Paula Deen’s Easy 5-Minute Fudge
A Southern Classic That Turns Simple Ingredients into Pure Chocolate Bliss
Introduction: When Dessert Needs to Be Fast, Foolproof, and Fabulous
There are moments when you want dessert now—not in an hour, not after chilling overnight, not after carefully tempering chocolate or pulling out special equipment. You want something rich, comforting, and homemade, without stress or complicated steps.
That’s exactly where Paula Deen’s Easy 5-Minute Fudge shines.
This recipe has become legendary not just because it’s quick, but because it delivers old-fashioned fudge flavor with almost no effort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a secret passed down from a Southern kitchen—simple, indulgent, and dependable every single time.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and one saucepan, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took all afternoon.
Why This Fudge Recipe Is So Popular
Paula Deen is known for recipes that celebrate comfort, generosity, and ease—and this fudge fits perfectly into that tradition.
People love this recipe because:
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It takes 5 minutes of active cooking
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Requires no candy thermometer
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Uses basic grocery-store ingredients
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Turns out smooth, creamy, and rich
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Is nearly impossible to mess up
It’s a recipe that invites confidence, even for beginner cooks.
What Makes This Fudge Different from Traditional Fudge
Classic fudge recipes often require:
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Precise temperatures
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Constant stirring
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Careful cooling stages
This version skips all of that.
Instead, it relies on:
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Sweetened condensed milk for creaminess
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Chocolate chips for smooth melting
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Butter for richness
The result is a fudge that’s slightly softer than old-school boiled fudge, but every bit as satisfying—and far more forgiving.
The Flavor Profile
This fudge is:
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Deeply chocolatey
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Smooth and velvety
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Rich but not gritty
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Sweet without being overwhelming
Each bite melts slowly on the tongue, making it perfect for small squares that feel indulgent without being heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is how short the ingredient list is.
Basic Ingredients
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional additions:
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Chopped nuts
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Mini marshmallows
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Peanut butter swirl
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Sea salt for topping
Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters
Chocolate Chips
They form the backbone of the recipe. Semi-sweet chips provide balance—sweet but rich.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This replaces traditional sugar and cream, creating a smooth, creamy texture without crystallization.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create that classic fudge mouthfeel.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
Not all chocolate chips are created equal.
For best results:
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Use name-brand chocolate chips
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Avoid “chocolate-flavored” coatings
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Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balance
Milk chocolate can be used but will produce a sweeter fudge.
Equipment You’ll Need
Minimal equipment required:
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Medium saucepan
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Spoon or spatula
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8x8-inch baking dish
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Parchment paper or foil
No special tools needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly butter the lining.
Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Pan
In a medium saucepan over low heat, add:
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Chocolate chips
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Sweetened condensed milk
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Butter
Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Melt Gently
Continue stirring as the mixture melts. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
The mixture should become:
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Smooth
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Glossy
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Fully melted
Do not rush this step—low heat is key.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
At this point, you can also fold in any optional add-ins.
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan.
Use a spatula to spread evenly into the corners.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for another 1–2 hours until fully set.
Cutting the Fudge
Once firm:
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Lift fudge out using parchment overhang
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Place on a cutting board
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Cut into small squares using a sharp knife
For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Texture and Taste: What to Expect
This fudge is:
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Soft but sliceable
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Smooth and creamy
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Not crumbly or grainy
It holds its shape but melts beautifully when eaten.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The science behind this fudge is simple:
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Sweetened condensed milk prevents sugar crystallization
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Chocolate chips melt evenly
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Butter stabilizes texture
This removes the guesswork from traditional candy making.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using High Heat
This can scorch chocolate and cause separation.
Over-Stirring After Melting
Once smooth, stop stirring to preserve texture.
Skipping the Pan Lining
Makes removal difficult.
Easy Variations You Can Try
Walnut or Pecan Fudge
Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts before pouring.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of melted peanut butter on top and swirl gently.
Rocky Road Fudge
Add mini marshmallows and chopped nuts.
Salted Chocolate Fudge
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
Turning It into Holiday Fudge
This recipe is perfect for gifting.
Add:
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Crushed peppermint for Christmas
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Red and green sprinkles
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A drizzle of white chocolate
Wrap pieces in wax paper for a homemade gift that feels special.
How to Store the Fudge
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Store in an airtight container
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Keep refrigerated for best texture
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Lasts up to 2 weeks
Fudge can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This fudge actually improves after resting overnight, making it perfect for:
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Parties
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Bake sales
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Holiday trays
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Last-minute guests
Why Southern Recipes Embrace Simplicity
Southern cooking has always been about:
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Making the most of what you have
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Feeding people generously
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Creating comfort without fuss
This fudge embodies all three.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. It’s dependable, indulgent, and made with love.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy this fudge with:
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A cup of hot coffee
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Sweet iced tea
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Cold milk
It’s especially good when shared.
A Recipe That Builds Confidence
For many home cooks, this is the recipe that:
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Builds trust in the kitchen
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Encourages experimentation
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Proves homemade candy doesn’t have to be hard
Once you make it once, you’ll make it again—and again.
Final Thoughts: A 5-Minute Recipe with Lasting Impact
Paula Deen’s Easy 5-Minute Fudge is more than a shortcut—it’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
In just a few minutes, you get:
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Rich chocolate flavor
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Creamy texture
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A dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt
Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself, this fudge delivers comfort in every bite.
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