This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last (2024)

Got fudge in the house? Learn just how long this rich and creamy treat lasts—and the proper ways to store it.

From flavors such as peanut butter and triple-chocolate to cookies ‘n’ cream, fudge is such a treat. It’s beautifully rich and creamy, with the most incredible texture. And while it’s easy to enjoy a few pieces at a time or share with a friend, chances are, you won’t be eating all of your homemade fudge in one sitting. But how long does fudge last?

Depending on the storage method, you can keep fudge fresh for one week to several months. It’s all about packaging fudge properly to keep any air from drying it out and avoiding changes in temperature. Those factors can change the flavor and texture of fudge. But once you know the right storage method for your best fudge recipe, you’ll be able to keep this treat on hand all the time.

How Long Does Fudge Last at Room Temperature?

Fudge typically contains dairy, but the high sugar content of this candy stabilizes it. If you intend to enjoy your fudge within 1 to 2 weeks, it can certainly be kept out at room temperature. By the way, here’s how to melt chocolate for making fudge.

How to Store Fudge at Room Temperature

If you’re planning to keep your fudge at room temperature, it’s important to keep it from moisture, light and temperature changes. Layer the fudge with waxed paper and store it in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the fudge somewhere cool and dry to avoid any possibility of it melting. Putting the airtight container in a cupboard or tucked away in the pantry is best, rather than leaving it out on the counter.

How Long Does Fudge Last in the Fridge?

To keep fudge fresh, it’s important to keep it cool. With proper storage, fudge can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

How to Store Fudge in the Fridge

To store fudge in the fridge, be sure you have an airtight container with a great seal. Layer the fudge with pieces of waxed paper between each layer for extra protection to keep any moisture or air from being introduced to the fudge.

How Long Does Fudge Last in the Freezer?

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 to Store Fudge in the Freezer

To be sure your fudge is kept as fresh as can be in the freezer, it’s important to keep it free of any air or moisture. To store fudge in the freezer, first, wrap it in waxed paper. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to be sure the elements can’t reach it. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or freezer bag.

It’s best to keep fudge tucked away in the back of the freezer, rather than right in front or in the freezer door. This will eliminate any fluctuation in temperature from the door being opened and closed. When you’re ready to enjoy the fudge, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for two to three hours before eating.

Tips for Storing Homemade Fudge

What’s the best way to store fudge?

No matter where you store fudge, the key is to keep it from being exposed to the elements. Storing fudge in an airtight container is your best bet. Cut the fudge, and then store it in separate layers with waxed paper in between.

If you intend to enjoy your fudge relatively quickly, it’s best stored at room temperature short-term. If you plan to keep your fudge for longer, the freezer will be your best bet. Keeping fudge in a cool, dry place free of light is crucial to keeping it fresh. Storing it in the fridge works in a pinch, but the fridge can be fickle. Leaving fudge in the freezer for long-term storage is sure to keep it tucked away and stored properly for best results.

Does fudge go bad?

Fudge has the potential to go bad, but not necessarily in the ways other foods experience spoilage. It’s not considered a potentially hazardous food, but the quality of fudge can certainly be affected, with a change in texture, appearance and flavor.

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 old fudge make you sick?

The possibility of fudge making someone sick is very slim. If fudge goes bad, it’s most likely due to it being exposed to air, moisture or a change in temperature. Those elements can affect quality, but because of the high sugar content keeping fudge stable, it’s unlikely old fudge would make anyone sick.

Next, learn how to make microwave fudge.

This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last (2024)

FAQs

This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last? ›

To keep fudge fresh, it's important to keep it cool. With proper storage, fudge can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

How long can homemade fudge last? ›

Typically, homemade fudge lasts about 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container.

How long is homemade hot fudge good for? ›

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the syrup and stir until smooth. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

How long to leave fudge to set? ›

After the chocolate has mostly melted, stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. Pour into a prepared 8 x 8 inch pan. Let the fudge set at room temperature (covered) for at least four hours.

How do you know when fudge is beaten enough? ›

After letting the fudge cool, it's time to beat it. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould.

How long does fudge set in the fridge? ›

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.

What is fudge made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

Can I freeze homemade 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 long does homemade candy last? ›

Most candies will keep 2 to 3 weeks (if not longer) if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It's best to avoid storing different types of candy together in the same container because hard candies will become soft and sticky, and soft candies will dry out.

What happens if you boil fudge too long? ›

Too cooked

The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.) of 35% cream and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely melted. Then let it boil without stirring until the thermometer reaches 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

How do I know if my fudge is ready? ›

To test the boiling mixture for doneness, drop a bit of it into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a ball that is soft enough to flatten between your fingers, the mixture is ready for cooling. When the fudge cools to 110 degrees F/43 degrees C, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it's no longer glossy.

How do you store fudge overnight? ›

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.

How to fix fudge that is too soft? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

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.

Why is my fudge not shiny? ›

Beating the mixture encourages the formation of small sugar crystals, which leads to the crumbly texture. The crystals may not be noticeable in themselves but the fudge mixture will thicken and turn from shiny to matte in appearance.

When to stop beating fudge? ›

Once the mixture has cooled enough, use a wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer to beat the fudge until you see the very first signs of the mixture shifting from glossy to matte. Believe yourself when you think you see them! If you over-mix the fudge it will set in your pot.

How long does it take for fudge to get bad? ›

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 going stale? ›

Proper storage techniques include storing fudge at room temperature, refrigerating or freezing it, and using an airtight container. For wrapping fudge, options like wax paper, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap can help maintain its freshness.

Does fudge need to be refrigerated to harden? ›

The Role of Room Temperature

However, storing fudge at room temperature can offer some advantages. It allows the fudge to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. The smooth consistency and decadent mouthfeel of fudge stored at room temperature are indeed a delight for chocolate lovers.

Does fudge go hard? ›

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.

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