We are firm believers that you don’t need an occasion to bake something sweet, whether it be a layer cake worthy of a birthday party or a batch of cookies. The same can be said for fudge. While this confection is often seen displayed in a long lineup of treats at a holiday party, it can and should be enjoyed year-round. But since it’s the holidays and you asked, we’re here to explain the best way to store fudge, homemade or store-bought, on the counter or in the freezer.
Storing Fudge Anytime, Anywhere
Here’s the thing about homemade fudge: It’s temperamental. Way more temperamental than most cookies, cakes, brownies and bars, and quick breads, in fact. You need a candy thermometer, good-quality dark chocolate, and a careful eye to make it. Fudge is for all intents and purposes, candy. It’s important to store fudge properly to ensure that its creamy texture stays smooth and that its color remains a rich, dark chocolate brown.
Whether you make a batch of homemade fudge or bring home a pound of assorted flavors from the general store, the best way to keep fudge fresh is by transferring it to an airtight container and leaving it stored at room temperature. To keep fudge pieces from sticking to themselves, store the chocolatey layers with waxed paper, which provides a naturally nonstick surface.
Whatever you do, don’t put your Chocolate Walnut or Mystic Mud in the refrigerator. The refrigerator will not only alter the texture of your fudge (for the worse), but you always risk it absorbing other flavors floating around on crowded shelves.
How to Store Fudge in the Freezer
But I want to enjoy fudge on the beaches of Miami in March or at Easter brunch or pack it in my child’s lunchbox on the first day of school or in my own lunchbox when I have to return to the office in February. Whatever scenario you’re picturing in which you’ll want to eat homemade fudge a few months after the holiday season, there’s a reputable way to go about freezing fudge to extend its shelf life.
Here’s how to do it: First, make sure that your fudge is completely cooled. Wrap the fudge tightly, first with layers of wax or parchment paper, and then an exterior layer of aluminum foil. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container, which will help prevent freezer burns and ice crystals from forming. If homemade fudge is properly stored, it shouldn’t taste any different than when you nibbled on it mid-December. Just don’t eat it after a few months and expect it to taste the same: While it is still perfectly safe to consume, the texture and flavor will begin to deteriorate.
This is the same rule of thumb for most baked goods, too. “Use airtight freezer bags, press as much air as possible out of them, and consider slipping them into yet another bag or airtight plastic container. Or use vacuum-sealed bags. Obsessive? Yes, but it helps prevent that telltale freezer flavor,” explains Alice Medrich.
Best Chocolate FudgeRecipe
Ingredients
| 5 | tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 20 | ounces dark chocolate, chips or finely hand-chopped (I like to aim for 60% cacao or higher) |
| 1 | (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 | teaspoon espresso powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), plus more to taste and sprinkle |
| 5 | tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 20 | ounces dark chocolate, chips or finely hand-chopped (I like to aim for 60% cacao or higher) |
| 1 | (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 | teaspoon espresso powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), plus more to taste and sprinkle |
Are you planning to make fudge during the holidays? What's your favorite flavor? Tell us in the comments below!
FAQs
If you're looking to store your homemade chocolate fudge for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap each piece of fudge tightly in wax paper or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date to ensure you know when it was frozen.
How long does Christmas fudge last? ›
Typically, homemade fudge can last 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored correctly. The key to extending the shelf life of fudge is ensuring it's kept in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture.
How do you wrap fudge for Christmas? ›
Twine-Wrapped Parchment Paper
Put parchment paper to good use with this idea for packaging edible gifts: Carefully wrap your favorite Christmas fudge inside a DIY parchment paper wrapping paper. Complete the rustic look by tying a twine ribbon adorned with a cheery candy cane.
Does condensed milk fudge need to be refrigerated? ›
Store the fudge in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
How to save fudge that didn't set? ›
Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:
OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight.
How to stop fudge sticking together? ›
Put parchment in between the layers of fudge to prevent the pieces from sticking together. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the fudge overnight in the fridge.
Is it better to freeze or refrigerate fudge? ›
So to recap, it's best to store proper fudge at room temperature. Keeping it in the fridge takes out all its moisture, drying it out. Homemade fudge is best in the fridge. No matter where you store it, the goal is to protect the fudge from exposure to the elements so airtight containers are best!
How to tell if fudge has gone bad? ›
If fudge experiences a change in temperature, it can melt or develop a slimy texture on the surface. If it is exposed to air, it can dry out and become hard. Specific add-ins to fudge have the potential to grow mold or give off a bad odor, and at that point, the fudge should be avoided.
Can you freeze fudge without ruining it? ›
Yes. Fudge can be frozen and most fudge recipes will freeze and thaw well. The texture of the fudge matters here; fudge with a denser texture tends to freeze better than fudge with a lighter texture. Freezing fudge can be a good option for long term storage as opposed to refrigeration.
Can you store fudge in a Ziploc bag? ›
A: Storing Fudge @ Room Temp: The key to fudge is keeping the moisture in the fudge. To do this keep your fudge in wrapped in the wax paper/saran wrap that it came with. Beyond that you could place it in a zip lock bag or even heat seal it in a bag.
Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.
Can you use wax paper under fudge? ›
Parchment and wax paper are both good options when making fudge, caramel, and candy.
How to store fudge long term? ›
Storing fudge long-term
Place the fudge in an airtight container and separate the layers with wax paper so the pieces don't stick. Avoid storing fudge long-term in cellophane bags or tins, which aren't airtight and can dry out the fudge. Just transfer the candy to your preferred container when you're ready to gift it.
Why won't my condensed milk fudge set? ›
The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.
Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›
Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.
Can I freeze fudge to make it set? ›
We like to set this fudge in the freezer to make it quicker! Once you add the fudge to your pan it will need just 30 minutes in the freezer to set.
How long does peanut butter fudge last in the fridge? ›
Store uneaten fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How long to refrigerate fudge before cutting? ›
Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the refrigerator, uncovered. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, about 2-3 hours (or overnight), before slicing and serving.
Can you mail fudge? ›
Soft, dense fudge survives being jostled in the mail better than many of its cookie cousins.
