Zesty Lemon Fudge Recipe: Sweet, Creamy Delight Awaits

Recipe By:
Laura Lopez
Posted:
Updated:

Lemon Fudge is like a zesty party on your taste buds, bursting with flavors that make you feel like doing a happy dance. Imagine creamy sweetness mixing with the bright tang of fresh lemons, creating a texture that’s both smooth and slightly chewy—a true delight for anyone who loves a sweet treat.

Every time I whip up this Lemon Fudge, I’m reminded of sunny afternoons spent at my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of citrus. This fudge is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s to celebrate a friend’s birthday or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you dreaming about lemony goodness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Lemon Fudge is incredibly easy to make, ensuring you won’t need a culinary degree to impress friends and family.
  • The flavor profile balances tartness and sweetness perfectly, making each bite refreshing yet decadent.
  • Visually, it shines like little squares of sunshine on your dessert table.
  • Versatile enough for any event, it’s great as a snack or dessert after dinner!

Ingredients for Lemon Fudge

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy base provides the perfect sweetness and helps bind all ingredients together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for richness; it enhances the flavor of the fudge.
  • Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest adds vibrant citrus flavor and aroma that elevates the fudge.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the fudge its tangy kick; bottled juice doesn’t compare.
  • Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar mixes smoothly into the mixture, ensuring a lovely texture in every bite.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing out the tartness of lemon.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Lemon Fudge

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before diving into the delicious world of Lemon Fudge, gather your tools: a medium saucepan, mixing bowl, spatula, and an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In your saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes liquid gold. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until combined well—this will be your sweet base.

Step 3: Add Citrus Goodness

Remove from heat and mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Feel free to inhale deeply; those citrus scents are simply irresistible!

Step 4: Sweeten It Up

Gradually add powdered sugar while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency. If it feels too thick (like trying to run after eating too much fudge), just add a splash more lemon juice.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Pour your luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using your spatula—no one likes uneven fudge! Refrigerate for about two hours or until set.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once chilled, lift out your fudge using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles—whatever shape makes you feel fancy! Serve chilled for optimal taste.

Transfer to plates and prepare for compliments—it’s hard not to smile when indulging in this zesty treat!

You Must Know

  • This delightful lemon fudge offers a zesty twist that makes it an instant favorite.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, its bright flavor will have everyone coming back for more.
  • Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with this treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by zesting those lemons to unleash their aromatic oils, then squeeze them for juice. Combine the zest and juice with sweetened condensed milk over low heat until smooth. Finally, fold in the white chocolate, stirring until melted and creamy.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out some lemon juice for lime or orange for a citrus medley. Toss in crushed nuts or dried fruits for texture, or even sprinkle sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your lemon fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for two weeks. If you need to reheat, use short bursts in the microwave until just warm.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
  • Let the fudge cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges.
  • And remember, patience is key when melting chocolate—slow and steady wins this race!

I still remember the first time I made this lemon fudge; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! It was a hit at our summer barbecue, leaving everyone asking for seconds (and thirds).

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Lemon Fudge?

To make delicious lemon fudge, you will need condensed milk, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet and tangy treat. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice based on how citrusy you want your fudge to be. lemon ginger chews Fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Make sure to have these ingredients ready before starting your recipe for perfect lemon fudge every time.

How long does it take to set Lemon Fudge?

Lemon fudge typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to set in the refrigerator. For optimal results, place your fudge in an airtight container and allow it to chill until firm. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes; however, check frequently to ensure it doesn’t freeze completely. Once set, cut it into squares and enjoy this zesty treat with family and friends.

Can I customize my Lemon Fudge recipe?

Absolutely! Customizing your lemon fudge is easy and fun. You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch or mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating other flavors such as coconut or vanilla extract alongside the lemon for a unique twist. Experimenting with different toppings like shredded coconut or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate your fudge to new heights.

How should I store Lemon Fudge?

To keep your lemon fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. For even better preservation, consider freezing the fudge; wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion for Lemon Fudge :

Lemon fudge is a delightful treat that combines sweet and tart flavors in every bite. With simple ingredients like condensed milk and fresh lemon juice, you can easily whip up this dessert at home. Remember to let your fudge set properly for the best texture. apricot frangipane tart Feel free to experiment with various additions and toppings to make it uniquely yours. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, this lemon fudge is sure to impress friends and family alike!

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Lemon Fudge

Lemon Fudge is a delightful treat that combines creamy sweetness with a zesty burst of lemon, creating an irresistible dessert. This easy-to-make fudge features a smooth, slightly chewy texture that’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday celebrations to quiet evenings at home.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gather your tools: a medium saucepan, mixing bowl, spatula, and an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the butter in the saucepan over low heat. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
  3. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and lemon zest.
  4. Gradually add powdered sugar while stirring until smooth. If too thick, add a splash more lemon juice.
  5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Refrigerate for about two hours or until set.
  6. Once chilled, lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
  • Author: Laura Lopez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (30g)
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in crushed nuts or dried fruit before pouring into the baking dish. Substitute lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist.

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