Why Won't My Fudge Harden?
by Melanie
Why won't my fudge harden, and how can I fix it?
I'm using the Fantasy Fudge recipe on the back of marshmallow cream container and following the instructions listed there.
The fudge recipe calls for Baker's chocolate, marshmallow cream, sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.
The problem I'm having is that the fudge won't set! It has even been in the freezer for over a day and it's like a taffy fudge. It's still very tasty but won't set.
I NEVER had a fudge not set. The only thing I did different is putting it in one of those pampered chef bar pans that aren't glass like I usually use. Would that make any difference?
I don't really think it is a humidity problem because it's a nice clear day.
Any suggestions on what I can do to salvage this fudge?
Hi Melanie,
The question, "Why won't my fudge harden?" has been asked so many times by so many disappointed fudge makers - even by me! :)
You didn't mention whether you used the microwave method of preparing the Fantasy Fudge or whether you cooked the fudge on the stove top.
It sounds like the fudge mixture was not cooked to a high enough temperature and that's why it isn't setting up properly the way it normally would.
Oh, another thought - did you double the recipe by chance? I've never had success doubling that recipe. I've always had to make two separate batches if I wanted double the amount.
How can you fix the fudge? I would try reheating the fudge slowly over the stove top and stir in either a bit of evaporated milk OR make a little mixture of corn starch (cornflour) and water to create a paste to stir through the heated melted fudge.
If you have a candy thermometer, insert the thermometer and try to bring the fudge to about 240 degrees F. before removing it from the heat and then stirring it like crazy.
I know my arms get so tired when I am stirring fudge. I do my best to talk my husband into stirring for a few minutes when I can, but this part mustn't be skipped. The more you stir, the stiffer the fudge should get and then you should have no trouble with the fudge setting up nice and firmly.
Let us know how the fudge rescue effort turns out and what method did the trick for you.
Blessings,
Angie