S’mores Fudge

Can I be honest? Fudge has never really done it for me. I’m a huge fan of texture in my desserts, so I always find fudge just a bit too rich and soft. No matter the flavor, I can take only a few bites. But then this s’mores fudge recipe came across my desk, and I knew it was just the recipe to change my mind.

Flecked with broken pieces of crunchy graham crackers and sticky marshmallows, it’s a solid s’mores dessert idea that tastes just like the campfire treat, with all the same textural interest. Bonus? This fudge recipe is beginner-friendly, too—no tricky sugar-cooking techniques or candy-making tools required.

Ingredients for S’mores Fudge

• Chocolate chips: Since the chocolate makes up such a significant portion of the fudge, it’s worth splurging on the best chocolate chips from the store for this recipe.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This is our secret ingredient for easier, foolproof fudge making. Without sweetened condensed milk, we’d have to use a tricky candy-making technique and a candy thermometer for accuracy.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds just that last bit of delicate, floral sweetness to the s’mores fudge recipe.
• Mini marshmallows: If you can’t find mini marshmallows at the store, buy regular-sized marshmallows and cut them into mini-sized pieces.
• Graham crackers: Break two sheets of graham crackers into bite-sized pieces.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pan

Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with aluminum foil. Coat the foil generously with cooking spray, then set it aside.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate

In a small heavy saucepan set over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Use a rubber spatula to stir the mixture until it’s smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then let the mixture cool at room temperature for two minutes.

Step 3: Add the inclusions

Stir in the vanilla extract until completely combined, then fold in the mini marshmallows and broken graham cracker pieces.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Use a mini offset spatula to spread the fudge if needed. Refrigerate the s’mores fudge until firm, about one hour.

Using the foil overhang, lift the s’mores fudge out of the pan. Discard the foil and place the fudge block on a cutting board. Cut the s’mores fudge into 36 pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Use another type of chocolate: Real s’mores use milk chocolate, so feel free to use milk chocolate chips here instead. You could also use dark chocolate if you prefer something a bit more bitter. I would not suggest white chocolate, though; it’ll be too sweet.
• Add more graham crackers: For anyone who loves desserts with texture, break up a few more sheets of graham crackers to add to the fudge. When adding the graham crackers, start with the suggested amount and then add more graham cracker pieces as desired.
• Reserve the marshmallows for the topping: Instead of folding the mini marshmallows into the fudge, press them on top before refrigerating for a pretty decoration. Caramelize the marshmallows with a blow torch if desired.

How to Store S’mores Fudge

Store s’mores fudge in an airtight container, lining parchment or waxed paper between each layer to prevent the pieces from sticking. The fudge can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Can you make s’mores fudge ahead of time?

Yes, you can make s’mores fudge ahead of time. Although the fudge can last in the fridge for up to two weeks, I recommend making it at most two days ahead of serving for the freshest flavor.

S’mores Fudge Tips

Can you make s’mores fudge gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this s’mores fudge recipe gluten-free. The only gluten-containing ingredient is the graham crackers. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free graham crackers, but you can also buy them online. For anyone particularly sensitive, make sure all other packaged goods are certified gluten-free. Although some ingredients are naturally gluten-free, others can be produced in a facility that handles wheat, making them unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.

How do you cut s’mores fudge into perfect squares?

To cut s’mores fudge into perfect squares, allow the fudge to chill completely, then remove it from the pan. Optionally, use a pizza dough cutter to score the top of the fudge to mark where you’re going to cut.

Take a sharp chef’s knife and run it under hot water, then carefully wipe it dry. Make the first cut, then rinse the knife under hot water again to remove any chocolate debris. Carefully wipe the knife dry, then make the next cut. Repeat these steps until your entire fudge block is cut into 36 pieces.

Why don’t we use a candy thermometer for this s’mores fudge recipe?

Most fudge recipes involve cooking sugar to a soft-ball stage to ensure the fudge sets up properly. However, it’s a tricky technique that, if not executed exactly right, can lead to a lot of fudge mistakes. Sweetened condensed milk eliminates the need to cook sugar. It binds the ingredients, creates a creamy texture and even sweetens the fudge. Essentially, it’s a foolproof method for making fudge and is ideal for beginners just starting out in candy-making.