Lemon Fudge Recipe
If you’re craving something that perfectly balances rich sweetness with a bright, zesty kick, you’re going to adore this Lemon Fudge. This delightful treat combines creamy, buttery smoothness with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a luscious bite that’s both indulgent and refreshingly tangy. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert to impress friends or a homemade gift that feels personal and delicious, this Lemon Fudge recipe will quickly become your go-to for any occasion where sweetness needs a little sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Fudge recipe plays a crucial role — from creating that velvety texture to delivering bursts of lemon flavor that awaken your taste buds. These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients combine effortlessly, making it easy to whip this up whenever you have a craving.
- Granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness that caramelizes slightly for that fudge richness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy smoothness and helps achieve a luscious texture without overpowering the flavor.
- Heavy cream: Essential for velvety consistency and richness to soften the sugar’s bite.
- Lemon zest: Offers vibrant citrus oils, ensuring a fragrant and fresh lemon flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity and tang to balance the fudge’s sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth that compliments the lemon’s brightness.
- Powdered sugar: Helps with the creamy texture and quick dissolving, smoothing out the fudge.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the fudge from tasting flat.
How to Make Lemon Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This small prep step makes removing your Lemon Fudge easier and keeps those squares looking neat and clean after they set.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, and Cream
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir frequently until everything melts and blends into a smooth mixture. This is where the base of your fudge’s creamy texture forms.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then allow it to cook for exactly 5 minutes without stirring. This step helps create that characteristic fudge structure — it’s crucial to get it just right for the perfect finish.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Flavorings
Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice and zest add that fresh tang that brightens every bite, transforming your simple fudge into a vibrant treat.
Step 5: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Slowly add the powdered sugar bit by bit, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The powdered sugar thickens the fudge and balances the tartness with a sweet softness.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Transfer the luscious lemon fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then pop it in the fridge to set for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the fudge to firm up just right.
Step 7: Cut and Enjoy
Once fully set, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment edges and cut it into squares or bars. Your beautiful Lemon Fudge is now ready to be devoured, shared, or gifted!
How to Serve Lemon Fudge
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your Lemon Fudge can make it feel even more special. Consider sprinkles of finely grated lemon zest over each piece for a fresh zing or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant touch. A few crushed pistachios make for a beautiful color contrast and a satisfying crunch that pairs amazingly with the smooth fudge.
Side Dishes
Lemon Fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. A refreshing fruit salad, especially with berries, can complement the tartness, balancing the richness of the fudge. You might even serve it alongside tangy Greek yogurt for a sophisticated dessert plate that highlights the brightness of the lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Lemon Fudge into a stunning gift by wrapping individual squares in colorful parchment paper or placing the fudge in decorative tins. For a party, arrange squares on a pretty platter garnished with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for a delightful visual and aromatic experience. You could even layer the fudge between wax paper and stack it as a pretty, homemade candy tower.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Lemon Fudge left over (which might be hard!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh for about a week, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor without drying out or becoming sticky.
Freezing
Lemon Fudge freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped properly, the fudge can last up to 3 months without losing its luscious texture or bright flavor.
Reheating
No need to reheat Lemon Fudge — it’s best served chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its creamy consistency. If it’s too firm from the fridge or freezer, simply leave it out for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is definitely best for Lemon Fudge as it provides a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to be less tangy and can slightly alter the taste, but it will still work in a pinch.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk if you want a dairy-free alternative, though this may change the texture slightly. Regular milk is not recommended as it lacks the fat content needed for the creamy finish.
How can I make the fudge more tart?
To dial up the tartness, simply increase the lemon zest and lemon juice by a small amount, but be cautious as too much liquid can affect the fudge’s setting. Finding the perfect balance is key!
Is it necessary to boil the mixture for exactly 5 minutes?
Yes, boiling for 5 minutes without stirring is important to achieve the right consistency. Boiling less might result in too soft fudge, while boiling too long can make it hard and grainy.
Can I add other flavors to the Lemon Fudge?
Absolutely! You might try adding a teaspoon of lavender extract for a floral note or folding in white chocolate chips for extra richness. Just keep the lemon as the star to preserve the signature flavor of this Lemon Fudge.
Final Thoughts
Making this Lemon Fudge is like capturing a sunny burst of freshness in a creamy, irresistible bite. It’s simple enough for a delightful weeknight treat but fancy enough to impress guests or sweeten special moments. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how wonderfully lemony and rich fudge can be!
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Lemon Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This tangy and creamy Lemon Fudge combines the rich sweetness of traditional fudge with a refreshing burst of lemon zest and juice, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Lemon Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (Ensure that you measure accurately for the best flavor.)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (Ensure that you measure accurately for the best flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Finishing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent the fudge from sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and well combined.
- Boil the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to avoid burning, then allow it to boil for 5 minutes without stirring to reach the right consistency.
- Add lemon and flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar into the mixture, stirring continuously until the fudge mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the lemon fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform thickness.
- Cool and set: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into squares or bars and serve as a sweet, citrusy treat.
Notes
- Ensure lemon zest and juice are measured accurately for balanced flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
- Do not stir the mixture during the 5 minutes boiling time to achieve the right consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Bring fudge to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop cooking and chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 inch square)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon fudge, lemon dessert, homemade fudge, citrus fudge, sweet treat
