Last Updated on October 5, 2021 by Anne-Marie
Have you wondered how long does fudge last? Can fudge go bad? Here's a helpful guide!
Why you need this guide
Homemade fudge is one of my favorite sweet treats. As long as you properly store fudge, it can last a long time. (Assuming you don't eat it all within a few days!)
Here are some tips on how to store, refrigerate, and freeze your favorite fudge recipes.
How long does homemade fudge last?
The good news, when left tightly covered on the counter, the shelf life of fudge is a week or two.
However, it's when you forget to wrap it back up that it dries out and starts to crumble and develop cracks.
I never have to worry about this though. When I make my Amazingly Easy Fudge Recipe with milk chocolate, it lasts barely a week.
(With the dark chocolate version, maybe it lasts two weeks because my kids aren't fans.)
Does fudge go bad?
Store-bought fudge has an expiration date. With homemade we aren’t as lucky.
Still, since homemade fudge has a high sugar content, it lasts a while.
If it does start to go bad, it's because it's been exposed to air, moisture, or a change in temperature.
That's when you'll see signs of spoilage like bacterial growth, a white film, or crumbling.
How to know if fudge has gone bad
The best way to determine if it's gone bad is the following:
1. Homemade fudge can get moldy, develop a slimy texture, or start smelling funky. This usually happens when exposed to hot temperatures (like left in a baggie in a warm car).
Or when the fudge is forgotten for a while, like when your child leaves a container of chocolate fudge in a backpack over winter break.
Just toss that yucky fudge out!
2. Soggy fudge: sometimes homemade soft fudge, especially those made with ingredients like peanut butter or cocoa butter, may soften up.
This vegan Dairy Free Pumpkin Fudge Recipe needs to be stored in the fridge until eaten because it's made with coconut oil and pumpkin puree.
Place it in the refrigerator or freezer to see if this helps improve the quality of fudge.
3. Dried out fudge: you can melt it in the microwave to use it in frosting or as a ganache. Or crumble it up and use it on ice cream or in this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip Recipe.
Can old fudge make you sick?
Dried-out fudge can be kind of crunchy. But it certainly isn't hard enough for this sweet treat to break a tooth.
If the fudge is moldy, it could give you a tummy ache or other gastro-issues. But most likely it will taste so yucky that you'll spit it out before eating enough to make you ill.
But old, bad fudge will mostly make you sad. How could you have let a delicious treat go bad!
How to store fudge at room temperature
If you're making a batch of fudge, wrap the fudge with wax paper or plastic wrap. Then store it in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.
You can also place pieces of fudge in a freezer bag. Just press out as much air as possible before closing.
How long does fudge last at room temperature?
With proper storage in an airtight container or freezer bag, it should last a couple of weeks at room temperature. Again, store it in a cool, dark place that's dry.
Should you store homemade fudge in the refrigerator?
In my opinion, storing fudge in the fridge is the best way. That's because it keeps soft fudge firmer and fresher. And since it's "out of sight out of mind" you won't eat it as quickly.
The biggest worry about storing fudge in the refrigerator is having it dry out on you. For best results is to keep it stored wrapped in an air-tight container.
Proper storage extends the life of fudge for another week or two.
How to wrap fudge for the refrigerator:
Cut into small pieces. Then set in the middle of a piece of wax paper. Wrap the fudge in wax paper up and over the fudge. Then roll up the edges.
You can then wrap up the fudge in some aluminum foil to make a double seal.
When you want to sneak some pieces, remember to rewrap the aluminum foil and waxed paper to keep the leftover fudge as fresh as possible.
How long does fudge last in the refrigerator?
Depending on how often you're opening up the wrapped fudge, fudge should keep in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Can you freeze homemade fudge?
Yes, you can freeze homemade fudge.
Freezing is a terrific idea if you made too much fudge. Or you're making big batches of your favorite fudge recipe in advance for the holidays.
The trick is to freeze the entire block of fudge prior to cutting it into pieces.
Freezing it in a large block prevents the fresh fudge from drying out.
How to wrap fudge for the freezer:
First, wrap the block of fudge in plastic wrap. Then wrap it in aluminum foil.
Wrapping it tightly keeps the fudge from getting freezer burn. You don’t want anything to affect the flavor!
Finally, put the entire block into a plastic freezer bag. Squeeze as much out of the freezer bag as possible before sealing. Make sure to label and date the bag.
Thaw the fudge and bring it to room temperature before cutting into smaller pieces.
How long does frozen fudge last in the freezer?
Frozen fudge lasts up to three months in the freezer with the right storage method.
In conclusion
I hope these tips improve the life of fudge you make and enjoy.
