Marshmallow Fluff Fudge

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My must-make Marshmallow Fluff Fudge is quick, foolproof, and a joy to serve, gift, and eat! You can make my irresistible 4-ingredient homemade candy even if you’re short on time this holiday season. I’ve talked before about how I first tasted marshmallow fluff as a kid visiting America from Ireland. Mind blown!  Now I have my own Homemade Marshmallow Fluff recipe that’s even more billowy and flavorful than the jarred type, and the holidays are the perfect time to use this fun, kid-favorite ingredient. Try it dolloped on hot chocolate, and on top of ice cream, pies, and cake!

I’ve been making fudge for decades, and my top tips for this fudge made with marshmallow fluff are, first, use high-quality chocolate. The best chocolate will melt smoothly and give your fudge exceptional flavor and texture. For this recipe, go for semi-sweet chocolate chopped from a bar. Second, avoid overmixing the chocolate mixture when heating, as this could cause it to split. For more fudge recipes, check out my Microwave Praline Fudge, Rocky Road Fudge, and Vanilla Bean Fudge.

• Fluff makes it fun: Nostalgic chocolate walnut fudge is all dressed up with festive swirls of marshmallow.
• 10-minute prep! Using sweetened condensed milk ensures that this easy fudge comes out perfectly creamy.
• Loads of variations: Mix candy cane pieces, chocolate chips, or spices into this easily adaptable fudge.
• Kid-friendly recipe: Straightforward instructions, no stove needed, no fussing with a timer or candy thermometer—older kids can make this on their own!
• Holiday life-saver: A batch of my fluff fudge will be the star of your cookie tray or holiday party spread, and it’s great for last-minute gifts.

Table of Contents

• What is Marshmallow Fluff Fudge?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Marshmallow Fluff Fudge
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Holiday Candy Recipes

What is Marshmallow Fluff Fudge?

Marshmallow Fluff Fudge is a rich, creamy chocolate-based candy accented by crunchy walnuts and marshmallow creme. Using condensed milk streamlines the fudge-making process, eliminating the need for stovetop cooking and the risk of overcooking or graininess. The star ingredient, Marshmallow Fluff, also known as marshmallow creme or marshmallow spread, was first marketed in 1917 by Archibald Query, a Massachusetts man who sold his confection door-to-door.  You’ll love this fudge for holiday gatherings at Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve!

Tools You Need

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Chopping knife
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• 8-inch square baking dish

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Sweetened condensed milk

• Sweetened condensed milk (milk with much of its water content boiled away, and sugar added) gives the fudge sweetness and dairy flavor.
• Additionally, sweetened condensed milk gives this chocolate fudge its creaminess.
• Importantly, when condensed milk’s proteins heat, they bind together to keep the mixture stable and prevent crystallization.
• It’s simple to make your own condensed milk with my recipe.
• Substitute: You can use the same amount of dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. Here’s my recipe to make your own!

Semi-sweet chocolate

• Semi-sweet chocolate, with  52 -62% cocoa solids, provides the main flavor. Using semi-sweet chocolate ensures the fudge has a satisfying chocolate flavor and the perfect texture.
• Importantly, the chocolate gives the marshmallow cream fudge structure, as the cocoa butter becomes solid as the mixture chills.
• Learn all about the different kinds of chocolate in my guide, The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Chocolate.
• Please don’t use milk chocolate in this recipe. Milk chocolate (which contains only 38-42% cocoa solids) will make the fudge too sweet, and it won’t set firm enough.

Walnuts

• Walnuts, with their deep nutty flavor and slight edge of bitterness, offset the sweet fudge perfectly.
• Additionally, crunchy walnuts contrast with the creamy marshmallow fudge.
• Be sure to toast the walnuts before using them. It enhances the flavor and helps them stay crunchy.
• Substitute: Use the same amount of pecans, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
  • For nut-free fudge, you can use pretzel pieces or sunflower seeds in this marshmallow fluff fudge recipe.

Marshmallow fluff

• Marshmallow fluff contributes sweet vanilla flavor and a pleasant chewiness to this chocolate fudge recipe.
• Additionally, the fluff gives the fudge visual interest, creating lovely creamy swirls instead of chewier chunks of marshmallow.
• You can easily make your own marshmallow fluff with my quick recipe, or find it in the supermarket near the peanut butter, or order it online.

How to Make Marshmallow Fluff Fudge

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the fudge mixture: Combine the condensed milk and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between heating, until melted. Be careful not to over-mix as this will cause the mixture to split.

3. Add nuts and fluff: Fold in the walnuts with a spatula, then swirl in the fluff briefly, letting streaks remain.

4. Put mixture in pan: Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and refrigerate for about three hours, until hardened.

5. Cut and serve: Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Stove-top option: If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate and condensed milk together in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Heat just until the mixture is thick, smooth, and glossy. 
• Mix only once or twice after adding the fluff, so that you can see and taste the streaks of marshmallow.
• Ready sign: Your chilled fudge is set when it’s firm to the touch.
• Gift-ready: Wrap individual pieces of fudge in parchment or wax paper, or place in cellophane candy wrappers. Place the pieces in a box, glass jar, or a cello bag tied with a ribbon or baker’s twine.
• Nut-free: You can leave the walnuts out if you prefer fudge without nuts, or replace the walnuts with a different nut, like pecans, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
• DIY: You can quickly make homemade Marshmallow Fluff for this fudge.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-ahead tips

• You can make this chocolate marshmallow fluff fudge up to two weeks in advance.
  • Place in an airtight container and store at cool room temperature.
  • If your kitchen is warm, store it at room temperature for up to one week.

How to store leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If your kitchen is warm, you can keep the fudge at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For more extended storage, you can also wrap pieces of leftover fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  • Freeze for up to two months, and thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I make sure my Marshmallow Fluff Fudge has the perfect consistency?

• When you’re heating the fudge mixture (either in the microwave or in a double-boiler), heat just until the mixture is melted, thick, and glossy.
• Do not overmix when heating, as overmixing could make the fudge split.

Can I make this fudge dairy-free?

• Yes, you can make this fudge dairy-free.
  • Use a vegan, dairy-free brand of semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Additionally, use non-dairy condensed milk. You can easily make your own with my easy recipe, or pick some up at the grocery store.

What are some Marshmallow Fluff Fudge mix-ins and variations?

• This recipe is easily adaptable. Here are some holiday-ready ideas:
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and mix in 1 cup (5 oz/140 g) crushed candy canes instead of the nuts.
  • For a gingerbread taste, mix 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch each of nutmeg and ground cloves into the fudge mixture.
  • Add holiday color by swapping the walnuts for pistachios and adding 1/2 cup (2.5 oz/70 g) dried cranberries.
  • Make it fluffernutter fudge by using the same amount of peanuts or peanut butter chips instead of walnuts.
  • For adult fluff fudge, add 1 tablespoon of Irish whiskey ot the fudge mixture, and use pecans or semisweet chocolate chips instead of walnuts. Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.

More Holiday Candy Recipes

• Peppermint Candy Spoons
• Sweet Nutty White Chocolate Bark
• Champagne Truffles
• Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
• Gingerbread Truffles

Try These Recipes!

Homemade Peanut Butter Eggs (Reese's Eggs)

Whiskey Truffles

Eggnog Truffles

Whiskey Balls (No-Bake)