Delight in the zesty tang of fresh lemons with this creamy, indulgent Lemon Fudge. A perfect treat for citrus lovers, this fudge combines the refreshing flavor of lemon with the smooth, sweet texture of traditional fudge. It’s an excellent choice for dessert tables at picnics, holiday gatherings, or just as a sunny treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups white baking chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow food color gel
Directions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over the sides for easy removal.
- Combine Dairy and Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the half-and-half and heavy cream over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Allow to simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Add the white baking chips to the hot dairy mixture. Cover and let sit for a few minutes, then stir until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Flavors and Marshmallow:
- Stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla until well combined.
- Color and Swirl:
- Pour 3/4 of the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- To the remaining mixture in the pan, add the yellow food coloring and stir until evenly colored.
- Drop spoonfuls of the colored mixture over the plain fudge and use a knife to swirl the colors together.
- Set the Fudge:
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Tips
- Heat the butter and cream gently to avoid burning the dairy.
- Continuously stir while cooking to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture does not stick to the pan.
- Use fresh lemon zest and high-quality lemon extract for the best flavor.
- The food coloring is optional but adds a visually pleasing effect to the fudge.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves multiple
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
This Lemon Fudge is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the classic flavor of lemon in a rich, creamy dessert. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to share at an event or just something sweet to enjoy at home, this lemon fudge is sure to impress with its bright flavor and beautiful presentation. Enjoy crafting this easy, delicious treat and savor every zesty, creamy bite!