Vanilla Fudge: the effortless recipe for a decadent dessert

Fans of vanilla desserts need to try this terrific vanilla fudge recipe. Easy to make and even easier to eat, vanilla fudge is a creamy, decadent dessert with plenty of gorgeous vanilla flavor. It's a delectable dessert that's perfect in its simplicity, but also a cinch to customize depending on your mood or for special occasions. Virtually everything goes with vanilla, so you have plenty of room to play with different ingredient combinations. Because vanilla fudge is so effortless to make, it's ideal for those moments you're craving a simple sweet treat or as an elegant homemade gift for housewarmings or the holidays.

Tips for Making Vanilla Fudge 

– Use full-fat sour cream for your vanilla fudge.

– For extra vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.

– Don't be tempted to put your fudge in the fridge to set. Rapid cooling may cause the sugar to crystallize, leading to grainy fudge.

– For super creamy fudge, stick with sour cream. While many recipes call for condensed milk, sour cream will give that smooth, rich texture without adding more sweetness.

Vanilla Fudge Variations to Try

Vanilla is the perfect base to build on! Add crushed Oreos or chopped nuts (walnuts and pecans are especially good) to your fudge to jazz them up. A handful of crushed candy canes make a fantastic wintery spin on this vanilla fudge recipe come the holiday season. Or swirl in a little caramel for a luxurious vanilla caramel fudge.

How to Store Vanilla Fudge

Store your vanilla fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.

How to Make Vanilla Fudge

Line a baking dish with foil, then lightly grease with cooking spray.

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Stir in the sugar and sour cream and turn the heat up to medium.

Continue to stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar.

Once it begins to boil, place a candy thermometer into the mixture. Stir occasionally, and cook until the thermometer reaches 235°F, then remove from heat.

Stir in the white chocolate, marshmallow cream, salt, and vanilla. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts.

Transfer the chocolate marshmallow mixture to the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

Leave the fudge to set for at least 2 hours, or until it's firm. Use the foil to remove the fudge from the baking dish, then cut it into squares.

Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For perfect vanilla fudge every time, make sure you use a candy thermometer.