See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (2024)

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This See’s Fudge Recipe is the easiest, most foolproof fudge recipe ever! It never gets grainy and comes out rich and creamy every time.

See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (1)
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  1. Ingredients in this Fudge Recipe
  2. Tips For Making This Fudge Recipe
  3. If the Fudge Doesn’t Set
  4. 5-Star Reviews
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. More Must-Try Fudge Recipes
  7. How to Make See’s Fudge
  8. See’s Fudge Copycat Recipe Recipe

This homemade fudge recipe tastes exactly like the real, actual, classic See’s fudge recipe! It tastes just like the delicious old fashioned fudge that comes from the famous candy shop. To make sure, I made a batch, then went to See’s so I could do a side-by-side flavor comparison. Guess what? Everyone who did a taste comparison (a blind comparison I might add) with me agreed that THIS recipe tasted better! This easy fudge recipe makes beautiful gifts for Christmas or birthdays and is a fun treat to make with your kids.

Ingredients in this Fudge Recipe

This easy chocolate fudge recipe is the most foolproof recipe ever. It comes out smooth every time, never grainy. I have tried other recipes that take much longer to prepare and trust me, it is so unnecessary! You really don’t need more than 15 minutes for perfect fudge! Here’s what you need:

  • Milk chocolate – I use two 8-ounce Hershey bars broken into pieces.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 24 ounces (or two bags). I use the Guittard brand but any of your favorites will work.
  • Butter – melted
  • Marshmallow fluff – one jar (or about 7 ounces)
  • Sugar – Yes, 4 ½ cups is a lot. But life is all about having little treats, am I right?
  • Evaporated milk – NOT sweetened condensed milk
  • Nuts- completely optional. Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios all work great with this recipe.
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Tips For Making This Fudge Recipe

  1. Follow the recipe– This might seem like a no-brainer, but with fudge, you want to be pretty exact. Substitutions do not fare well with this recipe. We have had readers that have swapped ingredients out or left them out, and they have been disappointed with the results.
  2. Stir and scrape the sides when mixing –You want to get all that chocolate melted and smooth. Be sure to use a heavy rubber scraper spatula to help you accomplish this. Make sure to scrape way down to the bottom of the bowl to incorporate it all. Make sure your fudge is completely smooth before pouring it in. You also want to stir until the sheen is gone. It will become thick and harder to stir, which is a good thing!
  3. Use parchment paper– For easy removal of the fudge from the pan, butter the baking dish, lay the parchment paper in, and then butter the parchment paper. Avoid using aluminum foil. It rips easily and can stick to the fudge.
  4. Keep it cool –For this fudge recipe, you will want to keep it in the refrigerator so it keeps its form. Keeping it at room temperature will make the fudge too soft and the texture won’t be right.
  5. Pour it in quickly, then leave it alone –Pour the hot fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Quickly smooth it into an even layer while it’s still hot. It will begin to set fast in the square baking dish and it won’t look as smooth if you keep running your spatula over it. Also, try not to bump your pan after it gets set. It will cause ripples in the fudge (I learned this the hard way). Try to quickly set it somewhere it won’t get bumped or moved until it has cooled enough to put it in the fridge.
  6. Be patient –Wait until the fudge sets before cutting. You will get nice, perfect squares if you wait until it has completely cooled through.
  7. Slice before serving –Again, be patient. For fresh, creamy fudge, cut it just before you serve it. Fudge tends to dry out over time. Cut it into 1-inch squares just before you eat it. If you must cut it earlier, be sure to keep the cut pieces in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
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If the Fudge Doesn’t Set

The reason I love this recipe is that it isn’t as temperamental as other fudge recipes. The reason it doesn’t get grainy is because you don’t cook the chocolate on the stove and that keeps it from getting too hot. Pouring the hot liquid over the chocolate is JUST enough to melt it and get it to the temperature you want without overheating.

That being said, sometimes the hot liquid you pour over it doesn’t get hot enough, causing the fudge to not set properly. You want to make sure you get a nice rolling boil when you heat the sugar and evaporated milk. Make sure you are heating this in a LARGE enough pot because it will bubble up and expand. You WANT this to expand to be a rolling boil so it gets hot enough to pour over your chocolate, otherwise, it won’t get up to the right temperature and it won’t set right. Just watch it closely andstir constantlyso it doesn’t burn.

Another factor that can cause your fudge to not set up is humidity. If it is a very humid day when you make your fudge, it may have difficulty setting.

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5-Star Reviews

Here are just a few of the 5-star reviews we’ve received over the many years this popular recipe has been on our website:

“I love this recipe! This was my first attempt at making fudge and I was so happy with it. Many thanks for sharing your recipe so my family and I can enjoy this super yummy, smooth fudge. I’m certain I will be sharing it for years to come.”

-Brooke

This is the best fudge recipe I have ever made. The only thing I did different is add 1 Tbsp of vanilla bean paste. Delicious, smooth, and not grainy at all!! Very easy to make.

– Elizabeth

“By far, the most delicious fudge our family has ever tasted!! It is so smooth, so rich. Used 60% dark chocolate this time, gave it a deep, chocolatey flavor. Will never try another recipe!!!

– Julie

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s be honest, fudge can be intimidating! Before you get started, here are some questions we are frequently asked that may help ease some of your concerns. You can do it!

Can I use marshmallows instead of marshmallow cream or fluff?

In a word, no. We have had readers try it and they say it doesn’t turn out right. We haven’t tried it before, but I can tell you it won’t be the same. Some say that they have melted marshmallows down or used a recipe to actually make marshmallow fluff, but again, we haven’t tried this so we can’t tell you for sure that it will work. We like to keep things simple and always stick to this original fudge recipe.

Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

No, you don’t. If you follow the directions, a candy thermometer isn’t necessary. Please use a timer!

Can I use a sugar substitute for this recipe?

We don’t recommend using less sugar or using sugar substitutes for this recipe. In fact, we don’t recommend substituting any of the ingredients for anything low-sugar or low-fat. It just won’t set up the way it is supposed to.

Can I freeze fudge?

Yes! This fudge recipe freezes great! Just cut it into squares and wrap it in freezer paper and put it in a freezer container to freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge until soft. I like to thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Read More:25+ Christmas Dessert Ideas

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More Must-Try Fudge Recipes

Fudge is always a decedent treat that is a special dessert eaten every once in awhile. With these homemade fudge recipes, you can’t go wrong with making these year-round.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Vanilla Fudge

Mint Chocolate Fudge

How to Make See’s Fudge

See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (10)

See’s Fudge Copycat Recipe

4.73 from 179 votes

This See’s Fudge Recipe is the easiest, most foolproof fudge recipe ever! It is never gets grainy and comes out perfectly every time.

PrintPinRate

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 60 pieces

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine chocolate bars, chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallow whip in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

    See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (11)

  • In a large saucepan, combine sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Stir constantly for 4 minutes with a wooden spoon.

    See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (12)

  • Pour cooked ingredients over chocolate mixture in the mixing bowl in 4 to 6 intervals stirring constantly

    See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (13)

  • Continue stirring constantly until well-blended and smooth.

    See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (14)

  • Pour into a buttered 9×13 glass baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate until hardened (several hours, best if overnight). Keep refrigerated until you serve.

    See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (15)

Notes

Optional: We have had many readers recommend adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 21mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

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See's Fudge Recipe Copycat (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What happens if you don't beat fudge long enough? ›

However, if you don't beat it at all, the crystals won't form properly, so your fudge won't set. If you forget to beat the fudge, try heating it back up over low heat, then beat it once it's slightly softened. If you beat the fudge too soon, the crystals will be too large, and the fudge will be grainy.

Does See's Candies make fudge? ›

1930, this is “supposedly” the original recipe for See's Fudge, produced by the See's Candy Company, Los Angeles.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy. Cooking, and beating after cooking, is the key to successful fudge.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

If you didn't reach the correct temperature during the cooking process, it might not set properly. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that you reach the recommended temperature. Overcooking or Undercooking:Solution: Cooking the fudge for too long or too short a time can affect its texture.

What makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

Why did my fudge come out like taffy? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

Can you redo fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 4) If you think the reason it didn't set was because you didn't heat it to the right temperature, you could try putting it back into the pan and re-cooking.

How do you rescue fudge that won't set? ›

I generally heat my syrup up to 235° F and let carry-over do the rest of the work. If it's overcooked (resulting in grainy fudge) or undercooked (resulting in poor setting) all you really need to do is add a bit of cream, reheat the fudge to the target temperature, and let it set again.

Why is See's candy so expensive now? ›

See's produces more than 26 million pounds of candy a year with many of its original creations still available today. The privately held company's success has not come without challenges. See's leadership says it has shouldered price increases as a result of inflation and supply chain backups.

Why does see's candy taste so good? ›

See's uses the finest roasted California almonds, drenching them in our signature milk chocolate. It may sound simple, but when you start with the finest fresh ingredients, something deliciously special will follow.

Does Warren Buffett still own See's candies? ›

See's opened a shop in a mall in Phoenix—the first See's chocolate shop outside of California. Hello, Berkshire Hathaway! See's Candies became part of the Berkshire Hathaway family in January 1972, when Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger purchased the company. To this day, See's is one of Warren's favorite businesses!

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

How do you keep fudge smooth? ›

If the sugar crystals are not properly dissolved before cooling, they can create a gritty texture. To avoid this, ensure that you stir the fudge mixture consistently and remove any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan using a wet pastry brush.

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