Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge

Rich, velvety, and irresistibly indulgent, Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge is proof that pure chocolate bliss doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen.

In just minutes, sugar, chocolate, and pillowy marshmallows transform into a luxuriously smooth confection that’s punctuated with the nutty crunch of pecans. It’s the kind of timeless, old-fashioned treat that feels equally at home on a holiday dessert table or as a late-night sweet indulgence.

With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, this fudge captures the heart of classic Southern comfort — simple, decadent, and made to be shared.

Why People Will Love Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge

Incredible flavor with minimal effort – Delivers a rich, chocolatey, and nutty indulgence in just minutes, perfect for both beginners and seasoned home bakers.

Silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture – The blend of marshmallows and chocolate chips creates a fudge that is luxuriously smooth yet delightfully satisfying.

Nostalgic comfort – Evokes the warmth of homemade, old-fashioned candy, making every bite a reminder of family gatherings and holiday traditions.

Perfect for sharing – Makes enough to serve a crowd, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting during the holiday season.

Customizable to taste – Easily adapted by swapping nuts, adding dried fruits, or incorporating a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.

Key Ingredients:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The heart of the recipe, these chips deliver a bold yet balanced cocoa flavor with just enough sweetness to be indulgent without overwhelming. Their smooth melt creates a luscious base, anchoring the fudge with depth and sophistication.

Granulated sugar – More than just sweetness, sugar acts as the structural backbone, crystallizing as the fudge cools to give it its firm yet tender bite. The balance of sugar with chocolate determines both texture and flavor harmony.

Evaporated milk – Concentrated and silky, it brings a gentle richness and a cream-like mouthfeel, while its reduced water content prevents the fudge from becoming too soft or runny. It’s key to that signature smoothness Paula Deen’s version is known for.

Large marshmallows – These melt down to form a subtle binding agent, incorporating air for lightness while adding a mellow, almost caramelized sweetness. They also contribute to the fudge’s glossy finish and slight chew.

Chopped pecans – Earthy, buttery, and gently bitter, pecans offer a textural counterpoint to the creamy fudge. Their toasted aroma and crunch add complexity, making each bite more layered and satisfying.

Vanilla extract – A finishing touch that lifts the entire flavor profile. It doesn’t dominate, but rather enhances the chocolate, softens the sweetness, and leaves a warm, aromatic note lingering after each bite.

Expert Tips:

Use quality chocolate – Since chocolate is the heart of this fudge, choose high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar for a richer, more complex flavor.

Control the boil – When cooking the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk, keep the boil steady but not aggressive to prevent scorching and ensure the sugar dissolves fully for a smooth texture.

Melt marshmallows completely – Stir patiently after removing from heat to ensure every marshmallow melts, preventing unwanted lumps in the finished fudge.

Toast the pecans – Lightly toast pecans before adding them to deepen their flavor and give the fudge a warm, aromatic nuttiness.

Chill evenly – Spread the fudge evenly in the pan, smoothing the top, and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours for clean cuts and a perfect set.

Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge

Ingredients

1 ½ C. Granulated sugar

¾ C. Evaporated milk

1 Tbsp. Butter

6 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips

16 Large marshmallows

1 C. Chopped pecans

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

Instructions

Add the sugar, evaporated milk and butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil stirring often.

Boil for 5 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the chocolate and marshmallows. Continue to stir until the marshmallows are completely melted.

Mix in the vanilla extract and pecans.

Layer in the bottom of a well greased 9×9 baking dish and place into the fridge or freezer to set until hardened.

Cut into 36 pieces and serve.

Important Notes When Making Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge

Timing is critical – The “5-minute” boil is not just a guideline; undercooking can lead to soft, unset fudge, while overcooking can make it grainy and dry.

Pan preparation matters – Grease or line the baking dish with parchment paper before pouring in the mixture to ensure easy removal and cleaner cuts.

Ingredient temperature – Have the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and pecans measured and ready before you start cooking; the mixture sets quickly once off the heat.

Storage conditions – Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life, but allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Custom flavor potential – This recipe is a flexible base; swapping semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate, or adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne, can give it a unique twist without affecting set.

How To Enjoy Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge After Cooking

Allow it to rest properly – Let the fudge chill until fully set before cutting; this ensures clean slices and the perfect dense, creamy texture.

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Serve at the right temperature – Enjoy at room temperature for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience, as refrigeration can make the fudge overly firm.

Pair with complementary drinks – A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk can balance the richness and enhance the chocolate’s depth.

Elevate presentation – Arrange pieces on a festive platter, dust lightly with cocoa powder, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch.

Create moments, not just servings – Share it during holiday gatherings, gift in decorative boxes, or enjoy a quiet square at the end of the day as a sweet personal indulgence.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 36 bite-sized squares
Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 20–22 g each)

Nutritional Highlights & Insights:

Calorie Density: At 126 kcal per piece, this fudge is rich but portion-controlled if cut into small squares.

Fat Composition: Mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats from pecans, balanced with a smaller amount of saturated fat from butter and chocolate.

Sugar Content: Provides quick energy but is best enjoyed in moderation due to the high sugar concentration.

Fiber Boost: The pecans contribute dietary fiber, which slightly offsets the indulgence factor.

Protein Contribution: A small amount from pecans and milk solids, though not a major protein source.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of nuts in this fudge?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute the pecans with other types of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Just chop them to a similar size as the pecans for the best texture.

Do I need to use evaporated milk, or can I substitute it with something else?

Evaporated milk is key to giving the fudge its smooth, creamy texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with heavy cream or whole milk.

However, note that using heavy cream will make the fudge even richer and creamier, while whole milk may slightly alter the texture.

How can I make this fudge dairy-free or vegan?

To make this fudge dairy-free or vegan, you can use dairy-free butter and coconut milk or a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) as a substitute for the evaporated milk.

Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips, as many regular chocolate chips contain milk products.

Can I double the recipe to make more fudge?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch.

Just be sure to use a larger saucepan to accommodate the extra ingredients and adjust the cooling time slightly, as it may take a little longer to set if the fudge is thicker.

How long does this fudge last, and how should I store it?

This fudge will last about 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just make sure to wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to preserve its texture.

Why is my fudge not setting properly?

There are a couple of reasons why fudge might not set.

First, make sure you’ve boiled the sugar and milk mixture for the full 5 minutes—this step is crucial for creating the right consistency.

Also, ensure you’re chilling the fudge long enough.

If it’s still soft after chilling for 1-2 hours, it might need more time in the fridge or freezer to fully set.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor.

Keep in mind that this will alter the taste and texture slightly, as milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier than semi-sweet.

Can I make the fudge without marshmallows?

Marshmallows give the fudge its soft, creamy texture.

If you don’t have marshmallows or prefer not to use them, you could try substituting with marshmallow crème or a similar sticky, sweet product.

However, skipping marshmallows altogether might result in a denser, less smooth fudge.

How can I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the fudge from sticking, grease the baking dish well with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the fudge mixture.

Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can easily lift out the fudge once it has set.

Can I add more mix-ins like caramel or coconut?

Absolutely! You can add extra mix-ins like caramel bits, shredded coconut, or even chocolate swirls.

Just make sure to fold them in after the chocolate and marshmallows are fully melted, before spreading the fudge into the baking dish.

Keep in mind that adding too many extras might affect the texture, so try not to overload it.