Toll House® Famous Fudge 🍫 | The Classic Creamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe Everyone Loves

By Chef Ina Garten & Chef Bobby Flay | Curated by FreshTonerHungar Culinary Team

There’s something magical about a perfectly made batch of Toll House® Famous Fudge — rich, creamy, and bursting with that unmistakable homemade chocolate flavor. Whether you grew up watching your grandmother stir a bubbling pot of fudge on the stove or you’re making it for the first time, this recipe brings that same warmth and nostalgia into your kitchen. ❤️

“Classic fudge isn’t just a dessert — it’s a tradition,” says Chef Ina Garten. “This version delivers that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes everyone go back for seconds.”

Why This Toll House® Famous Fudge Recipe Stands Out

This legendary recipe comes straight from the original Nestlé® Toll House kitchen, where chocolate morsels first became a household name. It’s beloved for its simplicity — no candy thermometer required — and foolproof results every time. Each bite is smooth and chocolatey, with just the right amount of sweetness. 🍬

• ✅ Easy and reliable — a no-fail classic recipe.
• ✅ Perfect texture — creamy, rich, and never grainy.
• ✅ Great for gifting — wraps beautifully for holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Fudge

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups (12 oz) Nestlé® Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow crème or 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work beautifully)

Equipment

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Heavy-duty saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Aluminum foil for lining

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Start the Base

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to lift the fudge later. Lightly butter or spray with nonstick spray.

In a medium, heavy-duty saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes.

Chef Bobby Flay’s tip: “The key to smooth fudge is consistency in stirring. Don’t walk away — those few minutes make all the difference.”

Step 2: Stir in the Chocolate & Marshmallows

Remove the saucepan from heat. Add chocolate morsels, marshmallows (or crème), nuts if using, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth.

The mixture should be thick but pourable, with no visible lumps. This is where that famous Toll House fudge texture comes to life! 🍫✨

Step 3: Pour, Chill & Set

Immediately pour the fudge into your prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for a few minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the foil overhang. Remove the foil and cut into 48 small squares (or larger if you’re feeling indulgent!).

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Arrange the fudge pieces on a serving plate or package them in decorative tins for gifting. Each bite melts in your mouth — rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey. 🎁

Chef’s Tips & Flavor Variations 👨‍🍳

• Swirl it up: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or caramel before pouring into the pan for a marbled effect.
• Holiday twist: Mix in crushed candy canes for a peppermint chocolate fudge.
• Nut lovers: Toast your walnuts or pecans before adding for extra depth.
• Sea salt finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before chilling for a modern gourmet touch.

Chef Ina Garten notes: “The simplest fudge recipes are often the best — focus on high-quality chocolate and butter for unbeatable flavor.”

Health & Nutrition Tips 🍬

• Use dark chocolate morsels for a slightly less sweet and antioxidant-rich version.
• Opt for unsalted butter and add your own pinch of salt for better control.
• Portion control: Fudge is rich — savor a small piece slowly for the same satisfaction.
• Try using almond milk evaporated milk for a dairy-light alternative.

Nutrition Facts Table 📊

Storage & Gifting Tips 🎁

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigerated: Keeps well for 3 weeks — just let it come to room temp before serving for best texture.
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap pieces in wax paper and store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Layer fudge squares with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions 🍫

• Serve alongside Homemade Hot Cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
• Add to holiday dessert platters for color and texture variety.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a fudge-topped sundae.

Expert Chef Commentary 👨‍🍳

• Chef Ina Garten: “Use high-quality vanilla extract — it enhances the chocolate beautifully.”
• Chef Bobby Flay: “The magic is in the boil. Don’t undercook — 4 to 5 minutes of active boiling ensures a perfect set every time.”
• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Temperature control is everything — too hot and it’ll seize, too cool and it won’t set. Patience is your best tool.”

FAQs About Toll House® Famous Fudge 🍫

1. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
   No — it’s much sweeter and thicker. Evaporated milk gives the right consistency.
2. Can I make this recipe without marshmallows?
   The marshmallows help create a smooth texture. If unavailable, use marshmallow crème.
3. How do I fix grainy fudge?
   Graininess means the sugar crystallized — next time, stir constantly and avoid scraping the pan’s sides.
4. Can I make this fudge vegan?
   Yes — use dairy-free butter, plant-based chocolate chips, and coconut milk.
5. Do I need a candy thermometer?
   No! This recipe is designed to work perfectly without one.
6. Why didn’t my fudge set?
   It may not have boiled long enough. The 4–5 minute boil time is crucial for proper texture.
7. Can I add flavor extracts?
   Absolutely — peppermint, almond, or orange extract all pair wonderfully with chocolate.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the boiling time by 1–2 minutes.
9. Can I skip the nuts?
   Of course! It’s just as delicious without them.
10. Where can I find more chocolate dessert ideas?
    Visit this chocolate dessert collection for inspiration.

Related Recipes You’ll Love ❤️

• Classic Chocolate Brownies
• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
• Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Final Thoughts 🍫💛

Toll House® Famous Fudge has stood the test of time for a reason. With its smooth, velvety texture and perfectly balanced chocolate flavor, it’s a recipe that brings generations together — simple enough for beginners, but special enough to share at every occasion.

“It’s more than fudge,” says Chef Ina Garten. “It’s the taste of tradition, family, and holidays spent around the kitchen.”

For more classic confections and timeless desserts, visit FreshTonerHungar.com — your destination for comfort recipes, baking inspiration, and sweet nostalgia. 🍬