Some desserts take hours to make. This one takes only minutes. Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe is rich, creamy and perfect for chocolate lovers. It is one of the easiest homemade treats you can make.
If you need a quick dessert, this Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe is a great choice. The ingredients are simple, and the results are amazing.
Today, I will show you how to make Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge with easy steps anyone can follow.
My Story With This Comforting Fudge
I remember making this fudge during the holiday season. Unexpected guests were coming, and I needed a quick dessert. I found this simple recipe and decided to try it.
The smell of warm chocolate filled the kitchen.Everyone loved it. The tray emptied quickly and several people asked for the recipe. Since then, it has become one of my favorite sweet treats.
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
- Servings: 16
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips
- 16 large marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instruction for Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging over the sides. This makes removing the fudge easier after it sets.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients
Add sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together gently. Place the saucepan over medium heat and begin warming the mixture.
3. Bring to a Boil
Continue stirring until the mixture starts boiling. Once it reaches a steady boil, cook for about five minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the milk chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate melts completely and becomes smooth and glossy.
5. Mix in the Marshmallows
Add the marshmallows to the warm chocolate mixture. Stir continuously until they completely melt. This creates the creamy texture that makes the fudge so delicious.
6. Add Vanilla and Pecans
Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Mix well so the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. The vanilla adds wonderful flavor.
7. Pour into the Pan
Carefully pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Smooth the top for a neat appearance.
8. Cool the Fudge
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about thirty minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to finish setting completely.
9. Cut into Squares
Once the fudge is firm, lift it from the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut into sixteen squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the fudge pieces on a serving plate. Enjoy them with coffee, milk or tea. Every bite is rich, creamy and wonderfully chocolatey.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use fresh chocolate chips for best results.
- Stir constantly while boiling.
- Do not overcook the mixture.
- Add walnuts instead of pecans.
- Use dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Add mini marshmallows if preferred.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Mix in crushed cookies.
- Add peanut butter for extra richness.
- Store in a cool place.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Fudge became popular in America during the late nineteenth century. It was loved because it was simple and affordable. Home cooks often prepared fudge for holidays, parties and family gatherings.
Quick fudge recipes became especially popular because they saved time while delivering delicious results. Today, Paula Deen’s version remains a favorite because it is easy, rich and dependable.
What to Serve With This Dish
- Hot coffee
- Black tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cold milk
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Hot chocolate
- Chocolate milk
- Holiday cookies
- Fruit platter
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Christmas parties
- Holiday gift boxes
- Birthday celebrations
- Family gatherings
- Bake sales
- Potluck dinners
- Dessert tables
- Weekend treats
- School events
- Movie nights
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate for up to three weeks.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Thaw frozen fudge before serving.
- No reheating is needed.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
Is This Dish Good for You?
This fudge is a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation. It provides quick energy from sugar and contains small amounts of protein and healthy fats from pecans.
While it is not an everyday health food, it can be part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed occasionally.

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package 11.5 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 16 large marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging over the sides. This makes removing the fudge easier after it sets.
Combine the Base Ingredients
- Add sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together gently. Place the saucepan over medium heat and begin warming the mixture.
Bring to a Boil
- Continue stirring until the mixture starts boiling. Once it reaches a steady boil, cook for about five minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add the Chocolate Chips
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the milk chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate melts completely and becomes smooth and glossy.
Mix in the Marshmallows
- Add the marshmallows to the warm chocolate mixture. Stir continuously until they completely melt. This creates the creamy texture that makes the fudge so delicious.
Add Vanilla and Pecans
- Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Mix well so the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. The vanilla adds wonderful flavor.
Pour into the Pan
- Carefully pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Smooth the top for a neat appearance.
Cool the Fudge
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about thirty minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to finish setting completely.
Cut into Squares
- Once the fudge is firm, lift it from the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut into sixteen squares.
Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the fudge pieces on a serving plate. Enjoy them with coffee, milk or tea. Every bite is rich, creamy and wonderfully chocolatey.
Notes
- Use fresh chocolate chips for best results.
- Stir constantly while boiling.
- Do not overcook the mixture.
- Add walnuts instead of pecans.
- Use dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Add mini marshmallows if preferred.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Mix in crushed cookies.
- Add peanut butter for extra richness.
- Store in a cool place.
FAQs about Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
Why is my fudge not setting properly?
Usually, the mixture was not boiled long enough. Make sure it reaches a steady boil and cooks for the full recommended time before removing it from the heat.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite nut to customize the flavor and texture.
Can I make this fudge without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the pecans. The fudge will still be creamy, rich, and full of chocolate flavor without them.
How long does homemade fudge stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, homemade fudge can stay fresh for about one week at room temperature or several weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes. Dark chocolate creates a deeper and richer flavor. Many people enjoy this variation because it balances the sweetness of the marshmallows.
Final Thoughts
This Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge Recipe proves that delicious desserts do not have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a rich chocolate treat everyone will love.
Now that you know how to make Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge and understand the ingredients for Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge, it is time to head to the kitchen.
Whether for holidays, parties or a simple sweet craving, this quick fudge recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!
















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