If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of Fannie May fudge and wondered how you could recreate that rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor at home — you’re in the right place. This copycat Fannie May fudge recipe delivers the same luxurious texture and deep chocolate taste without using a candy thermometer or complicated equipment. Yes, you read that right — no thermometer needed.

This recipe is perfect for holiday gifts, family gatherings, or a simple sweet treat after dinner. It’s smooth, creamy, and so indulgent that your friends and family will swear you bought it from a gourmet candy shop.

Why This Recipe Works (Even Without a Thermometer)

Most traditional fudge recipes require careful temperature control to reach the “soft ball” stage. But with this method, you rely on visual cues and timing, not precise heat. The key is:

Using sweetened condensed milk for stability and creaminess
Cooking gently until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy
Whipping in butter and vanilla for that signature fudgy melt

It’s a foolproof method that produces consistent results every time — even if you’re a beginner.

What Makes Fannie May Fudge So Special?

Fannie May fudge is famous for its:

Ultra-smooth texture
Rich, creamy chocolate flavor
Perfect balance of sweetness
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite

This recipe captures all those elements by using high-quality chocolate and a simple, reliable cooking method.

Ingredients

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans recommended)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional swirl topping)

Instructions

Line a pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment extends over the edges for easy removal later.
Combine chocolate and milk
In a medium saucepan, add the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching.
Melt gently
Heat on low to medium-low heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will slowly melt and become smooth. This can take 8–10 minutes.
Add butter and salt
Once fully melted, add the butter and salt. Stir until fully incorporated and glossy.
Remove from heat
Take the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract. If using nuts, fold them in now.
Test for thickness
The mixture should be thick and spreadable. To test, drop a small spoonful on a plate — it should set up quickly without running.
Pour into pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Optional swirl
If using white chocolate, melt it quickly in the microwave (20–30 seconds) and drizzle on top. Use a toothpick to swirl.
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve
Lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut into 1-inch squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Fudge Every Time

1. Use good quality chocolate

The flavor of your fudge depends entirely on the chocolate. Choose high-quality semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a richer result.

2. Stir constantly

Low heat and constant stirring prevent scorching and help create a smooth texture.

3. Don’t skip the chilling

Fudge needs time to set. If you try to cut it too early, it will be sticky and messy.

4. Add nuts or skip them

Classic Fannie May fudge often includes walnuts or pecans, but you can skip them for a pure chocolate version.

5. Avoid moisture

Water ruins fudge texture. Make sure your utensils and pan are completely dry.

Variations to Try

1. Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge

Swirl 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter into the chocolate mixture before chilling.

2. Mint Chocolate Fudge

Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and swirl in green food coloring.

3. Salted Caramel Fudge

Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

4. Chocolate Espresso Fudge

Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder for a mocha twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea
Pair with vanilla ice cream
Gift in decorative tins for holidays
Serve as party dessert squares

Storage & Shelf Life

Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
Freezer: up to 3 months (thaw in fridge before serving)

Fun Facts About Fudge

Fudge became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a “fancy” candy made for special occasions. Fannie May became one of the most famous fudge brands, known for its premium texture and rich flavor.

The Bottom Line

This copycat Fannie May fudge recipe without a thermometer is the perfect balance of simplicity and luxury. It’s rich, creamy, and tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop — without the stress of candy-making techniques.

If you want a fast, foolproof fudge recipe that delivers professional results, this is it. Enjoy every bite!