Key Lime Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Learn how to make key lime fudge with these easy step-by-step recipe instructions. Sweet and tangy and oh so fragrant this lime fudge recipe is addicting. Simple to make, this fudge recipe is terrific for sharing, gifting, or when you want to indulge at home.

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

This easy lime fudge recipe is a sweet treat the whole family will enjoy. Made with fairly common ingredients, you can make this easy recipe with your children or grandchildren – this is such a simple recipe that nearly anyone can make it!

How to make Key Lime Fudge:

1. Prep – Spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray, line it with parchment paper, and get a double boiler going.
2. Melt the white chocolate, add sweetened condensed milk, add key lime juice, and key lime zest, and mix.
3. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, smooth, and garnish.
4. Chill – Let the fudge chill for 6 hours or until completely firm.
5. Cut – Once firm, remove the fudge and slice the fudge recipe on a cutting board. Enjoy!

What is the difference between key limes and limes?

Key limes – the name comes from their close association to the Florida Keys – are also known as West Indian lime, bartender’s lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime (Citrus x aurantifolia). Key limes are smaller, seedier, tarter, and have a thinner rind than the Persian lime we purchase regularly at the store. The Key lime is picked while green and turns yellowish as it ripens. Persian limes (Citrus x latifolia) are what we think of as regular limes and commonly available for purchase in local grocery stores, have fewer seeds, are sweeter, and are larger in size.

If you enjoy making homemade fudge recipes, try these easy fudge recipes:

Strawberry Fudge Recipe
Salted Dark Chocolate Bourbon Fudge Recipe
Chocolate Amaretto Swirl Fudge Recipe

Tips and variations for making this Key Lime Fudge Recipe:

● Double boiler – The only thing you have to watch for is that your chocolates are melting at pretty much the same rate in the double boiler. And please use a double boiler and do not try melting the chocolate in a microwave. The double boiler will prevent burning and hardening, and the microwave… does not.
● Zest the key limes from the lime rind before extracting the juice. The difference between the lime peel and the lime rind is that the peel includes all parts of the exterior of the lime, including the white pith. The rind is the color that you zest.
● The two (2) large key limes should render the four (4) tablespoons of juice necessary to make this recipe.
● Substituting limes for key limes will make this less sweet-tart. Not a bad thing. Some people mix ½ lemon juice, ½ lime juice to approximate the taste of key lime juice.
● Do not overcook – As soon as the chocolate chips melt, add the sweetened condensed milk, give it a stir, and get it off that heat.
● This is not a key lime pie fudge recipe. That would involve a bottom layer crust, usually Graham cracker crust. If you would like to add that, make certain it is baked before proceeding with this recipe.

● If you plan on making 36 servings, that is cutting 6 rows x 6 rows. If you plan on making 25 servings, that is cutting 5 rows by 5 rows.
● Place one sheet of parchment paper across the pan. Place the second sheet of parchment paper across the first sheet (to form an +).
● It is best if the rest of the ingredients are not altered as they specifically complement or counteract each other in the perfect manner. I would not be able to offer any other suggestions as substitutions that would work in the same manner.
● Fudge can be stored in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. It will last up to two weeks in either situation. Do not store fudge at room temperature.

Key Lime Fudge Recipe Ingredients:

● 24 oz White Chocolate Chips
● 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
● 4 TBSP Fresh Key Lime Juice
● Zest of 2 Large Key Limes

Key Lime Fudge Mise en Place:

Spatula
● Spoon
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
8″x8″ Cake Pan
● Double Boiler
Parchment Paper

Key Lime Fudge Recipe Directions:

1. Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper (in the shape of a +). Set aside.

2. Over medium heat boil the water in your double boiler. In the double boiler upper container (or a bowl snugly fitted over a saucepan filled with simmering water), melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.

3. When the chips are melted, add in the key lime juice and the key lime zest. Reserve ½ teaspoon of the lime zest for garnish. Mix until well combined.

4. Spread the key lime fudge mixture in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Sprinkle the remaining key lime zest, evenly on the top of the fudge.
6. Allow the key lime fudge to chill in the fridge for 6 hours, up to overnight.

7. Remove the fudge by picking up the ends of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and using a sharp knife cut into 25 (5×5) or 36 (6×6) even squares.

8. Serve immediately.

9. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Yield: 1

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

Key Lime Fudge Recipe (15)

Key Lime Fudge Recipe. Learn how to make key lime fudge with these easy step-by-step recipe instructions. Sweet and tangy and oh so fragrant this lime fudge recipe is addicting. Simple to make, this fudge recipe is terrific for sharing, gifting, or when you want to indulge at home

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time5 minutes

Additional Time6 hours

Total Time6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 oz White Chocolate Chips
  • 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 4 TBSP Fresh Key Lime Juice
  • Zest of 2 Large Key Limes

Instructions

    1. Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper (in the shape of a +). Set aside.
    2. Over medium heat boil the water in your double boiler. In the double boiler upper container (or a bowl snugly fitted over a saucepan filled with simmering water), melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
    3. When the chips are melted, add in the key lime juice and the key lime zest. Reserve ½ teaspoon of the lime zest for garnish. Mix until well combined.
    4. Spread the key lime fudge mixture in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
    5. Sprinkle the remaining key lime zest, evenly on the top of the fudge.
    6. Allow the key lime fudge to chill in the fridge for 6 hours, up to overnight.
    7. Remove the fudge by picking up the ends of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and using a sharp knife cut into 25 (5×5) or 36 (6×6) even squares.
    8. Serve immediately.
    9. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Substituting Persian limes for key limes will make this less sweet-tart. Not a bad thing. Some people mix ½ lemon juice, ½ lime juice to approximate the taste of key lime juice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 150Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g

Note: for exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information provided is simply a guideline.

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Key Lime Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is key lime fudge made of? ›

How do you make Key Lime Fudge? Evaporated milk, sugar and salt are heated together in a saucepan and boiled for 8 minutes. Once that mixture has boiled for several minutes, it'll be piping hot. At that point, you'll pull the pan off the stove and stir in marshmallows, white chocolate, lime zest and lime juice.

Can you use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice? ›

Ordinary limes make an exceptional Key lime pie, and they are a much better alternative to bracingly tart bottled Key lime juice. This pie tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal — plus it's easier to make.

What consistency should fudge be before it sets? ›

As it falls to the bottom of the glass, the syrup cools and forms into a ball. Remove the ball from the water and check its consistency with your fingers. For perfect fudge, the syrup should form a soft ball that can be picked up, but easily flattened.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy. Cooking, and beating after cooking, is the key to successful fudge.

What makes key lime flavor? ›

The Key lime has thinner rind and is smaller, seedier, more acidic and more aromatic than the Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia). It is valued for its characteristic flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.

What makes key lime different? ›

The Difference Between Limes and Key Limes

Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They're light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes.

What's the difference between a sweet lime and a key lime? ›

Sweet limes are larger and rounder, offering a mild and sweet flavor with less acidity. They are often enjoyed fresh or used in beverages and desserts. Key limes, on the other hand, are smaller and more spherical with a tangy and acidic taste, accompanied by a unique aroma.

Can you use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes? ›

Although it seems like a simple swap, you need to be careful when substituting bottled lime juice for fresh. Check the label to be sure it is pure juice; some varieties, such as the popular Rose's label, are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

How many limes are 4 tablespoons? ›

The average lime contains about 2 tablespoons of lime juice. 2 True Lime packets = 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a distinct lime taste. (If you like a lighter lime taste, you can use a 1 = 1 equivalent. I only use True Lemon and True Lime when I cook/bake and I use a 2 packets = 1 tablespoon.)

How many key limes equal one lime? ›

As key limes ripen, they turn a yellow hue and lose acidity. The juice takes on a sweeter flavor and has a unique aromatic flavor. Since key limes are smaller, it takes about 5 key limes to equal the juice you will get from 1 regular lime.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

When should you not make fudge? ›

Humidity can cause fudge to boil over in the pan or stay soft when set, so try to avoid working on humid days if at all possible. If waiting for a less humid day isn't feasible, you'll need to boil your fudge at a slightly higher temperature than usual — or just order some delicious fudge from Wockenfuss!

Can you over beat fudge? ›

Beating the cooled batter is one of the crucial steps of fudge-making, but overbeating can turn fudge hard as a rock. Pay close attention to the change in appearance and only beat the fudge until it loses its glossy sheen.

What makes fudge moist? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do I get my fudge to harden? ›

OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed. Cross your fingers and hope that the chocolate sets firmly before the fudge starts to thaw, and later impress your friends as you present them with your soft-centred chocolates.

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