Are you craving a quick, refreshing treat? This 5-Minute Lemon Fudge recipe is the answer! With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, this fudge combines the smoothness of white chocolate with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon. In this article, we’ll guide you through the easy steps to make this delicious treat, share some helpful tips, and answer common questions about lemon fudge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only does this recipe come together in minutes, but it also packs a delightful burst of citrus flavor with every bite. Plus, it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Made in just 5 minutes of prep time.
- No-Bake: Perfect for those warm days when you want to avoid the oven.
- Customizable: You can add unique twists with mix-ins or leave it as is for a pure lemony treat!
What is Lemon Fudge?
Lemon fudge is a unique twist on traditional fudge, which usually features chocolate and rich, creamy flavors. Instead, lemon fudge is a bright and tangy treat that combines the smooth, creamy texture of white chocolate with fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s perfect for summer parties, as a gift, or simply as a treat for yourself!
Ingredients for 5-Minute Lemon Fudge
Here’s what you’ll need to make this 5-Minute Lemon Fudge. Each ingredient is easy to find, making this recipe a breeze to pull together.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for that zesty punch)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (adds even more lemon flavor)
- Yellow food coloring (optional, a few drops for a vibrant yellow color)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting and presentation)
These ingredients are perfect for creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with a touch of citrusy goodness.
Directions: How to Make the Perfect 5-Minute Lemon Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the dish after it’s set.
Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to avoid burning. Stirring between intervals ensures an even, silky melt.
Step 3: Add Lemon Flavor
Once the mixture is melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and yellow food coloring if desired. This will infuse the fudge with a beautiful lemon flavor and give it a sunny yellow hue.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Mixture
Pour the lemon fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth, flat surface.
Step 5: Chill the Fudge
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until the fudge is firm. Once it’s set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into small squares.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
If desired, dust each square with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a delicate, sweet touch that complements the fudge’s tangy lemon flavor.
Notes and Tips for the Best Lemon Fudge
Want to make your lemon fudge perfect every time? Here are some pro tips to get it right:
- Choose High-Quality White Chocolate Chips: This will give your fudge a rich, creamy texture. Avoid low-quality chocolate, as it can affect the fudge’s smoothness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice Is Key: Fresh lemon juice has a bright, natural flavor that really shines in this recipe. Avoid bottled juice, as it can taste processed.
- Easy Food Coloring Tip: A few drops of yellow food coloring will make your fudge visually pop. This is completely optional but adds a lovely lemony hue.
- Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the setting time. Letting the fudge chill in the fridge ensures that it will hold its shape once cut.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Lemon fudge is a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation! Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving, along with a few benefits of the ingredients.
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 square (approx. 1-inch)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin C: Minimal (from lemon zest)
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 1% Daily Value
Health Benefits
- Lemon: Contains Vitamin C, known for immune-boosting properties and skin benefits.
- White Chocolate: While indulgent, white chocolate offers a small dose of calcium, contributing to bone health.
- Condensed Milk: Provides protein and calcium, adding to the fudge’s creamy texture.
FAQs bAbout 5-Minute Lemon Fudge
Yes, simply use dairy-free white chocolate chips and substitute the condensed milk with a dairy-free option like condensed coconut milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Lemon fudge can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months.
Adding a small amount of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of shredded coconut can elevate the flavor. Try experimenting to make it your own!
Absolutely! The yellow food coloring is optional and doesn’t affect the flavor. It’s mainly for visual appeal.
If your fudge seems too soft, it might need more chilling time. Also, ensure that you used the correct proportions of ingredients. Adding a little extra white chocolate can help firm it up if needed.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Lemon Fudge!
This 5-Minute Lemon Fudge is a quick, easy-to-make dessert that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for parties, gifts, or just a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, this fudge is a crowd-pleaser with a refreshing twist. Follow our tips and tricks to create a batch that’s irresistibly smooth and tangy, and feel free to experiment with flavors to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy!
With its quick prep and delightful taste, this lemon fudge is bound to become one of your go-to dessert recipes.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Quick and Easy 5-Minute Lemon Fudge Recipe
This 5-Minute Lemon Fudge is a zesty, no-bake treat made with creamy white chocolate, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any lemon lover!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 16 small squares 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional, for that perfect lemony color)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil. Leave some overhang on the sides, making it easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set.
- Melt the Base Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and yellow food coloring (if using) until everything is well combined. This is where the fudge takes on its fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the lemon mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Chill to Set: Place the fudge in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Once it’s set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut it into small squares.
- Dust and Serve: For an extra touch, dust the fudge squares with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality White Chocolate Chips: This is key to getting a smooth and creamy texture. Lower-quality chocolate can sometimes seize or turn grainy.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The flavor really shines with fresh juice. Bottled juice can taste artificial and won’t provide the same zing.
- Go Easy on the Food Coloring: Just a drop or two of yellow food coloring is enough for that lemony pop. If you prefer a more natural look, skip it altogether.
- Stir, Stir, Stir!: Don’t skip the stirring intervals when microwaving. It prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.
- Cutting the Fudge: For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the fudge. The heat helps make neat, smooth squares.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwaving in intervals)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Easy lemon fudge recipe, No-bake lemon fudge, Lemon fudge with white chocolate