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Fudge is one of those treats that you can whip up with just a few simple ingredients in your kitchen. However, learning how to make the perfect fudge took some time to master. The first order of business was to learn how long it takes for the fudge to set properly.
As a general rule, it takes fudge around three hours to harden and set at room temperature. Once placed in the refrigerator, the fudge can set within two hours. Colder environments will allow fudge to set at a much quicker rate giving it the right consistency it needs.
I love the simplicity of fudge, especially because it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The process is simple, although the timing is of the essence! This quick guide will help answer all your fudge baking questions, including setting time, how to know if it’s ready, and how to fix common fudge setting mistakes.
How Long Does it Take For Fudge to Set?
| Counter Top | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Takes 3 hours to set at room temperature | Takes 2 hours to set | Takes 1 hour to set |
In order for the fudge to set properly, it needs at least three hours to cool down and harden to the appropriate consistency. When placed in the refrigerator, fudge can set within two hours. When placed in the freezer, the fudge will set in one hour.
The process of making fudge is pretty straightforward. Most recipes call for sugar, milk, butter, and chocolate chips. The secret to delicious fudge is allowing it the right amount of time to set. You have to be patient when it comes to making delicious homemade fudge!
*By the way, if you’re looking for a good mold to make your fudge in, I’ve recently come across the perfect Silicone Fudge Mold made from small rectangles. This Silicone Mold was perfect for my fudge bites dessert! You can check out this Fudge Mold on Amazon!
There are three ways you can use it in order to get fudge to set. You can use the refrigerator, which will do the job in three hours. If you need it set more quickly, the freezer is your best bet. You can set fudge in a freezer within an hour.
Many people prefer to let their fudge set overnight. I’ve found that no matter what method you prefer, the end product is always delicious as long as you’ve heated it thoroughly and allowed it to set for the right amount of time.
Can You Put Fudge in the Fridge to Set?
As a general rule, you can put fudge in the fridge to set. A colder environment will help the fudge harden and set at a quicker rate. This will take the setting time down to about two hours. Be sure to place fudge in an airtight container before putting it in the fridge.
The fridge is usually my “go-to” method of setting my fudge, especially if I’m not on a time crunch, but I don’t want to wait overnight. Fudge takes two to three hours to set in the fridge, depending on how large your pieces are.
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Turn Condensed Milk Into Caramel. I recently wrote an article about A Complete How-to Guide to Turning Condescend Milk Into Caramel, which you can check out here!
How Long Should Fudge Sit in the Fridge?
As a whole, the fudge should sit in the fridge for up to three hours in order for it to properly set. When storing fudge in the fridge it’s important to place it in an airtight container. This will keep moisture from tampering with its taste and texture.
Usually, my batches will take about two or three hours to set. The trick is to keep your fudge sizes consistent in order to ensure that they are all set at the same time.
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Make Fudge Without Condensed Milk. I recently wrote an article talking about what you must know when Making Fudge Without Condensed Milk, which you can check out here!
How Long Does it Take For Fudge to Set in the Freezer?
When placed in the freezer, fudge will set in about thirty minutes to one hour. This colder environment will harden the fudge at a quicker rate than a refrigerator. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as it will freeze much quicker than it would in the refrigerator.
I’ve used the freezer method a few times and it gets the job done well. I’ve found this to be especially true if I’ve got company arriving unexpectedly soon! The trick with using the freezer is to keep an eye on it, as it will set much faster in the freezer than any other method!
If you’re placing the fudge in the freezer, be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in a plastic container. This will keep it fresh and flavorful!
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How To Freeze Brownie Batter The Right Way. This article talks about How Long Brownie Batter Lasts. You can check out this article here!
How to Make Fudge Set Faster?
As a whole, you can partition fudge in a muffin tin which will help fudge set faster. When fudge is partitioned into smaller portions, it takes less time for the setting process to finish. Fudge can also be placed in the freezer to cut down on setting time.
The best way to get your fudge set faster is to put it in the freezer. The freezer will get the job done in less than half the time it takes for it to set in the refrigerator. I’ve found that there’s no difference in taste or quality when I’ve set my fudge in the freezer.
You need to make sure that you place your fudge in plastic wrap before setting it in the freezer
If you’re looking to set it a bit faster, but don’t want to use the freezer, you may want to consider scaling your fudge size down a little bit. Smaller fudge squares take less time than larger squares so to set. It’s all a matter of preference and whether you’re going for fudge bites or fudge bars.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about The Best Ways To Thicken Your Fudge When It’s Runny. This article breaks down everything you can do to thicken your fudge the right way. You can check out this article here!
What To Do if My Fudge Doesn’t Set?
As a general rule, fudge doesn’t set when it needs to be cooked for longer. Undercooked fudge will not set because it didn’t heat long enough to become smooth and creamy. Pour the ingredients back onto the stovetop and bring them back up to boil for about another 5 minutes.
Whenever I have a failed fudge, it’s usually been because I failed to heat it long enough. When you heat fudge, the boiling process is what gives it that smooth, creamy texture that makes it such a popular dessert.
If my fudge hasn’t set properly, I place the ingredients back onto the stovetop and slowly heat it back up to boil.
By boiling it for another five minutes, you’re allowing it to finish the cooking process so that it will be much more malleable and ready to set.
How Long Do I Let Fudge Boil?
As a whole, let the fudge boil for about ten minutes in order for it to set properly. The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 234 to 237 °F (112 to 114 °C). You can use a candy thermometer in order to check for proper temperature and keep an eye on it for consistency.
You don’t want to make the rookie mistake of overboiling your fudge! You should boil your fudge for about ten minutes before checking it with a special candy thermometer in order to check the temperature. Once your fudge hits 237 degrees Fahrenheit it’s ready to begin the cooling process.
To do this, I prefer using a thermometer. I recently came across a Candy Thermometer with a Hanging Hook that works perfectly for this! I use this thermometer for pretty much anything I make in the kitchen that requires knowing the temperature. You can check out this thermometer on Amazon!
Can I Bake Fudge That Didn’t Set?
As a general rule, baking fudge that didn’t set will cause the texture to be grainy and soft. Before baking fudge that didn’t set, pour the ingredient back onto the stovetop and bring it back up to a boil in order to fix its consistency. Once smooth and creamy, you can start to bake the fudge.
No matter how hard you try, you’re going to need to fix your fudge by boiling it again.
Baking fudge that didn’t set will leave you with an unpleasant mess on your hands. Once you’ve heated your fudge again and you think it’s nearly ready, try the “softball” test.
Fill a small bowl up with cold water. Next, take a spoonful of your fudge from the pot and carefully plop it into your water. If the fudge forms a smooth ball, it’s ready to set!
If it immediately falls apart in the water, give it another couple of minutes to boil
Can I Add Nuts to My Fudge?
As a whole, you can add nuts to your fudge. Add the nuts after you have removed the mixture from the stove. Make sure to add the nuts before you leave the fudge to set. Warm the nuts up and then add them to the fudge mixture.
I absolutely love adding nuts to my fudge! It gives it a festive, flavorful kick that’s perfect for the holidays! Try using pecans, walnuts, cashews, or even peanuts for a fun and flavorful twist!
Different types of nuts give fudge a crunchy texture that will otherwise not be there without them.
*By the way, if you are interested in knowing how to get Stuck Parchment Off of Your Cake and how to Prevent It, I recently wrote an article about Removing Stuck Parchment Paper, which you can find here!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add to My Fudge?
Popular ingredients to add to fudge include marshmallows, peanut butter, pecans, walnuts, and candy canes. These ingredients give fudge a great texture and flavor. Add these ingredients to the fudge mixture before you leave the fudge to set.
I love to have fun experimenting with new and unique flavor combinations to shake things up! Some ingredients work out better than others, but discovering surprisingly good flavor combinations along the way is half the fun!
FAQs:
How do I get my fudge to harden?
As a general rule, place fudge in the refrigerator in order to get it to harden. This process should take about two to three hours. In order to harden fudge faster, place it in a container in the freezer. This method will freeze fudge within an hour.
How do you know when fudge is ready?
There are two ways to tell if fudge is ready. Measure the temperature with a candy thermometer. Fudge is ready when the temperature reads 237 degrees Fahrenheit. The second method is a cold water test. Drop a spoonful of fudge in cold water. If it forms into a softball then it is ready.
What to do with failed fudge?
As a whole, failed fudge can slowly be brought back up to boil in order to fix it. After 10 minutes check the temperature to see if it’s properly heated. Once it’s at 237 degrees Fahrenheit it’s ready for the chilling process to begin.
Why is my fudge not hardening?
As a general rule, your fudge doesn’t harden because it needs to be cooked for longer. Undercooked fudge will not set unless it’s first been thoroughly heated to become smooth and creamy. Boil the fudge mixture for an additional 5 minutes or until it is smooth in texture.
To Summarize…
Sometimes there is nothing better than sitting back with a delicious piece of homemade fudge, especially after a long, busy day! Fudge is my comfort food and I like to experiment with all different shapes and sizes!
Getting your fudge to properly set is the first biggest step to mastering your fudge creations. Now that you got it right you can enjoy your yummy fudge creations!
