How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (2024)

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (2)

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (3)

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (4)

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ByJennifer Mathews

Whether you enjoy making holiday gifts in the kitchen to share with friends and family or are looking for something sweet to serve after a meal, this is fudge season. Unlike holiday cookies that can go stale in a matter of days, fudge can last for months (if you hide it). Thick and rich, a tray of fudge goes a long way towards making many people happy. The indulgent dessert can be made in the microwave like Alton Brown or purchased at your favorite confectionery. Just a nibble is all you need to satisfy a sweet tooth, and the ingredient combinations are endless. Regardless of the flavor or topping, a creamy texture is desired in all recipes, from chunky rocky road to minty mojito fudge.

To preserve the texture, color, and flavor of the fudge and keep it moist throughout all your holiday entertaining (because nobody wants dried-out fudge), it's vital to store the treat properly. Whether you need to store it for a day or a month, the fudge should be wrapped airtight to minimize exposure to air and other odors.Although fudge is traditionally made with dairy, its high quantity of sugar prevents bacterial growth and keeps it shelf-stable for up to two weeks. If you don't need to store the fudge for longer, keeping it properly wrapped at room temperature in a dark pantry is ideal to maintain its moisture and texture.

Storing fudge long-term

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (5)

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This temperamental candy is sensitive to temperature, so avoid storing fudge in a warm location near the stove or on top of the refrigerator, where it will melt. 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.

If your home is warm, fudge can be put into the refrigerator, but only if necessary. The fridge's environment is drying, so the fudge's texture will change and harden. If the candy isn't stored airtight, the medley of odors that live in the fridge can be absorbed (and nobody wants salmon-flavored fudge). For lengthier storage, it's best to keep the fudge in the freezer. When storing fudge in the fridge or freezer, wrap each piece in plastic wrap to minimize its exposure to air, then add a layer of aluminum foil as insurance. Place the double-wrapped fudge in an airtight baggie, press out any excess air, and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeksor the freezer for up to three months. If you are going to eat or gift the entire tray of fudge, we suggest freezing it whole so that less surface area is exposed. Once thawed, the candy can then be cut into small servings. Happy Holidays!

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How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays (2024)

FAQs

How To Store Fudge To Keep It Moist Through The Holidays? ›

Wrap your fudge in an air-tight container. Several layers of saran wrap, vacuum seal, Tupperware should all keep the moisture locked in pretty good.

How do you store fudge so it doesn't dry out? ›

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 to keep fudge moist? ›

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.

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.

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.

Why does fudge turn out dry? ›

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.

Is homemade fudge shelf stable? ›

Fudge's shelf life varies depending on several factors, including the ingredients used, storage conditions, and whether it is homemade or commercially produced. Generally, homemade fudge can last up to 2 weeks when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

How do you save gooey fudge? ›

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. Stir the fudge as it heats, but only until the sugar in the chocolate is completely melted again.

Why is my homemade fudge gooey? ›

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.

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 pack fudge? ›

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.

How to store Joann's fudge? ›

Joanns fudge is best stored at room temperature up to 2 weeks. If you would like to enjoy it at a later date, freeze it air tight (wrapped in plastic wrap works best) It will last up to a year frozen.

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 is 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 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 do I get my fudge to harden? ›

Freezing your fudge is the key to a hardened result.

Should fudge set in the fridge? ›

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.

Will fudge harden in the freezer? ›

They use the blast freezer to set recipes all the time. Since fudge is a concentrated syrup (usually chocolatey), it will harden at some point.

How do you keep fudge from crumbling? ›

If you let your fudge get too hot, the sugars will start to concentrate and the fudge will be crumbly, dull, and hard. To fix it, put it back into the saucepan and add about 3–4 US tbsp (44–59 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the mixture as you heat it until the sugar in the fudge is melted.

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