There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and butterscotch that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen. This is where I first tasted Elisa’s Famous Fudge, a delightful treat that never ceased to impress family and friends alike. One afternoon, armed with a collection of simple ingredients, I embarked on creating this rich, velvety fudge. The moment the sweet aroma wafted through my home, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
Perfect for gatherings or simply as a little indulgence after a long day, this fudge is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or craving a sweet escape, Elisa’s Famous Fudge delivers. Imagine cutting into a piece of this decadent confection, each bite melting in your mouth and revealing an orchestra of flavors—from the deep chocolate notes to the buttery butterscotch accents.
Join me as we craft a batch of this irresistible fudge that’s bound to become your family’s new favorite. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
Why will you love Elisa’s Famous Fudge?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich blend of chocolate and butterscotch creates a heavenly taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy Preparation: With only a few simple steps, you’ll whip up this delightful treat in no time!
Delightful Texture: Each piece boasts a perfect blend of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a hint of crunch from pecans.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Versatile Indulgence: Whether enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack, these fudgy delights fit seamlessly into any occasion.
Nostalgic Appeal: Transport yourself back to sweet childhood memories with every bite, making it a timeless favorite in your home!
Elisa’s Famous Fudge Ingredients
For the Fudge
- White sugar – This creamy fudge base will make your sweet treat irresistible!
- Evaporated milk – Ensures a rich, smooth texture and adds creaminess to the fudge.
- Butter – A touch of richness that enhances the flavor and mouthfeel of the fudge.
- Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing the fudgy flavor.
- Marshmallow creme – Adds a delightful softness and guarantees that luscious fudge consistency.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – For that deep chocolatey goodness that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
- Butterscotch chips – Infuses a lovely sweetness and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Chopped pecans – Provides a delightful crunch and a nutty richness, elevating the overall taste.
- Vanilla extract – A dash of this aromatic extract brings all the flavors together beautifully.
This deliciously easy recipe for Elisa’s Famous Fudge is bound to become a cherished addition to your home-cooked delights!
How to Make Elisa’s Famous Fudge
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Prepare the Dish: Line an 8-inch square dish with foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step ensures your fudge comes out perfectly every time.
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Combine Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the white sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it roll for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for a bubbly mixture that starts to thicken!
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Stir in Fudge Components: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently stir in the marshmallow creme, semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the marshmallow creme melts and the mixture is well combined and smooth.
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Pour into Dish: Carefully pour the luscious fudge mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic begins—watch it transform into a beautiful fudge!
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Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge for about 2 hours until it’s firm enough to slice. Once set, lift the fudge from the dish using the foil overhang, remove the foil, and cut into delightful pieces.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Elisa’s Famous Fudge?
Indulging in sweet treats can spark joy, so let’s create a balanced meal that pairs perfectly with your delightful fudge!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries can cut through the richness of the fudge, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens every bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings an elegant touch, melting alongside the fudge for an indulgent dessert experience.
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Nutty Shortbread Cookies: The buttery, crunchy texture of these cookies complements the fudge’s creaminess, creating a delightful cookie-fudge harmony.
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Espresso or Coffee: A cup of rich espresso balances the sweetness while enhancing the fudge’s chocolatey depth, making every taste buds dance.
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Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn: Adding this crunchy, sweet-salty treat to your dessert table provides a fun texture variation that everyone will love alongside the fudge.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth of chai spices enriches the flavor profile of the fudge, inviting coziness into your dessert moment.
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Decadent Caramel Sauce: Serve alongside for drizzling; the sweet, gooey richness enhances the fudge’s charm with an extra layer of indulgence.
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Marshmallow Fluff Dip: Transform your fudge experience with a light dip, blending the nostalgia of marshmallows into a new delicious combination.
Elisa’s Famous Fudge Variations
Get ready to unleash your creative side with Elisa’s Famous Fudge, turning this classic treat into something uniquely yours!
- Nut-Free: Replace chopped pecans with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without allergens.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the fudge mixture for an unexpected, but delightful, heat that dances on your palate. It’s an adventurous twist that will surprise your family and friends!
- Vegan Delight: Substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk, and use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version. Creamy and rich, this variation ensures that everyone can enjoy this treat!
- Fruit Infusion: Stir in dried cherries or cranberries before pouring the fudge into the dish. The fruity bursts add a zingy sweetness that complements the chocolate and butterscotch beautifully.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the fudge mixture just before pouring it into the dish. Swirl gently for ribbons of sticky sweetness throughout each piece.
- Coffee Lovers: Mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a rich coffee-flavored fudge that will awaken your senses. It’s a wonderful treat for those cozy mornings!
- Chunky Fudge: Fold in extra chocolate or butterscotch chips for a chunkier texture that elevates each bite. This chewy twist adds an unexpected delight to the creamy consistency.
- Cookie Crumble: Crushed cookies, like Oreos or graham crackers, can be added to the fudge mixture for a fun twist. This creates a fudgy treat that is both rich and playful!
Try one or more of these variations to discover new favorite flavors and textures!
Tips for the Best Elisa’s Famous Fudge
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Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and butter are key to achieving the decadent taste that makes Elisa’s Famous Fudge memorable and delicious.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the fudge mixture; a precise 5 minutes of boiling is crucial for perfect consistency. Too much heat can lead to a grainy texture.
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Mix Thoroughly: Stir until the marshmallow creme is completely melted and blended in. This ensures a smooth, creamy fudge without any lumps.
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Chill Properly: Allow the fudge to set in the refrigerator for a full 2 hours. Patience is key; cutting it too soon can result in a gooey mess!
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Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or even skip nuts entirely if you prefer a smoother fudge. Each variation brings its unique charm to Elisa’s Famous Fudge.
Make Ahead Options
Elisa’s Famous Fudge is perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the fudge mixture up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps and refrigerating it before pouring it into the dish. Make sure to cover your saucepan tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the fudge mixture into the lined dish, refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm, and cut into pieces. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade fudge ready at a moment’s notice—just as delightful and satisfying as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Elisa’s Famous Fudge
Room Temperature: Keep the fudge stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, allowing you to enjoy its delightful taste anytime.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the fudge in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your fudge later, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before indulging.
Reheating: While it’s best served chilled or at room temperature, you can microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly before savoring your Elisa’s Famous Fudge.
Elisa’s Famous Fudge Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate chips should I use for the fudge?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for that rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also experiment with dark chocolate for a deeper taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile. Each variety will lend its unique character to your fudge!
How can I tell when my ingredients are ripe and ready to use?
While this recipe doesn’t involve fresh fruits, ensuring your butter is at room temperature will make it easier to incorporate into the fudge. Use fresh ingredients when possible; for example, check the expiry date on your evaporated milk and make sure your chocolate chips are within their best-by date for optimal flavor.
How should I store leftover fudge and for how long?
You can store your Elisa’s Famous Fudge at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to cover it well to avoid absorbing other odors.
Can I freeze the fudge, and what is the best method?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your fudge for later enjoyment! To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Ensure you label it with the date. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before indulging in its creamy goodness.
What should I do if my fudge doesn’t set properly?
Very! If you discover that the fudge has not set properly, it might be due to not boiling it for the full 5 minutes or the temperature being too low. To remedy this, you can reheat the fudge mixture in a saucepan over low heat, adding a tablespoon of extra evaporated milk to help with consistency. Stir it gently, bring it back to a boil, and then let it cool again in the dish. It should firm up nicely this time!
Is this fudge suitable for pets or those with allergies?
The ingredients in Elisa’s Famous Fudge—especially chocolate and nuts—can be toxic for pets, particularly dogs. Moreover, if anyone has nut allergies, you can substitute chopped nuts with a few extra chocolate chips for texture. Always check labels for allergens if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Elisa's Famous Fudge: Irresistibly Creamy Chocolate Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dish: Line an 8-inch square dish with foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the white sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil and let roll for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Fudge Components: Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, pecans, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into Dish: Carefully pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm, then lift from the dish and cut into pieces.