If you’re looking for the rich, creamy taste of nostalgia, this is it—the Original Fantasy Fudge recipe from the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. Unlike the updated version, which uses Baker’s Chocolate, this classic version relies on chocolate chips for its signature smooth texture and rich flavor.
This fudge is perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, and melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s quick and easy to make, making it a go-to for holiday treats, gift-giving, or satisfying chocolate cravings any time of year.
Key Features:
.: Uses chocolate chips for a superior taste and texture.
.: Includes marshmallow creme for that signature creamy consistency.
.: A tried-and-true recipe loved for generations.
.: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a homemade gift.
Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, this timeless recipe will remind you why it became a classic. Preserve the magic of the original and share it with your loved ones this season!
Note: The “new” version on the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar swaps the chocolate chips for Baker’s Chocolate, but many believe the original chocolate chip version is unmatched.
Ingredients
3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup margarine (see note *)
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 12-oz. (340 g) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 7-oz. (198 g) jar Kraft Marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Traditional method:
- Combine sugar, margarine and milk in heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan; bring to full rolling bail, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate till melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts & vanilla; beat until blended. Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Microwave method:
- Microwave margarine in 4-quart microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until melted. Add sugar and milk; mix well. Microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until mixture begins to boil, stirring after 3 minutes. Mix well; scrape bowl. Continue microwaving on HIGH 5-1/2 minutes; stir after 3 minutes. Stir in chips until melted. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Cool at room temperature; cut into squares.
Makes 3 pounds.
Notes
- * The original recipe DID use margarine! But you can use butter!
- Can be made in a smaller pan for thicker squares (yield will be reduced).
- ** When I say “the new recipe” I am talking about the recipe that is on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar currently. So many years have passed since they made the change that it can’t be called “new” anymore, but regardless, the original is superior. When they first changed the recipe, they changed the name as well and called it Creamy Fudge. There was a backlash, and they changed the name back to Fantasy Fudge but they didn’t change the recipe back to the original! Why? Because Kraft owned Baker’s Chocolate and some higher-up said they had to promote their own chocolate.
- If you read the history of this website you’ll learn that this site developed in 1996 underwent a massive overhaul in 2020, and I was unable to transfer over all of the 1,643 reviews that were written for this one Fantasy Fudge recipe between 2002 and 2020.
On the original site, this recipe got 4.9 stars (out of 5) and a 98% “would make this again” rating out of a total of 1,643 reviews. That made it the #1 recipe on the site for many years.
I did transfer over several reviews, but I had to do this by hand for over 500 recipes, and I stopped after about 10 (always keeping negative reviews to preserve a similar star rating, and discarding recipes that had fewer than 3 stars). It is amusing to read a lot of the reviews from that era, because they date back to the beginning of the Internet when people were just discovering they could search for recipes online.
Just a few reviews from a very busy few days in 2002. There were dozens like this that year:
Gina in Michigan Dec 13, 2002
Would make this again.
So glad to find the perfect fudge recipe!! Why did they change it??????
A cookie baker in Mt.Vernon, IL Dec 13, 2002
Would make this again.
I was so glad to find this recipe. I never wrote it down. I always looked on the jar. And then they changed it. It is wonderful fudge you can’t go wrong with it
Laura in California Dec 12, 2002
Would make this again.
Why oh why did the Kraft company change the recipe? Why fix it if it isn’t broken? Fantasty fudge is the very best. I’m very disheartened that Kraft went for a change. I made the “new” fudge, and it was awful! Then I went back and made Fantasy Fudge, and all was well with the world again!
A cookie baker in El Centro, CA Dec 12, 2002
Would make this again.
I was disappointed in the new recipe on back of the marshmellow creme jar. The original fantasy fudge recipe is the best ever. I am glad to have found it on line.
Mary in California Dec 11, 2002
Would make this again.
My mom was dissapointed with the results of the fudge recipe on the marshmallow creme jar today, so she asked me to look up this original recipe and was quite pleased when we found it online! It really is the best recipe.
Christina King in Arizona Dec 11, 2002
Would make this again.
I have been making this Fantasy Fudge recipe for 30 years. The recipe on the Kraft jar today has changed. I like this original. It is always a hit!!!
Back then, I had the #1 spot on Google for “christmas cookies” so I had MASSIVE amounts of traffic in December. No longer (sites like Martha Stewart and Allrecipes supplanted me), but I mention it to explain why I had so many reviews back in those days while I get very few now! - If any food historians or bloggers ever want access to this historical information, please contact me.