This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last (2024)

Got fudge in the house? Learn just how long this rich and creamy treat lasts—and the proper ways to store it.

From flavors such as peanut butter and triple-chocolate to cookies ‘n’ cream, fudge is such a treat. It’s beautifully rich and creamy, with the most incredible texture. And while it’s easy to enjoy a few pieces at a time or share with a friend, chances are, you won’t be eating all of your homemade fudge in one sitting. But how long does fudge last?

Depending on the storage method, you can keep fudge fresh for one week to several months. It’s all about packaging fudge properly to keep any air from drying it out and avoiding changes in temperature. Those factors can change the flavor and texture of fudge. But once you know the right storage method for your best fudge recipe, you’ll be able to keep this treat on hand all the time.

How Long Does Fudge Last at Room Temperature?

Fudge typically contains dairy, but the high sugar content of this candy stabilizes it. If you intend to enjoy your fudge within 1 to 2 weeks, it can certainly be kept out at room temperature. By the way, here’s how to melt chocolate for making fudge.

How to Store Fudge at Room Temperature

If you’re planning to keep your fudge at room temperature, it’s important to keep it from moisture, light and temperature changes. Layer the fudge with waxed paper and store it in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the fudge somewhere cool and dry to avoid any possibility of it melting. Putting the airtight container in a cupboard or tucked away in the pantry is best, rather than leaving it out on the counter.

How Long Does Fudge Last in the Fridge?

To keep fudge fresh, it’s important to keep it cool. With proper storage, fudge can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

How to Store Fudge in the Fridge

To store fudge in the fridge, be sure you have an airtight container with a great seal. Layer the fudge with pieces of waxed paper between each layer for extra protection to keep any moisture or air from being introduced to the fudge.

How Long Does Fudge Last in the Freezer?

If you’re hoping to keep your fudge tucked away for quite some time, storing it in the freezer is a great option. Fudge properly stored in the freezer will last for 2 to 3 months. Some fudge can last up to a year in the freezer.

How to Store Fudge in the Freezer

To be sure your fudge is kept as fresh as can be in the freezer, it’s important to keep it free of any air or moisture. To store fudge in the freezer, first, wrap it in waxed paper. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to be sure the elements can’t reach it. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or freezer bag.

It’s best to keep fudge tucked away in the back of the freezer, rather than right in front or in the freezer door. This will eliminate any fluctuation in temperature from the door being opened and closed. When you’re ready to enjoy the fudge, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for two to three hours before eating.

Tips for Storing Homemade Fudge

What’s the best way to store fudge?

No matter where you store fudge, the key is to keep it from being exposed to the elements. Storing fudge in an airtight container is your best bet. Cut the fudge, and then store it in separate layers with waxed paper in between.

If you intend to enjoy your fudge relatively quickly, it’s best stored at room temperature short-term. If you plan to keep your fudge for longer, the freezer will be your best bet. Keeping fudge in a cool, dry place free of light is crucial to keeping it fresh. Storing it in the fridge works in a pinch, but the fridge can be fickle. Leaving fudge in the freezer for long-term storage is sure to keep it tucked away and stored properly for best results.

Does fudge go bad?

Fudge has the potential to go bad, but not necessarily in the ways other foods experience spoilage. It’s not considered a potentially hazardous food, but the quality of fudge can certainly be affected, with a change in texture, appearance and flavor.

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 old fudge make you sick?

The possibility of fudge making someone sick is very slim. If fudge goes bad, it’s most likely due to it being exposed to air, moisture or a change in temperature. Those elements can affect quality, but because of the high sugar content keeping fudge stable, it’s unlikely old fudge would make anyone sick.

Next, learn how to make microwave fudge.

This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last (2024)

FAQs

This Is How Long Homemade Fudge Can Last? ›

To keep fudge fresh, it's important to keep it cool. With proper storage, fudge can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

How long does homemade fudge last? ›

Homemade Fudge stored in the fridge or refrigerator lasts about 2 - 3 weeks. It provides the cool temperature that this type of fudge exactly demands. The only real time you might need to refrigerate proper fudge is if weather conditions are extremely hot.

How many days in advance can you make fudge? ›

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for about a month. Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions: Prepare chocolate fudge as instructed and, once cooled, wrap bricks of fudge in plastic wrap, and then aluminum foil.

How long does sweetened condensed milk fudge last? ›

Storing Instructions:

Condensed milk fudge will last about 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.

How long can you keep peanut butter fudge in the refrigerator? ›

To keep peanut butter fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow fudge to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze fudge for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

How do you keep fudge fresh longer? ›

Layer the fudge with waxed paper and store it in an airtight container. It's best to keep the fudge somewhere cool and dry to avoid any possibility of it melting. Putting the airtight container in a cupboard or tucked away in the pantry is best, rather than leaving it out on the counter.

How long does homemade hot fudge last? ›

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the syrup and stir until smooth. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

How to tell if fudge is bad? ›

To know if your store bought fudge has gone bad, a good indicator would be the expiration date on the packaging. It is always best to go by this indicator even if there are no visible signs of spoilage yet. For homemade fudge, you can look for obvious clues – one of them being the texture of the fudge.

How many years is condensed milk good for? ›

How long can I keep Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk on my pantry shelf? Unopened and stored in a cool, dry area, our milk will last for about two years. Please refer to the Best If Used By date on the bottom of the can.

Does condensed milk go bad if not refrigerated? ›

The same storage procedures go for sweetened condensed milk in general. Unlike evaporated milk, condensed milk usually does have an expiration date, so check the can label closely when purchasing. Both should always be refrigerated after opening.

How long does homemade sweetened condensed milk last? ›

Cover and refrigerate until cool and thick, and store up to a month in the fridge.

How long is homemade fudge safe to eat? ›

Most of the time fudge is consumed within the first week... however, if you plan on keeping it past the 3 week shelf life then you can freeze your fudge for up to a year by following this simple process. Wrap your fudge in an air-tight container.

How long does fudge last in a jar? ›

The fudge will keep for 2-3 weeks, so it's best to make it as close to giving it as possible. To store the fudge, keep it in a zip-seal plastic sandwich bag, or in a sandwich container with a tight fitting lid and then transfer it into your gift container or box when you are ready to give it as a gift.

Why did my peanut butter 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.

How to tell if fudge has gone bad? ›

Signs That Your Fudge Has Gone Bad

Signs of spoilage include a dry, crumbly texture, discoloration, and an off smell or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the fudge to avoid any potential health risks.

Do you put homemade fudge in the fridge 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.

How long does fudge kitchen fudge last? ›

Our fresh fudge keeps for up to 10 days, but whether you can wait that long is another matter. It freezes very well, simply wrap each slice (or the whole box) in foil or plastic to seal it. To defrost, leave in the wrapping for at least 2 hours. Please do not refrigerate, this affects the texture and flavour.

Why does homemade fudge get hard? ›

Too cooked

This fudge was cooked to a temperature of 118 °C (244 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.)

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