Key Lime Fudge

Boil milk, sugar and salt, then stir in marshmallows, white chocolate, lime zest and juice until smooth. Cool and cut into squares for a citrusy twist on classic fudge.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:33:25 GMT
A stack of creamy lime-flavored fudge squares is surrounded by fresh lime halves and sprinkled with lime zest. Pin it
A stack of creamy lime-flavored fudge squares is surrounded by fresh lime halves and sprinkled with lime zest. | zestplate.com

I've turned my favorite summer pie into the most amazing fudge! It's got that perfect punch of lime mixed with creamy sweetness that makes your taste buds dance. Every time I bring this to parties, people keep sneaking back for just one more piece. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked!

Why You'll Go Crazy For This

There's something magical about tangy lime mixed with sweet white chocolate. It's like your favorite pie and fudge had a baby! Plus, it's so much easier to make than you'd think. My kids love helping squeeze the limes, and everyone fights over licking the spoon.

What You'll Need

  • From the Pantry: 2/3 cup evaporated milk (not the sweetened kind!)
  • Sweet Stuff: 2 cups regular sugar
  • Pinch of: 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fluff: 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate: 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
  • Citrus: 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
  • Extra Zing: 2 teaspoons lime zest

Let's Make Some Magic

Get Ready
Line your pan with parchment paper it's such a lifesaver for getting the fudge out later!
Start Cooking
Mix your milk, sugar, and salt in a pot. Keep stirring while it heats up until it starts bubbling. Then keep going for 8 more minutes your arm might get tired but it's worth it!
Add the Good Stuff
Take it off the heat and throw in everything else marshmallows, white chocolate, lime juice, and all that yummy zest. Stir until it's smooth and glossy.
Almost There
Pour it in your pan and smooth out the top. Let it cool on the counter, then pop it in the fridge to get nice and firm.
Time to Dig In
Cut it into squares and watch them disappear! Keep the extras in the fridge if they last that long!

Make It Your Own Way

Can't find key limes? Regular ones work great too! Sometimes I add a tiny drop of green color to make it pretty, and crushing some graham crackers on top makes it taste just like pie!

My Secret Tips

Fresh lime zest makes all the difference don't skip it! Keep stirring while it cooks or it might get lumpy. And if you're in a rush, grab a bottle of Nellie & Joe's key lime juice it works like a charm!

Keep It Fresh

Pop your fudge in a container and stick it in the fridge it'll stay yummy for a couple weeks. Want to save some for later? Wrap it up good and freeze it. Just remember to put paper between the layers so they don't stick!

Mix It Up

Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for that pie feeling. Love coconut? Throw some in! Sometimes I drizzle melted white chocolate over the top it looks so fancy!

What You Need to Start

Grab a good pot, spatula, and thermometer if you've got one. Make sure you've got an 8x8 pan and some parchment paper it makes life so much easier!

Perfect for Any Time

Whether it's a summer party or holiday gathering, this fudge always steals the show. I love wrapping up little batches as gifts everyone goes nuts for that sweet-tangy combo!

A stack of lime-flavored fudge pieces sits on parchment paper next to halved limes. Pin it
A stack of lime-flavored fudge pieces sits on parchment paper next to halved limes. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes work fine. You might need slightly less juice since they're typically less tart than key limes.

→ Why use marshmallows in fudge?

Marshmallows help create a smoother texture and make the fudge more stable. They also help prevent sugar crystals from forming.

→ Why line the pan with foil?

Foil makes it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan and ensures clean cuts. Make sure to butter it well to prevent sticking.

→ Do I really need to stir constantly?

Yes, constant stirring prevents the mixture from burning and helps achieve the right texture. Don't skip this step.

→ How do I know it's ready without a thermometer?

After 5-6 minutes of boiling, the mixture should be thickened and slightly darker. Time works well if you keep the heat steady.

Key Lime Fudge

Creamy white chocolate fudge infused with fresh key lime juice and zest. The perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
23 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 5 oz can 2% evaporated milk.
02 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 12 large marshmallows, quartered.
05 2 cups white chocolate chips.
06 1/4 cup grated lime zest (about 5 limes).
07 2 tablespoons key lime juice (5-7 limes).

Instructions

Step 01

Line 8-inch square pan with foil and grease with butter.

Step 02

Combine milk, sugar and salt in heavy saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat.

Step 03

Reduce to medium-low and boil 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 04

Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate, zest and juice until melted and smooth.

Step 05

Pour into pan, spread evenly. Cool completely.

Step 06

Cut into 1-inch squares.

Notes

  1. Can use regular limes instead of key limes.
  2. 8-inch pan works better than 9-inch.
  3. Double boiler optional but helpful.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy saucepan or double boiler.
  • 8-inch square pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: ~