If you’re short on time but still want to whip up something sweet and indulgent, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge recipe is just what you need. It’s rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly smooth—and the best part? It comes together in just a few minutes with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re preparing for a last-minute gathering, gifting homemade sweets, or simply craving a nostalgic chocolate treat, this quick fudge will hit the spot.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

This no-fuss fudge delivers the flavor and texture of classic, slow-cooked fudge without all the waiting or candy thermometers. It’s a shortcut dessert that doesn’t cut corners on taste. With just a saucepan, a handful of ingredients, and five minutes on the stove, you’ll have a luscious mixture ready to be poured and cooled into perfect fudge squares.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 and ⅔ cups white sugar

• ⅔ cup evaporated milk

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 (6-ounce) package of milk chocolate chips

• 16 large marshmallows

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)

These simple items come together to form a creamy, slightly chewy fudge with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the white sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Set the pan over medium heat and stir constantly to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom or burning. Let it cook for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the sugar to dissolve completely and for the mixture to start thickening slightly. It should be smooth, creamy, and bubbling gently.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Add Goodies
Once the base is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add in the milk chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and the mixture becomes rich and velvety. The heat from the sugar mixture will melt the chips quickly.

Next, toss in the marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts. Stir everything together until the marshmallows are mostly melted. A few chunks are okay—they’ll add a nice texture and visual appeal to your fudge. The nuts should be evenly spread throughout the mixture, giving you that perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Pour and Let It Set
Now it’s time to transfer the mixture into a prepared 8-inch square pan. You can lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Use a spatula to smooth out the top and make sure it spreads evenly.

Let the fudge sit at room temperature to cool and set completely. This process can take several hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. If you’re in a hurry, pop the pan in the fridge for faster results.

Step 4: Slice and Enjoy
Once the fudge is fully set, cut it into squares using a sharp knife. You can slice them into small