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This See’s Fudge Recipe is the easiest, most foolproof fudge recipe ever! It never gets grainy and comes out rich and creamy every time.
Featured with this recipe
This homemade fudge recipe tastes exactly like the real, actual, classic See’s fudge recipe! It tastes just like the delicious old fashioned fudge that comes from the famous candy shop. To make sure, I made a batch, then went to See’s so I could do a side-by-side flavor comparison. Guess what? Everyone who did a taste comparison (a blind comparison I might add) with me agreed that THIS recipe tasted better! This easy fudge recipe makes beautiful gifts for Christmas or birthdays and is a fun treat to make with your kids.
Ingredients in this Fudge Recipe
This easy chocolate fudge recipe is the most foolproof recipe ever. It comes out smooth every time, never grainy. I have tried other recipes that take much longer to prepare and trust me, it is so unnecessary! You really don’t need more than 15 minutes for perfect fudge! Here’s what you need:
- Milk chocolate – I use two 8-ounce Hershey bars broken into pieces.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 24 ounces (or two bags). I use the Guittard brand but any of your favorites will work.
- Butter – melted
- Marshmallow fluff – one jar (or about 7 ounces)
- Sugar – Yes, 4 ½ cups is a lot. But life is all about having little treats, am I right?
- Evaporated milk – NOT sweetened condensed milk
- Nuts- completely optional. Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios all work great with this recipe.
Tips For Making This Fudge Recipe
- Follow the recipe – This might seem like a no-brainer, but with fudge, you want to be pretty exact. Substitutions do not fare well with this recipe. We have had readers that have swapped ingredients out or left them out, and they have been disappointed with the results.
- Stir and scrape the sides when mixing – You want to get all that chocolate melted and smooth. Be sure to use a heavy rubber scraper spatula to help you accomplish this. Make sure to scrape way down to the bottom of the bowl to incorporate it all. Make sure your fudge is completely smooth before pouring it in. You also want to stir until the sheen is gone. It will become thick and harder to stir, which is a good thing!
- Use parchment paper – For easy removal of the fudge from the pan, butter the baking dish, lay the parchment paper in, and then butter the parchment paper. Avoid using aluminum foil. It rips easily and can stick to the fudge.
- Keep it cool – For this fudge recipe, you will want to keep it in the refrigerator so it keeps its form. Keeping it at room temperature will make the fudge too soft and the texture won’t be right.
- Pour it in quickly, then leave it alone – Pour the hot fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Quickly smooth it into an even layer while it’s still hot. It will begin to set fast in the square baking dish and it won’t look as smooth if you keep running your spatula over it. Also, try not to bump your pan after it gets set. It will cause ripples in the fudge (I learned this the hard way). Try to quickly set it somewhere it won’t get bumped or moved until it has cooled enough to put it in the fridge.
- Be patient – Wait until the fudge sets before cutting. You will get nice, perfect squares if you wait until it has completely cooled through.
- Slice before serving – Again, be patient. For fresh, creamy fudge, cut it just before you serve it. Fudge tends to dry out over time. Cut it into 1-inch squares just before you eat it. If you must cut it earlier, be sure to keep the cut pieces in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
If the Fudge Doesn’t Set
The reason I love this recipe is that it isn’t as temperamental as other fudge recipes. The reason it doesn’t get grainy is because you don’t cook the chocolate on the stove and that keeps it from getting too hot. Pouring the hot liquid over the chocolate is JUST enough to melt it and get it to the temperature you want without overheating.
That being said, sometimes the hot liquid you pour over it doesn’t get hot enough, causing the fudge to not set properly. You want to make sure you get a nice rolling boil when you heat the sugar and evaporated milk. Make sure you are heating this in a LARGE enough pot because it will bubble up and expand. You WANT this to expand to be a rolling boil so it gets hot enough to pour over your chocolate, otherwise, it won’t get up to the right temperature and it won’t set right. Just watch it closely and stir constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Another factor that can cause your fudge to not set up is humidity. If it is a very humid day when you make your fudge, it may have difficulty setting.
5-Star Reviews
Here are just a few of the 5-star reviews we’ve received over the many years this popular recipe has been on our website:
“I love this recipe! This was my first attempt at making fudge and I was so happy with it. Many thanks for sharing your recipe so my family and I can enjoy this super yummy, smooth fudge. I’m certain I will be sharing it for years to come.”
-Brooke
This is the best fudge recipe I have ever made. The only thing I did different is add 1 Tbsp of vanilla bean paste. Delicious, smooth, and not grainy at all!! Very easy to make.
– Elizabeth
“By far, the most delicious fudge our family has ever tasted!! It is so smooth, so rich. Used 60% dark chocolate this time, gave it a deep, chocolatey flavor. Will never try another recipe!!!
– Julie
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s be honest, fudge can be intimidating! Before you get started, here are some questions we are frequently asked that may help ease some of your concerns. You can do it!
In a word, no. We have had readers try it and they say it doesn’t turn out right. We haven’t tried it before, but I can tell you it won’t be the same. Some say that they have melted marshmallows down or used a recipe to actually make marshmallow fluff, but again, we haven’t tried this so we can’t tell you for sure that it will work. We like to keep things simple and always stick to this original fudge recipe.
No, you don’t. If you follow the directions, a candy thermometer isn’t necessary. Please use a timer!
We don’t recommend using less sugar or using sugar substitutes for this recipe. In fact, we don’t recommend substituting any of the ingredients for anything low-sugar or low-fat. It just won’t set up the way it is supposed to.
Yes! This fudge recipe freezes great! Just cut it into squares and wrap it in freezer paper and put it in a freezer container to freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge until soft. I like to thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Read More: 25+ Christmas Dessert Ideas
More Must-Try Fudge Recipes
Fudge is always a decedent treat that is a special dessert eaten every once in awhile. With these homemade fudge recipes, you can’t go wrong with making these year-round.
How to Make See’s Fudge
See’s Fudge Copycat Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 16 ounces milk chocolate (I use two 8 ounce Hershey bars broken into pieces)
- 24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips I use the Guittard brand
- ½ cup butter
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
- 4 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside. Combine milk chocolate, chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallow in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Stir constantly at a rolling boil for 4 minutes with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the evaporated milk mixture over the chocolate mixture in several intervals, stirring constantly to keep the fudge from clumping.
- Continue stirring until well blended and smooth.
- Pour into prepared baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until hardened. Keep refrigerated until you serve.
Is it just me is or is this a lot of chocolate…
Other than that it turned out great just messy for me!
It is a lot of chocolate. That’s why it tastes so good! 😉
Once it is prepared, we cut it in small pieces because it is so rich. A little goes a long way!
Would condensed milk be acceptable in place of the sugar and evaporated milk for this Sees Fudge Copycat recipe..
We haven’t tried it that way so I don’t have a recommendation for amounts but if you try it and have success, please come back and let us know!
The evaporated milk is one of the secrets to smooth fudge. You can use condensed, but 9/10 times it comes out grainy. (This same See’s recipe has been in my family for like 50 years – we’ve had a lot of experience with it!)
I got great reviews on this. But I changed out some regular chocolate with some dark. So yummy! Thanks for this recipe
I have never made fudge before. That being said….i made this and followed the directions to the letter and it has received RAVE REVIEWS!!!! My question is….can I make the same recipe with white chocolate to make white fudge? Also, can I use all chocolate chips instead of bars in the same measurements of ounces?
I haven’t tried it that way, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! Let us know how it turns out!
Yes I tried butterscotch morsels perfect
How much insulin should be added to the recipe for us diabetics?
HAVE 3 PACKAGES OFHERSHEY bars FROM Halloween. each bar is 1.77 oz how many should .How s ould I use
You need 16 oz total, so about 9 bars!
Tried this recipe over the holiday. It was easy to make and so good! Highly recommend!
So glad you liked it! Thank you!
Very American, a lot of the ingredients are not available outside the states, which gives you less feedback and readers like me, I mean, where else is one able to find toppings like marshmallow topping, except for in the states! Oh well I’ll move on to others who will cater for all and not just Americans.
Any reason you couldn’t use parchment paper instead of greasing the pan?
You can totally use parchment if you would like 🙂
My aunt has been using this recipe for years and it’s a favorite….I made it this year and it’s grainy?!?!? What did I do wrong? I moved and am not used to this glass-top stove. Maybe I cooked too long or not long enough?!
If it is grainy, your chocolate is probably too hot. You are probably cooking it a little too long or maybe on too high of a heat? Also, what kind of chocolate chips are you using? That could make a difference too.
I’m back for more! I’ve never made fudge before and this was a huge hit!
I think the original called for 6 min exactly-no grainy
No I’ve made that mistake. I didnt get the sugar syrup cooking hot enough. It has to reach 234 degrees or soft ball stage and I read to use only a wooden spoon and not to stir it or stir it constantly. I think it comes down to getting it hot enough adding choc, vanilla, nuts, etc and mixing hard and fast then pouring it to pans quickly,, before it starts to set up and you are forced to disturb the process.
Instead of chocolate is there anyway of making it eggnog for the holidays?
YUM, I love that idea! I would have to experiment with that before I can tell you for sure. I’m not sure if you can substitute the evaporated milk for egg nog or not. That would be the best way I can think of off the top of my head.
All you need to do is substitute white chocolate then add nutmeg 1-2 tsp, and instead of vanilla use rum flavoring
Marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows, special chocolate chips or the cheaper brand, to much sugar, not the real recipe , Really people can we just make the fudge as written and enjoy! why criticized? If you don’t agree with this recipe find another.
I will be making this today.
🙂 We hope you will like it! I just made it yesterday — my personal favorite recipe – Erica
It turned out perfect! I got so many compliments on it 🙂 I will be making it over and over for the holidays. Thank You
Woo hoo! So glad everyone liked it!
The best fudge I’ve ever had or made! This will be my go-to recipe in the future. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
This recipe is very similar to the “Original See’s Fudge” recipe which was circulating
in early 1950s …. from a family friend who was a See’s employee at the See’s home office in Los Angeles/Culver city area….minor differences:
That recipe called for 1 t vanilla, 2 c nuts (if desired),
3 bars Bakers Dark Chocolate (1 1/2#)
Looks delicious but every time I have used butter instead of margarine in a fudge recipe the hardened butter pools on top. Have you had this problem with this recipe?
We haven’t had that happen before with this recipe.
I made this and used a thermometer to get the liquid to 234 (hard ball stage) then i mixed in with other ingredients. I think it came out too thick. I had to spoon it into the pan to cool and the top wasn’t smooth and creamy. Did I cook the milk & sugar too long? It definitely boiled longer than 4 minutes but I didn’t want it too soft after reading a comment about that.
Yes, you boiled it too long. You do not want it to be at hard ball stage at all. If it comes out too soft, you can cover and refrigerate it and that should fix the problem. Sorry it didn’t work out for you!
So you have to keep it refrigerated until it’s served? It’s it hard or soft? We’re having a fund raiser for children’s miracle Network if like to make this!
IT will get harder if you refrigerate it. Room temperature is usually just right but if you think it is TOO soft you can refrigerate. Hope this helps!
If this is a sees recipe why are you using Hershey brand and guitard brand chocolate?
You can use any kind of chocolate bar you would like, we just found that the Hershey’s is affordable and it sets up well. Feel free to experiment if you would like!
Durkee-Mower, the makers of the original marshmallow fluff is credited this recipe. “In 1956 the company collaborated with Nestle in a nationwide ad campaign that won the Promotion-of-the-Year Award. They printed a recipe for fudge in Ladies Home Journal and other magazines. The fudge was quick and easy to make, and included Fluff and Nestle’s Chocolate Bits. The same recipe can still be found on the backs of Fluff labels and in the Recipe Book.”. https://marshmallowfluff.com/history-of-marshmallow-fluff/
Mrs. See’s began making candy in 1921 including fudge, long before this recipe first appeared. The Brigittine Monks recipe I have is the same and I have a letter from an employee that says it’s authentic (eye Roll!). The likelihood that marshmallow fluff is currently used is slim to none as both candy makers pride themselves on using the finest ingredients. And Fluff ain’t one of them! Nonetheless, this recipe is great and failproof!
Is their any marshmallows In it ?
Very similar to Mamie Eisenhower’s Million Dollar Fudge that I got 37 years ago from a neighbor, who got it from her mother. Freezes well for 3-6 months. Note: when Kraft changed the ounces in the jar the fudge did start to get grainy.
I cut this recipe out of a newspaper at least 30 years ago and it was labeled See’s Candy fudge. I never used another recipe for fudge again. It is the best, with or without walnuts or pecans. Warning! When serving this make sure you have plenty of recipes written down because you will be asked. You can pull the “secret family recipe” line, but why not let everyone enjoy it as much as you are going to. I’ve had people tell me that they love this fudge when they have never cared for fudge before because it’s so creamy.
GOD BLESS ALL YOU NICE PEOPLE, HAVE A BLESSED DAY, FUDGE SOUNDS YUMMY ,CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THE RECIPE!
I made this recipe because my Father always loved See’s candy. The fudge turned out so smooth and delicious! I enjoyed making it and thinking of him and the wonderful memories of him sharing a few pieces of his See’s candy with me! Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked it and that it brought back memories of you and your Father. Thank you for sharing this!
I am looking for a fudge recipe that calls for baking choc, choc bits, marshmellow peanut butter, sugar. nuts evaporated milk. Made it for 50 years but lost recipe and do not know the amounts of each to use.
We don’t have a recipe right now that uses all of those ingredients. I will post this on the comments and hopefully another reader will have a recipe for you. We do have a chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe that may be close to what you are looking for:
/chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge-swirl/
Thanks for the recipe! I made this and some peanut butter fudge last night to send off to my husband’s work and to school with the kids for teachers. It turned out great! I’m making more for the ladies at church this weekend. Fantastic recipe…even I didn’t mess it up! 😉
I intend to give this recipe at try. Any recipe that calls for Guittard Chocolate has to be amazing. Thanks for sharing.
It truly amazes me that fudge is so controversial. If we can’t discuss fudge with civility than we are more serious trouble than I thought.