudge turns out too soft, it may need more boiling time. You can try returning it to the heat for a few more minutes and stirring consistently. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a grainy texture!
How long will it last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it should last about a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, and up to two months in the freezer. But let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!
Hopefully, these answers help you on your fudge-making journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy fudging!
Print
Paula Deen’s 5 Minutes Fudge: 4 Secrets for Irresistible Bliss
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy fudge recipe by Paula Deen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Pour into a greased pan and let cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cut into squares once set.
- Can add nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: paula deens 5 minutes fudge
