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? ›

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 to keep fudge from drying 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.

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 is Christmas fudge good for? ›

Storage: If you have leftovers—or if you want to make fudge ahead of time to enjoy all season long—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3 weeks.

How do you store old fashioned fudge? ›

The best way to store fudge is cut into squares and placed in an airtight container. You can store fudge at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil between each layer of fudge in the container.

How do you make fudge not 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.

How do you add moisture to dry fudge? ›

In the microwave - microwave in short increments with a glass of (warm) water, which creates steam for the fudge to absorb, until the fudge no longer feels/looks dried out.

Can you wrap fudge in plastic wrap? ›

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 stored airtight? ›

Fresh homemade fudge typically lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks when kept at room temperature. It's essential to store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can hasten spoilage.

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 know 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.

How long does fudge last in a box? ›

Humidity and sudden changes in temperature may affect the firmness of your fudge. Gourmet all-butter fudge, drinking fudge and luxury fudge sauces can be stored for up to 6 months (check best before end date). Store all fudges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Do you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›

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.

How do you fix old fashioned fudge? ›

To fix soft fudge or hard fudge, simply follow these easy steps: Scrape the fudge back into a large saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir the fudge over low heat until it dissolves. Carefully taste the mixture, as the water probably diluted the flavor.

Will fudge set at room temperature? ›

Once the fudge has thickened and the nuts are added, pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Allow it to set at room temperature until firm, about three hours or overnight.

Can you store fudge in a jar? ›

Fudge does not need to be stored in a sterilised jar but one with an airtight seal is a good idea. Otherwise try to use a container with a tight-fitting lid. In a cool place the fudge will keep for about 2 weeks but you can also keep the fudge in the fridge which will extend the life for 3 to 4 weeks.

How do you keep fudge firm? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Can you fix fudge that didn't harden? ›

Solutions to Save Your Fudge:

You can start by gently reheating it and boiling or cooking it again, aiming to reach the correct temperature. Alternatively, using short bursts in the microwave and stirring between intervals until it thickens can also be an effective method to restore its texture.

Do you refrigerate fudge to set? ›

The ratio of chocolate to condensed milk needs to be just right, otherwise you might end up with fudge that is too soft or too hard. 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. If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else.

Why does my fudge stay soft? ›

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

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