Irresistibly Easy Nutella Fudge Recipe: Creamy, Dreamy, & Made Without Canned Milk!

There are days when you just need a little sweet escape, a moment of pure indulgence that makes everything else fade away. This easy Nutella Fudge recipe is precisely that – a deliciously creamy, nutty, and chocolatey treat designed to bring joy to your day. Made in a simple 8×8 pan, and best of all, without the need for canned milk, it’s a homemade delight that feels truly special. Perfect for satisfying those intense cravings, this fudge is a guaranteed winner, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you smiling.

You know those moments when adulting feels a bit, well, much? When the daily grind of work, chores, and endless to-do lists has you feeling more “32” than “22” – (and if you haven’t seen this hilarious Taylor Swift “22” parody, you’re missing out on some truly relatable content!). It’s during these times that a simple pleasure, like a bite of something decadently sweet, can truly turn your day around. As someone in my mid-thirties, I deeply understand the desire to inject a little excitement into the mundane. While I adore traveling to explore new corners of the world and escape the routine, sometimes the fastest route to happiness is through the kitchen.

That’s where food, and especially indulging in dessert, comes in handy. There’s something inherently magical about a spoonful (or two!) of Nutella ice cream, or perhaps a drizzle of Nutella sauce over your favorite dessert. Nutella, in particular, seems to possess a unique power to make adulting struggles, from frustrating coworkers to impending bill payments, momentarily melt away. And today’s recipe takes that comfort to an entirely new level, promising pure bliss with every square: say hello to my foolproof Nutella Fudge! This homemade chocolate hazelnut fudge is guaranteed to make you happy after just one piece (or two, or three…).

Why This Nutella Fudge Recipe Is Your New Go-To Dessert

This isn’t just any fudge recipe; it’s a homemade marvel crafted with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread and fluffy marshmallow goodness. Many traditional fudge recipes often rely on canned evaporated or sweetened condensed milk, but this recipe takes a different, simpler approach. You’ll make it entirely from scratch by boiling together humble ingredients like granulated sugar and whole milk, similar to the method used in my popular lemon fudge. This means no special trips to the store for obscure or hard-to-find ingredients – just pure, unadulterated homemade deliciousness using pantry staples.

Now, I know the idea of boiling sugar to a specific temperature might sound a bit intimidating if you’re new to candy making. But trust me, it’s far easier than it appears! While it does require a little patience and the help of a reliable candy thermometer to ensure perfect consistency, the overall process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The results are a rich, smooth, and perfectly set fudge that tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop. And if you’re still feeling a bit hesitant about working with a candy thermometer, you can always start with my incredibly forgiving chocolate marshmallow fudge recipe, which is practically foolproof. But for this specific Nutella Fudge, all you truly need are four simple ingredients, an 8×8 pan, and a little bit of dedicated time to create something truly extraordinary that will impress everyone who tries it.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Nutella Fudge

Crafting this incredible Nutella fudge requires just four key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy texture and irresistible flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Granulated Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; sugar is the absolute backbone of your fudge’s structure. It’s vital for achieving the firm, yet melt-in-your-mouth consistency that defines good fudge. The sugar crystals form the foundation, and their proper cooking ensures the fudge sets correctly. Do not be tempted to reduce the amount of sugar, as this will critically prevent the fudge from setting properly, leading to a runny or overly soft result.
• Whole Milk: Milk adds essential moisture to the sugar mixture, which is crucial for preventing the sugar from burning during the boiling process. Furthermore, it helps to control sugar crystallization, which is key for a smooth, non-gritty fudge. Using full-fat whole milk is highly recommended here for the richest flavor and best texture; avoid low-fat or fat-free alternatives, as they can alter the consistency and creaminess of the finished fudge.
• Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The undeniable star of the show! Nutella provides that signature luscious chocolate and hazelnut flavor that makes this fudge so incredibly addictive and unique. You can typically find this popular spread in the peanut butter or breakfast spread aisle of your grocery store. While other brands of chocolate hazelnut spread can be used as a substitute, it’s important to ensure they have a similar thick, creamy consistency to Nutella for the best results. Be aware that the sweetness level and specific flavor profile might slightly vary with different brands.
• Marshmallow Fluff: This magical ingredient contributes significantly to the fudge’s wonderfully light, soft, and aerated texture. It also aids in its firmness and overall stability, helping the fudge set beautifully. Marshmallow fluff creates a smooth, creamy finish without the need for extensive beating or a longer cooking time, making the process much simpler and more reliable.

Craving fudge but not a fan of Nutella? No problem! You can explore other delightful options like my Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge instead, offering a different, equally satisfying sweet treat!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Nutella Fudge

Making homemade fudge from scratch might seem daunting at first, but with these clear, detailed steps and a little attention to detail, you’ll achieve perfect, creamy results every time. Here’s how to prepare your delightful Nutella fudge:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Gather Ingredients: Before you even begin cooking, take a moment to prepare your workspace. Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two opposite sides. This “sling” will make it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan later. Crucially, have all your measured ingredients – sugar, milk, Nutella, and marshmallow fluff – ready and within arm’s reach. Timing is critical once the cooking process starts, so pre-measuring is key.
2. Combine and Bring to a Hard Boil: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (this helps prevent scorching), combine the granulated sugar and whole milk. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon as the mixture heats up to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and doesn’t stick or burn to the bottom. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a hard, rolling boil – meaning it bubbles vigorously and continuously, even when you stir it.
3. Boil to Specific Temperature (Soft-Ball Stage): Once the mixture is at a hard boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, maintaining a steady, gentle boil. Carefully insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, ensuring the tip does not touch the bottom of the pan. From this point, do not stir the mixture. Boil until the candy thermometer registers precisely 234°F (112°C), which is known as the soft-ball stage. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes, but always rely on your thermometer reading, not just the clock. If you notice the mixture starting to brown around the edges, slightly lower the heat, but ensure it continues to bubble gently.
4. Stir in Flavor and Fluff Immediately: As soon as the sugar mixture reaches the precise 234°F mark, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Without any delay, add the Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread and the entire jar of marshmallow fluff directly into the hot sugar mixture. Using a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir vigorously and quickly until both the Nutella and marshmallow fluff are completely melted and thoroughly combined into a smooth, uniform, and glossy mixture. Work swiftly, as the fudge will begin to set very rapidly once removed from the heat.
5. Transfer, Cool, and Store: Immediately pour the hot fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and create a smooth top surface. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature until it is firm enough to cut. This typically takes about 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture. If you are short on time, you can refrigerate it for a shorter period, but room temperature cooling often yields a slightly creamier consistency. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the fudge out of the pan. Carefully peel back the parchment and cut the fudge into 25 equal squares. Store your homemade Nutella fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness and enjoyment.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Creamy Nutella Fudge Every Time

Achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth fudge consistency is easier than you think with a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your homemade Nutella fudge turns out beautifully every single time:

• Invest in a Good Candy Thermometer: This is arguably the most crucial tool for homemade fudge. Precision in temperature is absolutely key to preventing crumbly or unset fudge. An accurate digital candy thermometer will be your best friend, ensuring your sugar mixture reaches the exact soft-ball stage (234°F) without over or undercooking. Calibrate it occasionally by testing it in boiling water (should read 212°F or 100°C at sea level).
• Don’t Rush the Boil, But Don’t Over-Stir: Stir constantly at the beginning to dissolve the sugar and prevent scorching. Once the mixture comes to a hard boil and you’ve inserted your thermometer, it’s important to stop stirring. Excessive stirring can encourage sugar crystals to form on the sides of the pan, leading to a grainy texture. Let it boil undisturbed until it reaches the target temperature.
• Work Quickly at the End: Once the sugar mixture reaches 234°F, every second counts. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Nutella and marshmallow fluff, and stir them in vigorously and thoroughly until completely smooth. Then, transfer the fudge to the prepared pan without delay. Fudge sets quickly once it cools slightly, so speed ensures an even pour and a smooth, beautiful surface.
• Avoid Scraping the Pot: When transferring the fudge mixture to the prepared pan, try to avoid scraping the very bottom or the sides of the saucepan. These areas might contain sugar crystals that didn’t fully dissolve or caramelized slightly, and incorporating them into your fudge can lead to a grainy texture.
• Cool Properly: While refrigeration can certainly speed up the cooling process, allowing the fudge to set gradually at room temperature often results in a creamier, more luxurious texture. Ensure it’s fully firm before attempting to cut it to get clean, neat squares. Patience truly pays off here!

More Delicious Fudge Recipes to Explore

If you fell in love with this creamy Nutella fudge, then you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of delightful fudge flavors waiting to be discovered, perfect for gifting, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Expand your homemade candy repertoire with these other fantastic recipes that are just as easy and satisfying:

• Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: This classic combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter comes together in a smooth, irresistible fudge that’s a timeless favorite.
• Decadent Vanilla Fudge: Experience the pure, rich essence of vanilla captured in a simple yet elegant fudge. It’s a versatile base that can be easily customized with sprinkles, nuts, or other additions.
• Irresistible Oreo Fudge: For all the cookie lovers out there, this fudge combines creamy sweetness with crunchy Oreo cookie pieces for a delightful textural contrast that’s utterly addictive.

First published July 9, 2013, this recipe has brought joy to countless kitchens and continues to be a go-to for an effortless yet impressive homemade treat, proving that some classics are truly timeless.