There is something magical about adding Lemon Fudge to holiday goody plates! I’m not sure if it’s the pretty bright yellow color or the refreshing lemon flavor that makes it such a stand-out! Either way, you are going to fall in love with Lemon Fudge and people are going to beg you for the recipe!
Lemon Fudge is such a welcome addition to my candy plates which happen to be filled with chocolate; 20 Minutes Christmas Crack, Cinnamon Bear Fudge, and Gummy Bear Bark, and Microwave Caramels. I will always be in love with chocolate but sometimes you just need a little change of pace. Something just a little different to offset all that sweetness. Usually, I’m all about chocolate…and only chocolate…but this Lemon Fudge, it’s GOOD!
I got this Lemon Fudge recipe from my friend Klair several years ago and I’ve pretty much been dreaming about it ever since!
Update:
I’ve had this recipe on my blog for about a year now and it has become one of my most popular recipes! I always have good luck making this fudge but it seems that some of you are having trouble getting it to set up just right so I’m updating this post with a little more detail, a how-to video, and a photo of the lemon pudding I use to make this fudge.
This is the kind of pudding you need to use.
I’m wondering if people are trying to substitute instant pudding for the cook and serve style. For this recipe you must use cook and serve. Be sure to double check the box to make sure you’ve got the right kind! I use two of the 2.9 oz. size boxes and it always works perfectly!
Tips and tricks for success!
Here’s a video so you can see exactly how I make my fudge. Although this is a super easy recipe to make, there are a few little tricks that will ensure success!
- Be sure to use exact measurements.
- You need to cook the pudding mixture for exactly one minute. Cooking it for less time than that will result in a soft, maybe even pudding like, texture. Cooking it longer will result in a super stiff fudge.
- If you do happen to end up with a super stiff fudge you can add a little milk, I’m talking a teaspoon at a time, then mix again. If the fudge is still too stiff you can repeat a few more times until you get the consistency you want. Remember though, it will set up a little as it sits in the fridge.
Allow time for the fudge to set up in the refrigerator. The cut it into pieces. I usually cut it into 1″ squares.
Where to find Jell-O pudding
I’ve had several people ask me about substituting lemon root and all kinds of other ingredients for the lemon pudding. I don’t really experiment with those alternative types of foods so I don’t have any advice for you! If you are feeling brave you can experiment with different ingredients.
For those of you who want to use an off brand of pudding vs. Jell-o Cook and Serve Lemon Pudding, I’ve never tried them so I really can’t say what the results will be.
If you are living in countries and areas where Jell-O Cook and Serve Lemon Pudding isn’t available you can find it on Amazon!
Lemon Fudge is one of my very favorite candies to make and share during the holidays! Well, I love it in the spring too! You have to give it a try! It turns out perfect every time…if you follow the instructions exactly! Promise!
I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
Grab the recipe!
Here’s the printable recipe! Be sure to pin it for later too!
Lemon Fudge {Five Minute}
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter
- 1/2 c. milk
- 2 small pkgs. lemon cook and serve pudding 2.9 ounces each
- 1 lb. powdered sugar 3 3/4 cups
- 2-3 teaspoons milk optional
Instructions
- Line a 9″x9″ pan with wax paper.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add milk and dry pudding. Cook over medium-medium high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly. When I cook mine it comes to a boil and gets thick pretty quickly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar. Instead of stirring with a spoon you can use and electric mixure.
- If fudge is too dry and firm you can add an additional teaspoon of milk, then mix again. If it’s still too firm add another teaspoon of milk. Repeat until you get the consistency you want. Remember though, it will get firmer as it sets in the fridge.
- Press into prepared pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Refrigerate for a few hours. Cut into 1″ pieces.
Jill Davis says
what size pan would you use for single recipe, double recipe and triple recipe?
A 9 x 9 is recommended for single, double and triple batch.
Amy Engberson says
Great question! I’ve never actually tried doubling or tripling this recipe. If it is possible I’d try to make it in three 9×9 pans. If you don’t have access to that many pans I would make it in a 9 x 13 pan for a double batch and a 10×15 for a triple batch. The thickness of the fudge will vary because each of the listed sizes has different capacities. It will still set up and taste great, just look a little different!
Cindy says
Have you tried other flavors of the pudding. Mix? This is so good & so easy. I know it will become a favorite of my friends!
Amy Engberson says
I’m glad you love it! You could definitely try it with other flavors of pudding! I think vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch would all be fantastic! Pistachio could be really fun too!
Georgi says
Is it ok to use instant pudding? I can’t find lemon in cook and serve.
Amy Engberson says
I’m not sure how it would turn out with instant pudding because I’ve never tried it before. I wish I was your neighbor because I’d share some with you! I found some Lemon Cook and Serve Pudding on Amazon.
Heather says
HI, Silly question here, but does this definitely have to be kept in the fridge at all times? Thanks.
Amy Engberson says
It doesn’t HAVE to be kept in the fridge at all times. The fudge will be a little softer if it sits at room temperature. It will still be delicious, just a little softer!
TJ says
Question for you
you have 33/4 cups of sugar, that seems to be too much. Please clarify the amounts
Amy Engberson says
That’s 3 and 3/4 cups of powdered sugar. I hope that helps!