Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, creamy treat with a delightful twist, you’ve got to try my Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of smooth chocolate with those little clouds of marshmallow that sparkle throughout each bite. I promise, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to fudge recipe—whether it’s for holiday gifts, cozy nights in, or anytime you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Blend: The sweetened condensed milk keeps the fudge soft and chewy, while the chocolate gives it structure as it cools.
- Marshmallow Swirls: Adding mini marshmallows last creates those beautiful, gooey pockets instead of melting them completely, making each bite interesting.
- Easy Prep, Impressive Results: This fudge doesn’t require fancy tools or tempering chocolate — just simple ingredients and a little patience.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily switch up chocolate types, add nuts, or sprinkle something festive on top to fit the occasion.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that blend beautifully to give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture and that irresistible swirl look. When shopping, pick good-quality chocolate chips—they really make a difference in taste and smoothness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Choose a brand you love for melting smoothly; this is the star of your fudge’s flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and that creamy, soft texture that fudge needs without sugar crystallizing.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish without extra salt interfering with sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla lifts the chocolate and deepens the flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the chocolate’s natural flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: Swirled in gently to keep pockets of chewy goodness without melting fully away.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with flavors and textures here—you can totally tailor it to whatever suits your cravings or dietary needs!
- Chocolate swap: I often swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate for a richer bite or milk chocolate when I want something sweeter and creamier.
- Add-ins: Crushed peppermint is my go-to during the holidays, while chopped nuts add a crunchy surprise. Peanut butter chips? Total game changer for a nutty depth.
- Dairy-free twist: Use vegan condensed milk and chocolate to keep this treat friendly for everyone without losing that luscious fudge texture.
- Fluff instead of marshmallows: When I’m out of mini marshmallows, dolloping marshmallow fluff gives an equally dreamy swirl effect.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan with Care
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the sides. This simple step is a lifesaver—it helps you lift the whole fudge block out with ease, making cutting and serving so much neater.
Step 2: Melt Everything Gently
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula to keep the mixture smooth—it only takes about 8–10 minutes. Trust me, patience here pays off; overheating chocolate can make it seize, ruining your fudge’s texture.
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla Off Heat
Once melted and silky, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This little vanilla kick brings the chocolate’s flavor to life.
Step 4: Fold in Mini Marshmallows
Now here’s the fun part! Quickly add those mini marshmallows and fold gently just enough to create swirls without fully melting them. This step creates those signature marshmallow pockets you’ll love biting into.
Step 5: Pour and Swirl in the Pan
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use your spatula to give the top a gentle swirl so the marshmallows peek through, creating those pretty pockets that make this recipe special.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Let the pan cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to fully set. This is where all that magic happens—set it right, and you’ll get perfect squares every time.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Lift the fudge out using the parchment edges and slice into 16 neat squares with a buttered knife. Yes, buttering your knife makes a huge difference — it cuts cleaner, preventing crumbly edges. Now, dig in!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Low and Slow: Melt your chocolate mixture over low heat to avoid burning or seizing—trust me, it prevents a lot of headache.
- Marshmallow Timing: Add marshmallows last and fold gently to keep the delightful swirl and texture without them melting away.
- Parchment Paper Magic: Lining your pan with parchment means your fudge pops out without stickiness or mess.
- Buttered Knife Trick: Run your knife under hot water and butter the blade before slicing for smooth, clean edges every time.
How to Serve Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
When I’m serving this fudge, I love sprinkling a few crushed peppermint candies or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a flavor pop. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel also makes it look extra inviting and ups the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
This fudge is a fantastic companion to a hot cup of coffee or rich evening tea. Sometimes I serve it alongside whipped cream or a glass of cold milk—both really balance out the sweet richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to cut the fudge into bite-sized cubes and stack them on a pretty platter with festive sprinkles or edible gold dust. Wrapping individual squares in wax paper makes for a charming gift or easy sharing. You can even layer different chocolate flavors for a fun fudge tower effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If I’m stacking layers, I always separate them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together—that little step saves frustration later!
Freezing
Freezing fudge works beautifully. I cut it into squares, layer parchment sheets between them, and store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw in the fridge overnight—still just as delicious.
Reheating
I usually don’t reheat fudge once set, but if you prefer it softer, popping a piece in the microwave for 5-8 seconds softens it just enough without losing the swirl texture. Be careful not to overdo it or the marshmallows can melt away completely.
FAQs
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Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you only have large marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before folding them into the fudge. This helps create the swirl effect and prevents big clumps that might melt unevenly.
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What should I do if my fudge is too soft after chilling?
If your fudge isn’t firm enough, it might need more chilling time. Sometimes, letting it sit in the fridge overnight works best. Also, make sure you used the right amount of condensed milk and chocolate. If it’s still soft, pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving.
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Can I make this Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out the dairy ingredients with vegan-friendly swaps: use vegan condensed milk (available in many stores or online) and dairy-free chocolate chips, plus plant-based butter. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly but it’s still delicious.
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How long does this fudge stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, your fudge stays fresh up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze it as described, and thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to wow a crowd. The swirled marshmallows add that nostalgic fun twist I didn’t realize I needed until I tried it. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover your own favorite way to enjoy fudge with a delightful marshmallow surprise. Trust me—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Marshmallow Swirl Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marshmallow Swirl Fudge recipe combines smooth semi-sweet chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and mini marshmallows for a rich, chewy treat with delightful swirls of marshmallow texture. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge.
- Melt Chocolate, Milk, Butter, and Salt: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Stir constantly on low heat until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, being careful not to overheat and seize the chocolate.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Fold in Marshmallows: Quickly add the mini marshmallows and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture with a spatula, swirling but not melting them completely to maintain texture.
- Transfer to Pan and Swirl: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and gently swirl the top with your spatula so some marshmallows peek through.
- Chill and Set: Let the pan cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice it into 16 squares using a buttered knife for clean cuts.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cutting of fudge.
- Do not overheat chocolate to avoid seizing; stir constantly on low heat.
- Add marshmallows last and fold gently to keep them partially intact for swirl effect.
- A buttered knife cuts fudge more cleanly without sticking.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months with parchment separators.
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate for variations.
- Use marshmallow fluff if mini marshmallows are unavailable.
- Add crushed peppermint, chopped nuts, or peanut butter chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Use vegan condensed milk and chocolate for a dairy-free version.
- Make the fudge up to 5 days in advance and keep refrigerated and tightly wrapped.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg