Paula Deen’s Famous 5-Minute Fudge Recipe

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🍫 Paula Deen’s Famous 5-Minute Fudge Recipe

📖 Introduction

Fudge has long been a beloved treat in American kitchens, cherished for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, chocolatey flavor. Among the countless variations, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge stands out as one of the quickest and easiest recipes, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned bakers. This recipe eliminates complicated candy thermometers and instead uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, indulgent fudge in just minutes. Whether you’re preparing dessert for your family, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort.

🥄 Ingredients

To make Paula Deen’s quick and easy fudge, you will need:

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for sweeter fudge)
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, for classic Southern flavor)

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

Method:

  1. Prep Your Pan – Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This makes removing the fudge much easier.
  2. Cook the Base – In a saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Stir constantly over medium heat and bring to a boil. Allow it to boil gently for about 5 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Add Sweetness – Remove from heat and quickly stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and all the marshmallows and chocolate have melted.
  4. Add Crunch – Fold in chopped pecans (optional) for a rich Southern touch.
  5. Set & Slice – Pour mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let cool completely at room temperature (or refrigerate for faster setting). Cut into small squares and serve.

Total time: about 5 minutes prep + 1 hour cooling.

🏺 History of Fudge

Fudge originated in the late 19th century in the United States, reportedly from a batch of caramels that “fudged” (failed) but ended up delicious. By the early 1900s, fudge had become a popular homemade candy, especially among college students. Paula Deen’s Southern adaptation reflects her love of pecans, butter, and quick family-friendly recipes. Her 5-Minute Fudge keeps the spirit of old-fashioned candy-making but removes the stress of timing sugar stages and temperatures.

🌿 Benefits of This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – No candy thermometer required.
  • Customizable – You can add walnuts, almonds, peanut butter, or even swirl in caramel.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, parties, and holidays.
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive, easily available ingredients.
  • Portion Control – Cut into small squares for little bites of sweetness.

🏗 Formation (Texture & Appearance)

Once set, Paula Deen’s fudge has a smooth, glossy chocolate finish with a slightly firm bite that melts into a creamy, velvety texture. If pecans are added, they provide a delightful crunch that balances the richness of the chocolate.

🧾 Nutritional Information (per piece, approx. 1-inch square)

  • Calories: 140
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fiber: 1g

(Values vary depending on portion size and added nuts.)

❤️ Lovers of This Recipe

  • Chocolate Lovers – Enjoy deep, rich cocoa flavor.
  • Busy Parents – Perfect quick treat for kids.
  • Holiday Hosts – A lifesaver for last-minute desserts.
  • Bakers-at-Heart – Satisfies sweet cravings without long prep.

🎀 Conclusion

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge proves that making decadent homemade candy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and brings smiles to everyone’s face. Whether you prepare it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a simple weeknight indulgence, this fudge is sure to become a family favorite.

👉 Quick tip: Double the batch, because these little chocolate squares disappear faster than you think!

Would you like me to also create a social-media-ready version of this recipe (short, engaging, with emojis and call-to-actions like “Full recipe in comments 👇👇”) so you can post it easily?

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