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
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 do you package fudge for the holidays? ›
Add a simple wooden or paper stick, some transparent gauze wrapping, a bow and a creative label to any piece of fudge, and you've now got something that looks more like an expensive candy apple than a humble square of fudge.
How long is Christmas fudge good for? ›
If you have leftovers—or if you want to make fudge ahead of time to enjoy all season long—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3 weeks.
How to store fudge made with condensed milk long term? ›
For an extra layer of protection, wrap the fudge in some wax paper before storing. Fudge should be stored in a dry, dark, and cool area away from direct sunlight, like a cupboard or pantry, and not on your kitchen counter. If you need to store your fudge for much longer, freezing is a great option.
Do you refrigerate fudge to harden? ›
Do not freeze the fudge to set it. Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge. If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else.
How long does fudge last in a jar? ›
Fudge does not need to be stored in a sterilised jar but one with an airtight seal is a good idea. Otherwise try to use a container with a tight-fitting lid. In a cool place the fudge will keep for about 2 weeks but you can also keep the fudge in the fridge which will extend the life for 3 to 4 weeks.
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.
Can you store fudge in foil? ›
The best way to store fudge is to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with wax paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. This will help prevent the fudge from drying out or developing a slimy texture.
How do you ship fudge in the summer? ›
If you plan to ship chocolates in the summer, use overnight shipping to ensure they arrive intact. Choose insulating and cooling packing materials. Metalized bubble packaging insulates your chocolates and deflects the heat. Nestling your chocolate box in ice packs keeps them below their softening point.
Does fudge go bad without refrigeration? ›
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.
If you're hoping to keep your fudge tucked away for quite some time, storing it in the freezer is a great option. Fudge properly stored in the freezer will last for 2 to 3 months. Some fudge can last up to a year in the freezer.
How do you store fudge as a gift? ›
To keep it soft and fresh, wrap fudge tightly in plastic after it cools. Well-wrapped fudge will stay fresh for one to two weeks in a cool, dry pantry. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for two to three weeks, or in the freezer for two to three months.
Why is condensed milk not refrigerated? ›
Sweetened condensed milk has a longer shelf time due to its high level of sugar. Canned condensed milk can be shelved for up to a year even without refrigeration. However, after being exposed to air, canned condensed milk must be stored in the refrigerator, decreasing its shelf time significantly.
Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk fudge set? ›
Why is my fudge not hardening? Typically this happens when the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk do not cook long enough in the microwave. If those two ingredients are not entirely melted, the fudge will not set up correctly while chilling in the fridge.
Do you put homemade fudge in the fridge? ›
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.
How do you keep fudge from hardening? ›
Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge
The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.
Can you freeze 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. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.
