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
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.
How to store homemade fudge long term? ›
If you're looking to store your homemade chocolate fudge for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap each piece of fudge tightly in wax paper or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date to ensure you know when it was frozen.
How long does Christmas fudge last? ›
The longevity of fudge and its ability to retain its delightful taste and texture hinge greatly on proper storage methods. 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.
How do you wrap fudge for Christmas? ›
Put parchment paper to good use with this idea for packaging edible gifts: Carefully wrap your favorite Christmas fudge inside a DIY parchment paper wrapping paper. Complete the rustic look by tying a twine ribbon adorned with a cheery candy cane.
Can you freeze fudge without ruining it? ›
Yes. Fudge can be frozen and most fudge recipes will freeze and thaw well. The texture of the fudge matters here; fudge with a denser texture tends to freeze better than fudge with a lighter texture. Freezing fudge can be a good option for long term storage as opposed to refrigeration.
Does fudge need to be refrigerated to harden? ›
While refrigerating chocolate fudge can extend its shelf life and prevent melting, it may also affect its flavor and result in a firmer texture. On the other hand, storing fudge at room temperature provides a more traditional and softer consistency, but it can shorten its shelf life.
Does condensed milk fudge need to be refrigerated? ›
Condensed milk fudge will last about 2 weeks at room temperature in an air tight container and about a month if refrigerated.
Can you wrap fudge in Saran Wrap? ›
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.
Will fudge stick to tin foil? ›
You can lightly spray the paper or regular tin foil with non-stick cooking spray, wiping away the excess with a paper towel to really ensure the fudge won't stick. The benefit of using parchment or foil to line your pan is that you can lift the finished fudge out of the pan for easy cutting.
Can you use wax paper under fudge? ›
Parchment and wax paper are both good options when making fudge, caramel, and candy.
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 defrost fudge? ›
Let the fudge sit in it's wrapping and plastic bag at room temperature until it has completely thawed. This can take up to 24 hours... it will be worth the wait. After the fudge is completely thawed, remove it's wrapping and enjoy!
How do you store homemade fudge brownies? ›
Store brownies at room temperature by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or by placing them in an airtight container, such as a lidded tray or Tupperware container. This will prevent your brownies from going stale and keep possible contaminants out.
Can you save hard fudge? ›
To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.
How long does peanut butter fudge last in the fridge? ›
Store uneaten fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How long to refrigerate fudge before cutting? ›
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.
