Ever get hit with a sudden craving for something sweet, but the thought of an all-day kitchen project makes you run for the hills? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why this Easy Marshmallow Swirl Fudge has become my secret weapon. It’s the sort of recipe that looks “five-star restaurant” fancy but honestly, you can make it in your pajamas with one eye on your favorite show. No fancy tools and no culinary degree required. If you mess it up (not that you will), just call it abstract art. Trust me, your friends and family don’t care what it looks like once they taste it.
Easy Fudge Ingredients
Listen, don’t you hate when fudge recipes call for a million weird ingredients and you give up halfway? Not with this one. You really just need five things, and you probably have most already hanging around the pantry. Real talk, even if you have to make a quick grocery run, it’s worth it.
The essentials? Simple.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet is my go-to, but milk chocolate works)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter (unsalted keeps it from being too much)
- Marshmallow creme (not mini-marshmallows, that’s a different ride)
- Vanilla extract
That’s it. No candy thermometer, no wild stuff. The combo of these ingredients gives you rich, creamy fudge with those gorgeous little marshmallow swirls twisting through every bite. Anyone can make this. Kids, roommates, cranky neighbors… okay, don’t invite the cranky neighbors unless you want to share. 
Easy Fudge Recipe Substitutions
Alright, so maybe you’ve peeked in your cabinets and realized you’re missing something. Or maybe you just want to twist it up a bit. No stress, this easy fudge recipe is super forgiving.
Honestly, you can swap the chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy (or grown up). Or use peanut butter chips and suddenly, now you’ve got peanut butter fudge. Don’t like vanilla? Trade it for almond extract. Want to bring in some holiday cheer? Toss in a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top before the fudge sets.
I once mixed Nutella in instead of half the chocolate, and wow, talk about dangerous. You’re also not stuck with marshmallow creme if you can’t find it. Just melt down large marshmallows with a splash of cream. Not exactly the same, but it’ll do in a pinch. Adapt and ride, that’s the motto. 
Best Fudge Recipe Tips
Okay, here’s where I get a little bossy. If you want fudge that’s chef’s kiss perfect, you gotta listen to these tricksy little rules.
First up, always line your pan with parchment or foil, leaving extra hanging over the edges. That way you can lift the fudge out in one magical piece (bye-bye sticky mess). Let the fudge cool at room temp for the first hour, then chill in the fridge. Don’t rush and freeze it or you risk the dreaded grainy texture — not worth it.
Stir the chocolate and condensed milk together just until it melts. Don’t overdo it or it gets weirdly dry. And, swirl in the marshmallow cream gently — a few quick streaks with a knife makes for dreamy ribbons. Too much stirring, and it disappears into the chocolate. You want the swirl, not a muddy mess. Don’t be shy with extra toppings if you’re feeling extra (nuts, sprinkles, cookies). Fudge is meant to be fun, not serious.
I had never tried making fudge before, but this recipe was unbelievably easy and came out so delicious. My family devoured the whole tray in one day.
— Sara J., hometown friend
How to Store Fudge
Let’s be honest, storing fudge sounds like something nobody needs, but occasionally, there’s leftovers. If you don’t polish off every piece in one night (helpful hint: hide a piece for yourself), you’ll want to keep it fresh.
Best move? Cut into squares and store in an airtight container with parchment between layers, so nothing sticks. Room temperature works for a couple of days, but after that, I pop it in the fridge. Don’t freeze it if you can help it, ‘cause it can get crumbly. But if you must, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, then stash in the deepest part of the freezer. By the way, fudge makes a killer homemade gift, if you’re in the giving mood. Seriously, people lose their minds over it.
How to Make Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Okay, let’s get to the real action. Here’s how you throw together this Easy Marshmallow Swirl Fudge without breaking a sweat:
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit over the edges for easy lifting.
- Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
- Mix in the vanilla then pour that luscious chocolate mixture right into your lined pan.
- Spoon dollops of marshmallow creme over the top, then gently use a butter knife to create those swoopy marshmallow swirls. (This part is weirdly satisfying.)
- Bang the pan on the counter once or twice (not too wild) to settle everything.
- Let it cool at room temp for an hour, then chill in the fridge until set (about 2 more hours).
- Cut into squares and try not to eat half before anyone else shows up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge
Q: Do I need a candy thermometer to make this fudge?
Nope! Zero fancy equipment required. If you can stir and pour, you can make this easy marshmallow swirl fudge.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Sure, just use a 9×13 pan. Still comes out dreamy, just more of it. Always a win if you ask me.
Q: How long does fudge last?
If you’re lucky, about a week at room temp, or up to two weeks in the fridge. (Honestly it never lasts that long at my place.)
Q: Can I add nuts or extra mix-ins?
You bet. Chopped pecans, toasted coconut, candy bits… go wild. Toss ‘em in before you swirl the marshmallow.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
This fudge is naturally gluten-free! Just check the labels on your ingredients if you’re super sensitive.
Fudge is For Everyone, Seriously
So there you have it, friends — your one-way ticket to Easy Marshmallow Swirl Fudge heaven. Simple pantry ingredients, short prep, and a dessert that’ll win you more popularity points than the last potluck hero. I’m telling you, this is the treat you make when everyone thinks you spent all day in the kitchen. If you’re on a fudge kick, try checking out other fun recipes like Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe or peek at an old-fashioned spin with the Easy Marshmallow Fudge Recipe. And if you want to get wild, check the Marshmallow swirl s’mores fudge recipe for s’mores vibes.
What are you waiting for? Grab your spatula and go make something sweet. Your future self (and your tastebuds) will thank you.
Easy Marshmallow Swirl Fudge
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit over the edges for easy lifting.
- Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
- Mix in the vanilla then pour the chocolate mixture into the lined pan.
- Spoon dollops of marshmallow creme over the top, then gently use a butter knife to create swirls.
- Bang the pan on the counter once or twice to settle everything.
- Let it cool at room temp for an hour, then chill in the fridge until set (about 2 more hours).
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
