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.
FAQs
Typically, homemade fudge lasts about 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container.
How to tell when 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.
Does canned fudge go bad? ›
Commercially produced fudge often contains preservatives that extend its shelf life beyond that of homemade varieties. Typically, it can last anywhere from 2 to 3 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place. However, it's always wise to check the best-before date and follow the manufacturer's storage guidelines.
How long does sweetened condensed milk fudge last? ›
Condensed milk fudge will last about 2 weeks at room temperature in an air tight container and about a month if refrigerated. You may individually wrap each fudge piece, place it in an air tight container and freeze it for 3-4 months.
How long does sugar fudge last? ›
Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. If kept in the fridge, fudge will last for up to 3 weeks.
How long can you store homemade fudge? ›
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.
What can go wrong when making fudge? ›
As water gradually evaporates, sugar is concentrated and the temperature of the mixture rises above 100°C (212°F). 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.
Does fudge get mold? ›
What Are The Signs That Fudge Has Gone Bad? For most pastries, mold and rot are telltale signs of spoilage. These two don't really show up in fudge unless you make something like a dark chocolate and raspberry-flavored one or any other variety that calls for extra ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or jam.
Does jarred hot fudge go bad? ›
Unopened store-bought hot fudge topping can last up to one year past the 'best by' date on the packaging if properly stored. Once opened, you should aim to consume it within a month, although it can last up to three months in the refrigerator.
What happens if you overheat fudge? ›
Overcooked fudge, which goes beyond 239 F, evaporates the water, which isn't what you want. It also matters how you treat the fudge after it's cooked. Avoid too much stirring while you are heating the fudge since this agitates the sugar and causes it to clump into sugar crystals again.
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.
Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk fudge set? ›
This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool. Heat in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each to ensure everything is melting evenly.
How long does peanut butter fudge stay fresh? ›
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.
How to tell if fudge is bad? ›
If you see deep cracks on the surface of the fudge, it is old and should not be consumed. In the case where the fudge experiences a change in temperature or is exposed to warm temperatures or high humidity, it can melt or have a slimy texture. If this is the case, it's better to play it safe and should not be consumed.
What happens if you beat fudge too soon? ›
This fudge was beaten immediately after cooking, while it was still very hot. Its crystals are so big that it has practically reverted back to a sugar state! What happened? Beating the syrup caused the formation of crystallization nuclei, anchor points to which sugar molecules attach to form crystals.
How do you refresh stale 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.
What should fudge look like after beating? ›
The fudge is then beaten as this makes the fudge slightly crumbly rather than chewy. Beating the mixture encourages the formation of small sugar crystals, which leads to the crumbly texture. The crystals may not be noticeable in themselves but the fudge mixture will thicken and turn from shiny to matte in appearance.
How do you test fudge without a thermometer? ›
To test the boiling mixture for doneness, drop a bit of it into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a ball that is soft enough to flatten between your fingers, the mixture is ready for cooling. When the fudge cools to 110 degrees F/43 degrees C, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it's no longer glossy.
Why did my fudge turn out soft? ›
Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.
What to do with failed fudge? ›
My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more.
