Every year, my grandmother would bake the most delicious fudge I’d ever eaten. Every year, it is something I look forward to. She has unfortunately decreased in recent years and has left fudge-making to me. (Which is totally acceptable, and I am delighted to do!)

I encountered a few challenges when learning to create fudge. To mention a few, I was burning the ingredients in the pot, leaving it in the fridge for too long, and not storing it properly.

But after a lot of work, I learned not only how to make the fudge but also how to store it correctly.

What I realized is that fudge should never be kept in the refrigerator. The fridge will suck away the much-needed moisture from the fudge, resulting in an unappealing dried-out, crumbly, and rock-hard mess.

Continue reading to learn more about keeping fudge!

Does Fudge Need to be Refrigerated?

My refrigerator is fantastic. No, really. To be honest, I wish I could keep everything in there. I’ve even successfully kept bread in the fridge and do it often. Needless to say, when it came to fudge storage, my first instinct was the fridge.

But boy, was I wrong.

Fudge does not need refrigeration. The refrigerator will do more damage than good. The greatest spot for your freshly made fudge is directly on the counter.

I understand that this might be perplexing, since some people put their fudge in the fridge to help it set and harden a little. It’s important to remember that the refrigerator is just for two things: setting and hardening.

When that is finished, return the fudge to the counter.

In reality, setting and hardening in the refrigerator aren’t required. You are free to leave it on the counter. And, although it will take much longer to set, it is well worth it.

How to Store Fudge in the Refrigerator

Let me say it again: fudge does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. However, if you believe you need to, you can be successful.

The most crucial thing to remember is to keep moisture, air, and other factors away from your fudge. Fudge is fragile and will spoil if not properly cared for.

To preserve your fudge in the refrigerator, do the following:

Step 1: Wrap the fudge in a double layer of plastic wrap. Make sure the wrap is snug against the fudge and that all of the fudge is covered.

Step 2: Put everything in an airtight container. Always utilize a container that can be sealed and locked.

Step 3: Place in the back of the fridge. The temperature variations in the fridge door might ruin your fudge. Store it at the rear, away from any strong-smelling leftovers or ingredients.

Two Best Ways to Store Fudge

For those who missed it in the back, fudge does not need to be kept in the refrigerator, and doing so might cause it to dry up and become unpleasant. Here are two much superior fudge storage choices.

1. At Room Temperature

Fudge is famous for its creamy, silky, smooth texture, with just the perfect amount of rigidity and chocolaty richness. And storing it at room temperature is the best way to preserve its exquisite texture.

That doesn’t mean you should let your fudge out in the open to rot. To keep your fudge, use your favorite airtight container. It’s not necessary to wrap it in plastic wrap before putting it in the container, but you may if you like!

The fudge will keep for 2-3 weeks at room temperature.

2. In the Freezer

Want to generously increase the life of your fudge? Take a look at your handy freezer! The freezer is usually a good option for extending the shelf life of food, even fudge. In fact, fudge may be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Wow.

To keep the fudge fresh and moist in the freezer, a few more procedures are required. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap.

Step 2: Wrap the fudge in aluminum foil.

Step 3: Place inside an airtight container.

Step 4: Put the fudge in the back of the freezer.

When you’re ready to taste your fudge, just defrost it. Simply place the jar on the counter at room temperature for an hour or two before serving. The fudge should retain the same texture and taste as it did the night it was produced or purchased. Yum!

How to Use Leftover or Dried-Out Fudge

Are you stuck with considerably more fudge than you’ll ever eat? Have you put your fudge in the fridge and it has turned into an inedible mess? Whatever the reason for needing to eat up all of this fudge, I have several recipes that will whet your appetite.

• Sauce with fudge. Fudge sauce is delicious because it masks any dried-out fudge and restores it to its chocolaty richness. You can pour it over almost anything, but ice cream appears to be the audience favorite.

• Brownies with fudge. Is it possible to have too much chocolate in brownies? I don’t think so! Consider adding a few bits of brownies to your next batch of brownies to amp up the sweetness and pleasure.

• Stew with beef. Yes, you read it right. A few bits of fudge added to beef stew may give it a sumptuous taste boost. Yes, it may seem strange at first. But don’t dismiss it until you’ve given it a go!

FAQs

Fudge does not need refrigeration. It is best to store your fudge away from the refrigerator. Here are a few additional questions you could be considering.

Can I leave fudge out overnight?

Fudge may be left out overnight. In fact, it may be stored at room temperature (in an airtight container) for up to two weeks. Although fudge includes dairy, the sugar stabilizes it such that it remains safe and tasty on the counter for weeks.

Can you eat unrefrigerated fudge?

Yes, since fudge is designed to be served at room temperature. If it has been more than two weeks, look for indications of deterioration. Dryness and cracking of the surface, as well as sliminess or liquid pools, are examples of such indications.

How long does fudge need to be set?

If you leave the fudge out on the counter, it might take up to three hours or more. Using the fridge can drastically reduce the time required, with most fudge setting in as little as 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as it has set.

Final Words

Fudge does not need to be refrigerated, otherwise it will become dried-out and rock-hard. If you must keep it in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly and place it in an airtight container. The fudge may be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

Where do you keep your fudge? Do you keep it in the refrigerator? Please share with us!