If you adore the zesty brightness of key lime paired with the creamy richness of white chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Key Lime Fudge Recipe. This fudge strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, creating a luscious treat that melts in your mouth. It’s wonderfully simple to make yet impressively elegant, making it a fantastic choice for dessert tables, gift boxes, or whenever you need a refreshing twist on a classic confection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this fudge contributes a crucial element to its texture and flavor, keeping the recipe straightforward yet incredibly flavorful. These essentials come together to create that velvety creaminess and vibrant citrus punch that defines the dish.
- White chocolate chips: The rich, creamy base providing sweetness and a smooth texture necessary for perfect fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as a luscious binder that caramelizes slightly for richness while keeping everything creamy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish and softens the fudge’s bite without overpowering the other flavors.
- Key lime zest: Punches up the citrus aroma and adds a fresh, slightly tart complexity.
- Key lime juice: The star player offering bright acidity and juicy tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, giving the fudge warmth and depth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all flavors by balancing sweetness and boosting the lime notes.
- Optional: green food coloring: Just a drop or two creates a subtle tint reminiscent of fresh key limes, making it visually delightful.
How to Make Key Lime Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over the edges. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set without messing up the edges.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly to ensure everything melts smoothly and blends into a silky mixture. This part is key to achieving that creamy texture that fudge is famous for.
Step 3: Add the Lime Magic
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the key lime zest, key lime juice, vanilla extract, salt, and food coloring if you want that pretty green touch. Mixing these in off the heat preserves the bright, fresh lime flavor without cooking it away.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Pour the flavorful mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface. This step ensures your fudge sets beautifully and looks just as delicious as it tastes.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the dish in the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours or until the fudge is completely firm. The cooling time is what lets all those luscious flavors meld together into a perfectly solid yet creamy treat.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, use the parchment paper edges to lift the fudge out of the pan and transfer it to a board. Cut into neat squares and get ready to enjoy bites of tangy, sweet bliss.
How to Serve Key Lime Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes amplifies the refreshment vibe. Consider a sprinkle of extra lime zest on top or a tiny dollop of whipped cream for creaminess. Crushed graham crackers sprinkled over the fudge before chilling can add a delightful crunch, reminding you of classic key lime pie.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Try serving alongside tropical fruit slices like pineapple or mango to enhance the citrus theme, or a crisp herbal tea to balance the richness. It’s all about complementing the zesty sweetness with fresh, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, consider cutting the fudge into bite-sized cubes and placing them in decorative mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation. You can also layer pieces in a jar with thin lime slices or edible flowers to make a stunning, gift-worthy treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Key Lime Fudge Recipe stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, making it a handy treat to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends.
Freezing
This fudge freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch ahead and enjoy the tangy sweetness anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving which can alter the texture and cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime instead of key lime for this fudge?
Yes! Regular limes will work just fine and still offer a pleasant citrus flavor, though key limes tend to be a bit more aromatic and tart, which many find gives the fudge its unique, signature punch.
Is there a way to make this fudge dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on condensed milk and butter for creaminess, you can experiment with dairy-free white chocolate and coconut condensed milk alternatives, though the texture might be slightly different.
How long does the fudge take to set properly?
Chilling in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours is necessary for the fudge to fully firm up. If you’re in a hurry, placing it in the freezer for 1-2 hours can speed up the process.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this fudge?
Absolutely! Adding chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut can add a wonderful texture and tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the key lime taste.
What is the best way to cut fudge cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps create smooth, clean edges without sticking or crumbling.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Key Lime Fudge Recipe a try because it brings such a fresh, indulgent twist to traditional fudge. Its creamy texture combined with the bright, tangy key lime flavor is utterly irresistible. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Print
Key Lime Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Key Lime Fudge is a luscious, creamy treat combining the sweetness of white chocolate with the tangy zest and juice of fresh key limes. Perfectly smooth and vibrant, this no-bake dessert offers a refreshing twist on classic fudge, ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a citrusy indulgence.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest
- 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (for a light tint)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the fudge easier post-chilling.
- Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture melts evenly and becomes smooth without burning.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the key lime zest, key lime juice, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and green food coloring if desired. Mix thoroughly to distribute all flavors evenly.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly for a uniform thickness.
- Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until the fudge is firmly set and chilled through.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 36 small squares and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic and vibrant flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- If you prefer a stronger lime taste, you can increase the zest slightly, but avoid adding too much juice to prevent affecting the fudge’s texture.
- For cleaner cuts, warm the knife blade under hot water and dry before slicing the fudge.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- The green food coloring is optional and primarily for aesthetic purposes to enhance the lime theme.
