How to make the delicious Carnation Famous Fudge! This chocolate fudge is soft, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for holiday gifts or a special treat.
Carnation Fudge Recipe
This was the first fudge I ever made. I hesitated at first because fudge can seem intimidating, but this recipe is simple and reliable. I’ve made both milk chocolate and peanut butter variations. If you love chocolate, try the classic semi-sweet version; if you like a nutty twist, peanut butter fudge is a nice alternative.
Ingredients
Below is a brief ingredients overview. The printable recipe card at the bottom contains exact measurements and step-by-step directions.
- Sugar
- Carnation evaporated milk
- Salt
- Butter (or margarine)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Vanilla extract
Optional: chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or peanut butter chips in place of chocolate chips.
Equipment Needed
- Medium, heavy-duty saucepan
- 8-inch square baking pan (ideal size for this recipe)
- Parchment paper or greased foil to line the pan
- Dough scraper or sharp knife for cutting clean squares
- Airtight container for storage
How to Make Carnation Fudge
Full measurements and a printable card are at the bottom, but here’s a concise method to get you started:
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan.
- Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
- Stir vigorously for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm.
- Lift the set fudge from the pan, remove the parchment, and cut into 36–48 pieces depending on preferred size.
Preparation and Storage
Storage: Store homemade fudge at room temperature in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry the fudge and cause it to absorb surrounding odors.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the fudge can last 3–4 weeks or longer, making it convenient to make ahead for gifts or events.
Freezing: Fudge freezes well if you protect it from moisture. Cut into pieces and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Only defrost the quantity you plan to use together. To thaw, leave the wrapped pieces at room temperature until fully defrosted to avoid condensation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
Substitutions and flavors:
- Milk Chocolate Fudge — use milk chocolate chips.
- Butterscotch Fudge — swap in butterscotch chips.
- Peanutty Chocolate Fudge — add peanut butter chips and 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Mint Chocolate — use mint chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet.
Additional mix-ins: extra miniature marshmallows, chopped nuts, or chopped candies.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, which is not vegetarian or vegan. Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based evaporated milk, butter substitutes, and chocolate to make a vegan version.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check product labels if you need to avoid gluten.
Scaling: The recipe yields 36–48 pieces depending on cut size. Scale quantities up or down to suit your needs.
Spicy variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or chili powder to create a Mexican chocolate-style fudge.
Sugar-free: This recipe contains sugar from multiple ingredients. You can experiment with sugar-free substitutes for the sugar, chocolate, and marshmallows, but results may vary.
What to Serve with Carnation Fudge
Carnation fudge is rich, so pair it with light, fresh bites to balance the menu. It works well as an after-dinner dessert, a coffee or tea snack, or a party treat. Serve alongside fruit-based desserts, simple salads, or light appetizers to let the fudge shine.
When to Serve
- After-dinner dessert
- Coffee or tea break
- Cocktail night sweet
- Holiday parties and gatherings
- DIY gifts and treat boxes
- Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any celebration
What is the best way to store fudge?
The best method is to keep fudge at room temperature in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odors. Avoid refrigeration for long-term storage.
How long does fudge last?
Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, fudge can last about 3–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
Recipe Card
Carnation Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups White sugar
- ⅔ cup Evaporated milk (5 fl. oz. can)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter or margarine
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 9 oz.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Optional
- ½ cup Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan.
-
Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
-
Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes.
-
Remove from heat.
-
Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
-
Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
-
Pour into the prepared pan; refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.
-
Lift from pan, remove parchment, and cut into 36–48 pieces.
Kitchen Tools
-
Saucepan
-
8×8 pan
-
Parchment paper
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe originally shared December 11, 2011; updated 2020 and September 2023.