Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge Is the Easiest Rich Chocolate Treat You’ll Ever Make

By Jason Griffith

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16 squares
Category: Dessert, Candy
Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Introduction

There are some recipes that never go out of style, and old-fashioned fudge is definitely one of them. Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge is one of those beautifully simple treats that proves you do not need a candy thermometer, a long ingredient list, or a whole afternoon in the kitchen to make something truly special. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of minutes at the stove, you get a rich, creamy chocolate fudge that tastes like it came straight from a holiday candy tray.

What makes this recipe so lovable is the combination of speed and nostalgia. The evaporated milk, sugar, chocolate chips, and marshmallows melt together into a smooth mixture that sets up into perfect little squares of chocolatey goodness. It is sweet, soft, and satisfying in exactly the way homemade fudge should be.

This is the kind of recipe I love to keep around for the holidays, cookie exchanges, gifting, or those times when you need a last-minute dessert that still feels homemade. It is fast enough for a weeknight craving and festive enough for a dessert table. That is a hard combination to beat.

Why I Love This Recipe

There is a reason quick fudge recipes stay popular year after year. They are easy, reliable, and always feel a little special. This one checks all the boxes.

Here is why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert lineup:

• It comes together in just minutes on the stovetop
• You do not need fancy equipment or candy-making experience
• The texture is creamy, smooth, and rich
• It is easy to customize with nuts or toppings
• It makes a great make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays

I also love that it feels right at home next to other classic sweet treats. If you are building out a dessert tray, These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert are another great option for that same crowd-pleasing, festive feel.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this easy fudge:

• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 16 large marshmallows, or 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Swaps and Notes

This recipe is wonderfully simple, but there are a few easy ways to make it your own:

• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet keeps the sweetness balanced, but milk chocolate will make it even richer and sweeter.
• Marshmallows: Large or mini both work, as long as you use the equivalent amount.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture, but the fudge is just as delicious without them.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor, though imitation works in a pinch.
• Salt topping: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a great sweet-salty contrast.

Lining the pan with parchment paper is also a smart move. It makes the fudge much easier to lift out and slice neatly once chilled.

How to Make Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 2: Cook the sugar mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Step 3: Boil briefly

Continue boiling for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly so the mixture does not scorch.

Step 4: Add the chocolate and marshmallows

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add the chocolate chips and marshmallows, stirring until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 5: Finish the mixture

Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if using, until fully combined.

Step 6: Pour and chill

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Once the fudge has set, cut it into squares and serve.

Tips for Success

Even a quick fudge recipe benefits from a few good kitchen tips:

• Stir constantly while boiling so the sugar mixture does not burn
• Work quickly once you add the chocolate and marshmallows
• Use parchment paper for cleaner slices and easier removal
• Let the fudge cool completely before cutting
• Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares

If you love easy sweets that come together fast, These Old-School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times are another dependable treat worth keeping in your recipe box.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This fudge is rich, so a little goes a long way. It is perfect for dessert platters, holiday tins, or an afternoon coffee break.

Serve it with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• A glass of cold milk
• A holiday cookie tray with bars and cookies
• Vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert plate

For a full sweets spread, pair it with These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor or This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack. Both add variety and make any dessert table feel extra fun.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Estimated per square, based on 16 servings:

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Sodium: 85mg

These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the chocolate and optional nuts used.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This fudge stores beautifully, which is one reason it is so useful for gifting and holiday prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
• Layering: Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking
• Serving: Let chilled fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture

Because it keeps so well, it is a great make-ahead dessert for entertaining.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy fudge recipe, here are a few more sweet favorites from Chef Maniac:

• The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made—and I’ve Made a Lot
• These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
• This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
• These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor
• These Old-School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge is the kind of recipe that reminds us why simple desserts are often the very best ones. It is quick, comforting, and full of that rich chocolate flavor that never fails to make people smile. Whether you are making it for a holiday tray, a homemade gift, or just because you want something sweet in the fridge, this recipe gets the job done with almost no fuss.

It is fast, dependable, and endlessly shareable, which makes it exactly the sort of dessert I love recommending. If you make it, I would love to hear whether you kept it classic or added nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Keep following along at Chef Maniac for more easy dessert ideas, nostalgic favorites, and simple recipes that always deliver.