Easy Lemon Fudge

Why This Lemon Fudge Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

Let’s talk about a few things that make this recipe so good!

• Made with real lemon. Many other lemon fudge recipes are made with lemon extract or even lemon pudding. Fresh lemon provides a much more natural, vibrant flavor, so that’s what I opted to use in this recipe. Using both lemon juice and lemon zest results in a bold lemon flavor in every single bite.
• No candy thermometer? No problem. This fudge is the perfect recipe for beginners because it requires no special tools or skills. Don’t worry about running out to buy a candy thermometer – you won’t need it for this recipe! In fact, the only kitchen equipment required is a heat-proof bowl or double boiler for melting the chocolate and a square baking pan.
• Only 5 ingredients. Keeping with the “perfect for beginners” theme, the ingredients list for this recipe is short and sweet. Fresh lemon, sweetened condensed milk, and white chocolate chips are the primary ingredients – easy to find anywhere!
• Tangy & sweet. Fudge is always on the sweet side, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk, but the fresh lemon juice adds that zesty citrus flavor. It’s just tangy enough to provide contrast to the sweet white chocolate mixture, without being tart (or too sweet).

Recipe Ingredients

• White chocolate chips – Nestle Toll House chips were used for testing, and are also gluten free. Some other popular brands, like Ghirardelli chocolate chips, are not gluten free, so be sure to always check the label.
• Sweetened condensed milk – The secret to getting that perfect creamy fudge consistency quickly and easily. Be sure to grab sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. The cans look similar, but they are not the same!
• Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest give this fudge the tart, tangy lemon flavor. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
• Salt – Don’t skip the salt, as it balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

How to Make Lemon Fudge

If you’ve ever thought that fudge was difficult or tricky to make, this lemon fudge recipe is here to prove otherwise. The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.

• Prep. Line the baking pan with parchment paper, then coat with nonstick cooking spray.
• Melt the chocolate. Add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a double boiler (or heat-proof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water). Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until all of the white chocolate chips have melted.
• Add the lemon. Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, as well as the salt.

• Chill. Transfer the mixture into the pan. Sprinkle with more lemon zest on top. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

• Enjoy! Cut the fudge into squares. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Fudge

The simplicity of this lemon fudge recipe makes it perfect for first-time fudge makers. Here are a few tips and tricks to perfecting the recipe the first time.

• Stir on low. It’s important to stir the white chocolate chips constantly and not to go above medium-low heat. White chocolate burns easily and will cause the fudge to seize and clump.
• Chill before slicing. It’s best to wait 1 hour to allow it to chill and set fully. Fudge is much easier to cut once it’s cold.
• Enjoy at room temperature. While it’s important to chill the fudge so it sets enough to slice, I actually prefer to eat it at room temperature. Once the slices are cut, the fudge will hold its shape and be softer to bite into when it comes back to room temperature.
• Use the full amount of chocolate chips. 24 ounces of chocolate chips may seem like a lot, but trust me – you don’t want to skimp on them! I tested this recipe using fewer chips, like many other recipes, but found that due to using lemon juice for a pure lemon flavor (instead of extract), it had a softer set, and the squares did not hold their shape.

Proper Storage

• Room temperature: If you plan on enjoying your lemon fudge immediately, it can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for a day or so. Just keep it away from extra warm areas that might make it a little too soft.
• Fridge: I prefer to store this fudge in an airtight container in the fridge with parchment paper between each layer. It stays good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: For even longer storage, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge.

Storing Fudge for Gifting

Fudge makes a great gift, and this lemon fudge is no exception! If you plan on gifting the fudge, it’s still important to keep it in the fridge until you’re giving it away. I like to package it in decorative tins or other festive containers with parchment paper between layers. Adding a layer of plastic wrap around the container can help make it airtight and stay fresh longer, too.

More Lemon Desserts

• Gluten Free Lemon Bars
• Lemon Buttercream Frosting
• Gluten Free Lemon Cupcakes
• Lemon Curd