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If you love that classic, ultra creamy candy shop fudge, this See’s Fudge Copycat Recipe is the one I make on repeat. It’s rich, smooth, and melts in your mouth, but it’s also genuinely easy. No complicated steps, no candy thermometer stress, and it’s ready for the fridge in about 15 minutes. This is my go-to for holiday treat boxes, neighbor gifts, and those days when I just want a little square of something special.
5-Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“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. … 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
Why I Love this Fudge
This homemade fudge recipe tastes almost identical to the classic See’s fudge from the store. And in my opinion, even better! I didn’t just guess that this tastes like See’s, I tested it. I made this fudge, then went to See’s and bought their classic fudge to compare. At home, I cut both into identical 1-inch squares, served them straight from the fridge, and did a blind taste test with my husband and 3 kids. Everyone rated each piece for creaminess, chocolate flavor, sweetness, and graininess. The surprising part was how close they were in flavor, but my homemade fudge got higher scores for being smoother and creamier, with a cleaner finish.
I love it because it is foolproof, comes out smooth every time, and is never grainy! I have tried other recipes that take much longer (and are much more finicky) to prepare and trust me, it is so unnecessary! You really don’t need more than 15 minutes for perfect fudge. This fudge recipe makes beautiful gifts for Christmas or birthdays and is a fun treat to make with your kids.
I like to serve it with a glass of peppermint hot chocolate, some fresh berries to balance the sweetness, or on a dessert charcuterie board.
🩷 Erica
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Milk chocolate: I use Hershey bars and break them into pieces so they melt evenly.
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: I love Guittard, but any brand you trust works great here.
- Butter: I often use salted, but unsalted works too.
- Marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme: This is a must for the texture, regular marshmallows do not behave the same.
- Sugar: Plain granulated sugar, nothing fancy needed.
- Evaporated milk: Make sure it’s evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk.
- Vanilla: Adds that classic warm fudge flavor right at the end.
- Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I’m going to be honest, this recipe does best when you stick to it. Fudge is one of those desserts where small swaps can change the texture. That said, these options tend to work well:
- Chocolate swap: You can use a darker chocolate for deeper flavor, like a 60% bar, but keep the total chocolate amounts the same.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted both work, just know salted butter gives a slightly more balanced flavor.
- Nuts: Totally optional, and you can also leave them out for a classic smooth See’s style bite.
- Vanilla: If you want to get fun, you can add a tiny splash of almond extract, but keep it subtle so it still tastes like classic fudge.
How to Make See’s Fudge
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy removal) or coat with butter and set aside. In a large bowl, add the milk chocolate pieces, semi-sweet chips, butter, and marshmallow crème.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a full rolling boil. Keep it at a steady boil for 4 minutes, stirring the whole time. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the hot syrup over the chocolate mixture in 3–4 additions, stirring nonstop after each addition so everything melts evenly (no clumps).
- Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy; scrape the bowl well so there are no streaks.
- Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, cover, and refrigerate until firm (several hours or overnight).
- To cut, lift the slab out, score into squares, and slice with a warm knife. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Recipe Tips
These are the little things that make the difference between good fudge and that perfect candy shop texture.
- Use a timer for the 4 minute boil. This is the biggest key to a proper set.
- Stir constantly while boiling so nothing scorches and the heat stays even.
- Scrape the bowl really well when mixing so there are no streaks hiding at the bottom.
- 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.
- Pour and smooth quickly, then leave it alone. Overworking the top can make it less pretty.
- Keep it refrigerated for the best texture. Room temp tends to soften it too much.
- Cut right before serving if you can, because fudge dries out a bit once it’s sliced.
If your fudge does not set, it’s usually because the syrup was not hot enough. Make sure it reaches a true rolling boil and stays there for 4 full minutes in a large pot since it foams up. Humidity can also slow the set, so on very humid days, it may simply need longer chill time.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t. If you follow the directions, a candy thermometer isn’t necessary. Please use a timer!
I do not recommend it. The texture does not turn out the same, and this recipe really relies on marshmallow creme for that smooth finish.
Fudge can become grainy if the sugar crystalizes during the cooking process. This often happens from overheating or over-stirring the milk/sugar mixture, and when sugar gets stuck on the sides of the pan. To prevent graininess, cook the sugar and milk on low heat until the sugar completely dissolves in the milk, before bringing the mixture to a boil. Also try swirling the pan instead of stirring, so sugar doesn’t splash up on the sides.
Most often, it was underboiled. You need a strong rolling boil for the full 4 minutes. If it’s a humid day, it may also need extra time in the fridge.
Yes, usually. Separation happens when the mixture gets too hot or is cooked too long, and the fats separate from the sugar mixture. To fix it, scrape the mixture back into a saucepan, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, and warm it over low heat while stirring constantly until it comes back together and looks smooth again. Once it’s glossy and unified, pour it back into the pan and chill.
Tip: If you notice separation starting while you’re stirring the hot syrup into the chocolate, keep stirring and don’t panic. Sometimes it will emulsify back together as it cools and thickens.
Soft-ball stage is a candy-making temperature range where a drop of the sugar syrup in cold water forms a soft, pliable ball. For fudge, this is typically around 234°F (112°C).
You do not need a thermometer for this recipe, but if you want an extra accuracy check, clip on a candy thermometer and confirm the syrup is near 234°F at the end of the boil. This can help if you live in a humid area, are at higher elevation, or have had fudge come out too soft in the past.
Yes, slightly. A little less cooking time tends to yield softer fudge, and a little more yields firmer fudge, but it’s a narrow window. If you start adjusting, do it in small increments and consider using the soft-ball stage (around 234°F) to avoid overcooking and causing separation or graininess.
You can, but the thickness and chill time will change. A 9×13 gives the classic thickness most people expect.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Refrigerator – Keep fudge covered and refrigerated for the best texture.
- Room temperature – It will soften and won’t have that classic firm bite, so I don’t recommend it for long.
- Freezer – Yes, this fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap squares in freezer paper, store in a freezer container, then thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
More Yummy Fudge Recipes
- German Chocolate Fudge
- Rocky Road Fudge
- Creamy Chocolate Coconut Fudge
- Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
- Hot Fudge Sauce
- 25+ Christmas Dessert Ideas
This Copycat See’s Fudge is ultra-creamy, perfectly chocolatey, and made for sharing! Box it up for neighbors, add it to a holiday dessert tray, or stash a few squares for yourself. If you make this fudge, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a rating and a comment below. 🍫✨
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 or line with parchment paper (for easier removal from the pan). 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.
Notes
- Boil for 4 full minutes at a rolling boil using a timer for the best set.
- Use marshmallow creme, not regular marshmallows, for the right texture.
- Stir and scrape the bowl well so the fudge is completely smooth before pouring.
- Smooth once and leave it so the top stays pretty.
- Store covered in the fridge for the classic firm, creamy bite.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Wow
Do you have a recipe for chocolate peanut butter fudge?
We do! https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge-swirl/
I’ve made a few different fudge recipes and this is the best one! So soft, such a great rich texture and flavor! I will always make this from now on!
This is the BEST fudge recipe I have ever tried! It is quick and easy to make, and it is so good! The recipe makes a lot, too. I gave some to 5 different people, and they all said it was the best they’d ever tasted. I’d give it 10 stars if I could. Also, you don’t have to have a candy thermometer. Just time the boiling exactly, and it will turn out great. You have to try this recipe!
This is the exact recipe that’s dated back at least 80 plus years on my husband’s side of the family. I lost the recipe given to me the first Christmas I spent with my hubby’s Grammy. That was 40 yrs ago. I remembered the ingredients but not the amounts or the instructions. So coming across your recipe makes this special to me in every way. So delicious. I made 8 pounds this year! I love making it. I made a bunch of other treats too. Now I’m packing them up to gift them.
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for sharing it with us. Happy Holidays!
My mother in law gave me this recipe back in the early 80’s after my husband and I were married. Just make sure whatever pan you use it’s a heavy bottom pan or cast iron pan. I have always used cast iron because that is what my mother in law used and she said it worked great. And it did/does. I always look forward to the recipe every year. One of my favorites. I do miss See’s Candy Shops though living out here in the midwest now. We only see their candy here at Christmas time in the malls. Everyone enjoy!
I gave your recipe a try, and my entire family absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe!
If you dont have a candy thermometer, you can still do this. First time making fudge for me. There is a YouTube video of someone making this recipe, which helped. When you get to the second stage, you can estimate the temperature by the “softball stage” method. Google a video on doing this to fudge. You drop a little in a cup of cold water. If you can scoop it out as a ball that is ball-like and soft, its done. This recipe is very smooth and melts in your mouth but It was a tad too chocolately and sweet for me.
I would suggest you be more careful about claiming a recipe as your own. This recipe was on the Carnation canned milk label back in the 1960s
Thank you for your concern. If you read through the post you will see that we give credit to where we sourced this recipe.
Just wondering, could I substitute melted marshmallows for the marshmallow creme? Thank you.
We haven’t tried that so I am not sure!
Made for Christmas and absolutely love the texture, creamy and so wonderfully chocolate! This makes a big batch so there was plenty to share.
A few thoughts about this recipe. It makes a HUGE amount of fudge. Which is fine if you’re making a lot to give away at the holidays. Next time I will make half. Also, where it says a “large pan” use a really large pan, like a dutch oven. I used my largest saucepan (3 qt) and it was a job keeping it from boiling over. This is very sweet and very chocolatey, so it’s going to taste exactly like whatever chocolate you use. I used Lindt chocolate and it made a huge difference (tastes much richer). But this recipe uses a whole lot of chocolate, so keep that in mind. The texture is nice and creamy and soft, which is how I like my fudge. But it may not be for everyone because it is quite sweet. Overall, a good recipe, but unless you’re making this for a crowd, do half
I made this twice and it turn to sugar twice. What a waste. How long do you have to stir when everything is mixed together?
You should only stir until everything is mixed together and smooth. Continuing to stir will cause the fudge to crystalize.
My dad had this recipe growing up in the 80’s and 90’s and he made it every Christmas and made enough for friends and neighbors and every December neighbors and people at church would ask when he would be stopping by with his Christmas fudge. Well I guess the secret recipe is out, so enjoy, in keeping with tradition I’ve been starting to make this each December as well, it’s that good!
The only Hershey bars I can find are 2.5 oz each. I know I can do the math to get 16 oz, but I was just wondering if there was a certain Hershey bar that was bigger?
There are larger ones closer to 4 ounces, I think they might be king-sized. We usually use four of those!
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I mixed chips, cream, butter in Kitchen Aid mixer and then poured hot ingredients in.
Much easier and worked well.
Just make sure you have mixer on low so hot ingredients don’t splatter.
i have made this Fudge a few times years ago and it is AWESOME ! Very good and everyone loves it… However i have a Question .. It was a few years ago and I don’t Remember if it is 4 +1/4 cups of Sugar or 4 … 1/4 cups = 1 cup ? Dumb Question i know, sorry i am not a cook…Thank You , John
It is 4 and 1/4 cups of sugar! Happy Baking!
I discovered this recipe a few years ago. The instructions are detailed and helpful. I have never had the fudge turn out badly. Just a warning though, my local grocery has run out of fluff before TG day for the past 2 years, so start buying your ingredients now!
I found this fudge to be lacking the typical sweetness of fudge and the creaminess. Yes, I followed the recipe exactly. That being said, it could not be easier to make.
Delicious! Sees is our favorite so we were so excited to make this.
I’ve been making this fudge recipe for years! It’s my go-to candy recipe when I want deliciously creamy fudge!