At some point in your life, you may have wondered how long does fudge last? If you are a baker, or if you just have a sweet tooth, you have probably considered whether you could make a bulk batch of fudge and store it indefinitely. After all, honey, jam and even maple syrup last for ages. So the question still remains, just how long does fudge last?
To answer this question, let us explore what fudge is, why it goes bad, how you can make it last longer and, most importantly, how long can fudge last.
What is Fudge?
You may have heard the term ‘fudgy’ used as a descriptor for various baked goodies. Fudgy cakes and brownies seem to have a dense, chewy texture that merits the comparison to fudge. While it is excellent to know what qualities we associate with fudge, it still does not explain what exactly fudge is!
Fudge is a type of confectionery made from butter, sugar and milk. The candy is sweet, creamy and dense with a slightly chewy texture. The texture is comparable to that of liquorice sweets, and the flavour is similar to a creamy caramel or toffee.
While many ice cream shops offer a ‘hot fudge sundae,’ the treat contains no actual fudge. The ‘hot fudge’ topping is simply a thick chocolate sauce. The name ‘hot fudge’ is most likely an allusion to the viscosity of the topping, as it resembles melted fudge.
Fudge is often cut into squares or moulded into balls. Fudge candies1 can be combined with all sorts of accoutrements like chocolate, nuts, and even frosting. This makes the question of “how long does fudge last” slightly more complicated, as each of these additions has a different expiration date.
A seventeen-gram square of fudge can contain a whopping seventy calories! This number can increase depending on the various toppings and mix-ins. In any case, fudge is not a treat for the calorie-conscious!
How Long Does Fudge Last?
As mentioned, the answer to how long fudge last is complicated. Generally speaking; however, fresh, plain fudge can last for two to three weeks in the refrigerator. Storing the fudge in an airtight container could increase its life by one week.
Another way to preserve fresh fudge is to freeze it. The best way to freeze fudge is to cover it with a layer of wax paper, then wrap it in a layer of aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container. If you follow these steps, your fudge should last for up to two months in the freezer.
Pre-packaged or processed fudge is made quite differently from homemade or fresh fudge. As a result, its shelf life is not the same as the shelf life of fresh fudge. The best thing to do is to consult the best before dates on the packaging. The manufacturers of the fudge are best equipped to judge how long their product will last.
How to Make Fudge?
Making fresh fudge2 from scratch is actually easier than you may think. This homemade fudge recipe is the perfect way to impress your friends and family without any technical skills.
So how long does fudge last if you use this recipe? This fudge will stay good for up to three weeks, provided it was stored at room temperature. This fudge should be frozen in a freezer bag or wrapped in plastic wrap to increase its shelf life.
So how do you make this delicious treat at home? Keep reading to find out!
Ingredients:
To make this homemade fudge, you will need:
- One tin, or around 397 grams of condensed milk.
- 450 grams of light brown sugar (the softer, the better)
- 120 grams of butter, cubed (preferably unsalted, but if you cannot get unsalted butter, just skip adding the pinch of salt in the end)
- 125 millilitres of whole milk
- One glass of cold water, placed in the freezer until needed.
- A pinch of salt (sea salt is ideal, but table salt will work just as well)
Method:
Making this fudge is super easy, and it takes less than half an hour to finish. Not to mention, making fudge yourself is the best way to ensure you know how long fudge lasts. Store-bought fudge will have different expiration dates depending on how it was made, but homemade and refrigerated fudge is guaranteed to last three weeks.
So, without further ado, let us learn how to make fudge from scratch:
- Begin by lining a baking pan, or whatever container you are going to use to set your fudge, with parchment paper.
- Remember to place a glass of cold water in the freezer.
- Place a large, dry saucepan on low heat.
- Add the condensed milk, cubes of butter, brown sugar, and milk to the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved completely. If you neglect this step, the fudge mixture could crystalise, and you would have to start from scratch.
- After the sugar and butter have melted into the mixture, you can increase the heat to medium-high. Let the fudge reach a rolling boil and continue to stir vigorously for ten minutes. Letting a huge sit idle for too long can cause it to burn near the edges of the pan.
- During the ten minutes of boiling, you should notice the mixture reducing and darkening. To check if the fudge is done, dip a spoon in the mixture and drizzle it into the glass of cold water you placed in the freezer earlier. The fudge should harden upon contact with the water and should become a soft, pliable texture. The fudge will resemble modelling clay or plasticine.
- If the fudge sticks to the glass or your fingers when dropped into the water, boil it for another two or three minutes. Test it again after boiling and repeat if it is still sticky.
- Add your pinch of salt and any other mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- This is where the mixture goes from being dulce de lece to classic fudge. After you have removed the fudge from the stovetop, beat it well.
- Wait another ten minutes and beat the mixture again. The shiny top that sets on the fudge should be continuously broken and disturbed until the whole mixture is an even, dull caramel colour. Wait five more minutes and beat again.
- Pour the beaten liquid fudge into your lined container and let it cool for 3 hours.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
We already discussed how long fudge last, but how many people does this recipe serve? This recipe makes around thirty-six pieces, and one piece is enough for a single dessert portion. So, you can make this recipe for a large party of up to thirty-six people, or you can eat it all yourself over three weeks!
How to Serve Fudge?
Fudge is an extremely versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it plain as a simple and sumptuous end-of-meal treat. If you are going down this route, you may want to serve fancier fudge types like chocolate or walnut fudge.
Fudge can also be used as an element in a more elaborate dessert. Fudge can be moulded and manipulated into many different shapes, making it the perfect ingredient for decorative desserts. Fudge also pairs well with light toppings, like whipped cream or chopped nuts, or with heavier accompaniments, like chocolate ganache or frosting.
In the end, no matter how you plate up your homemade fudge, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Everything You Need to Know About How Long Does Fudge Last
Fudge is a simple yet delicious treat for just about everyone. What’s not to love about a decadent square of creamy caramel3? Fudge is the perfect dessert because it is somehow saccharine-sweet without being too rich or sickly!
Fudge is so perfect, in fact, that you just won’t be able to get enough of it. You may wonder “how long does fudge last?” because you will be tempted to make a massive batch and eat it all yourself!
If that is the case for you, then you have nothing to worry about. Fudge is an extremely long-lasting sweet that will stay delicious for three weeks in the fridge.
Of course, the answer to the question “how long does fudge last?” can change depending on how you store your fudge squares. Freezing, covering, or sealing your treats will make them last even longer than the standard two to three weeks.
Of course, there is no reason you should have to store fudge for so long because anytime you serve the fudge candies, you are guaranteed to leave with a clean plate! Not to mention, making homemade fudge is so bafflingly easy that you will have no problem making it regularly. As a result, you do not have to worry about “how long does fudge last?”
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- Charbonneau, Patrick, and Jeffrey M. Pilcher. “From Panocha to Fudge: Mexican Roots of an American Candy.” Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture 23.1 (2023): 100-111. ↩︎
- LaBau, Elizabeth. The Sweet Book of Candy Making: From the Simple to the Spectacular-how to Make Caramels, Fudge, Hard Candy, Fondant, Toffee, and More!. Quarry Books, 2012. ↩︎
- Atapattu, Chandrani. Milk protein functionality in caramel processing. Diss. University of Guelph, 1997. ↩︎
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