Lemon Fudge

Melt white chocolate with condensed milk and lemon extract, add optional zest or food coloring, then chill until firm. Ready in minutes, sets in hours.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:33:26 GMT
A plate of lemon fudge squares garnished with lemon zest, surrounded by cut lemons on a wooden surface. Pin it
A plate of lemon fudge squares garnished with lemon zest, surrounded by cut lemons on a wooden surface. | zestplate.com

You won't believe how easy this lemon fudge is! Just three simple ingredients come together to make the creamiest, zestiest treat. Every time I make a batch, my kitchen fills with this amazing citrusy smell. The best part? It takes barely any time to whip up!

Why This Fudge is So Good

I love recipes that don't need fancy kitchen skills, and this one's a winner! Ten minutes and you're done. The white chocolate makes it super creamy, while fresh lemon gives it such a bright pop of flavor. My friends always beg me to make this for parties!

What You'll Need

  • Sweet Stuff: One 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
  • White Chocolate: 3 cups chopped up (spring for the good stuff!)
  • Lemon Extract: Just a teaspoon
  • Extra Fun: Yellow food coloring if you want it pretty
  • More Zing: Fresh lemon zest really makes it pop
  • Pretty Things: Sprinkles to make it sparkle

Let's Make It!

Mix It Up
Dump your condensed milk in a pot with lemon extract and yellow coloring if you're using it. Give it a good stir.
Get Melty
Toss in your white chocolate and keep stirring over low heat until everything's smooth and shiny.
Extra Lemony
Want more zing? Throw in some fresh lemon zest now.
Cool It Down
Pour it all into your lined pan, smooth the top, add sprinkles if you want, then pop it in the fridge till it's firm.
Time to Enjoy
Cut it up into squares and watch them disappear! Save the leftovers in the fridge.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I crumble up meringues on top for a lemon meringue pie vibe. Or switch up the extract orange tastes amazing too! Go wild with the toppings crushed cookies are super yummy.

My Secret Tips

Don't skimp on the white chocolate cheap stuff won't melt right. Keep the heat low and steady, and make sure your lemon extract is the good kind. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Keeping It Fresh

Pop it in an airtight container and it'll stay yummy in the fridge for weeks (unless you added zest, then eat it within a week). You can even freeze it for a couple months. If it gets sticky on top, just let it sit out uncovered for a bit.

Ways to Serve It

Let the fudge warm up a bit before eating it tastes creamier that way. I love wrapping pieces up as little gifts, or setting them out at parties. My favorite is having a piece with my afternoon tea!

A tray of lemon fudge squares, garnished with lemon zest, is arranged on parchment paper with whole lemons in the background. Pin it
A tray of lemon fudge squares, garnished with lemon zest, is arranged on parchment paper with whole lemons in the background. | zestplate.com

Mix It Up

Get creative with your toppings! Rainbow sprinkles make it fun, or try crushed cookies for crunch. I've even used different jello powders to make wild flavors like raspberry or lime!

Sweet and Tangy Perfection

This fudge is seriously the best of both worlds sweet and creamy but with that zingy lemon kick. Once you try making it, you'll want to keep a batch in your fridge all the time. It's that good!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use lemon juice instead of extract?

Extract works best as juice can make the fudge seize up. If you want natural lemon flavor, use the zest option but know it will shorten shelf life.

→ Why isn't my fudge setting?

Make sure to use proper white chocolate bars, not chips. Also ensure it's fully chilled - overnight works best for firm, clean-cutting squares.

→ Can I freeze this fudge?

Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Why use gel food coloring?

Gel gives better color without adding excess liquid that could affect texture. Regular food coloring can work but use very sparingly.

→ What if I can't find lemon extract?

Try the jelly crystal version mentioned in notes. Mix lemon jello with water first, then add other ingredients for similar flavor.

Lemon Fudge

Smooth, creamy white chocolate fudge with bright lemon flavor. Made with just 3 ingredients, plus optional zest and sprinkles for extra zing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 can (395g/14oz) sweetened condensed milk.
02 3-4 teaspoons lemon extract.
03 540g (19oz) white chocolate, roughly chopped.
04 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional).
05 Yellow gel food coloring (optional).
06 Sprinkles for decorating (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Line 8 inch square pan with baking paper.

Step 02

Combine condensed milk, lemon extract and food coloring (if using) in saucepan.

Step 03

Add white chocolate, cook over low-medium heat stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 04

Stir in lemon zest if using, taste and add more extract if desired.

Step 05

Pour into pan, add sprinkles if using, tap pan to settle. Chill 4 hours or overnight.

Step 06

Once firm, cut into squares.

Notes

  1. Use chocolate bars not chips.
  2. Keeps 2-3 weeks without zest, 1 week with zest.
  3. Can use jello crystals instead of extract.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy based saucepan.
  • 8 inch square baking tin.

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: 95
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g