Bright & Zesty Tangy Lemon Fudge Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Creamy fudge becomes a zesty sensation with this tangy lemon fudge recipe that dances between sweet and citrusy.

The bright, sunny flavors burst through each delectable square, promising a refreshing twist on classic desserts.

Smooth white chocolate provides the perfect canvas for vibrant lemon essence.

Rich and decadent, these melt-in-your-mouth treats come together with surprising ease.

Delicate hints of lemon zest weave through the creamy base, creating an irresistible confection.

Summer or winter, this fudge brings a burst of sunshine to any gathering.

One bite will transport you to a world of pure, lemony bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 208 kcal

Servings: 17

What You Need for 5-Minute Lemon Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Premium chips ensure a silky, luxurious texture with rich creamy sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides luscious smoothness and helps bind the fudge together effortlessly.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, tangy zestiness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant, natural lemon essence to the fudge.

• Parchment Paper: Creates non-stick surface for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge squares.

What You’ll Use for 5-Minute Lemon Fudge

• 8-inch square baking pan: Perfect for shaping and setting your fudge neatly.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and preventing sticky situations.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Crucial for melting white chocolate smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Zester or grater: Necessary for creating fresh lemon zest.
• Spatula: Great for stirring and spreading the fudge mixture.
• Sharp knife: Ideal for cutting fudge into clean, precise squares.

How to Make 5-Minute Lemon Fudge

• Line the Pan

Grab a square baking dish and cover the bottom with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your fudge adventure.

• Melt the Chocolate

Toss white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in short bursts, stirring between each interval, until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy pool of deliciousness.

• Spark Lemon Excitement

Pour fresh lemon juice and sprinkle zesty lemon zest into the melted chocolate. Whisk until the mixture becomes a vibrant, sunny blend that promises tangy delight.

• Spread the Sunshine

Pour the lemon-infused mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, tempting layer that will soon become creamy fudge.

• Chill and Anticipate

Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let the happen. Wait 2-3 hours while the fudge firms up and the flavors meld together.

• Slice and Savor

Remove the fudge from the fridge, lift it out using the parchment paper, and slice into bite-sized squares of zesty, sweet happiness.

Tips to Upgrade 5-Minute Lemon Fudge

• Freeze the fudge for 1-1.5 hours instead of refrigerating to speed up the setting process and achieve a firmer texture faster.
• Enhance the lemon profile by adding a few drops of lemon extract for an extra intense citrusy punch that will make the fudge more vibrant.
• Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version of this delightful treat.
• Sprinkle some lemon zest or edible dried lemon peel on top of the fudge before it sets completely to add a beautiful visual appeal and extra lemony crunch.
• Keep the lemon fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain its creamy texture.

Plating Tips for 5-Minute Lemon Fudge

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy lemon fudge with a light morning coffee or freshly brewed tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange fudge squares alongside other mini desserts like chocolate truffles or fruit tarts to create an elegant and colorful dessert display.
• Gifting Delight: Package the lemon fudge in small decorative boxes or mason jars with ribbons for a homemade, heartwarming gift perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• Summer Party Treat: Serve chilled fudge squares at outdoor gatherings, picnics, or pool parties as a refreshing and easy-to-transport sweet snack that everyone will love.

Keeping 5-Minute Lemon Fudge Fresh

• Place the fudge in the coldest part of your refrigerator to speed up setting time and maintain its smooth texture.
• Store the lemon fudge in a sealed container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve freshness for up to 7 days.
• Keep the fudge refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage up to 3 months, allowing easy grab-and-enjoy treats anytime.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• Is it possible to make this fudge without a microwave?

Yes! Use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water to melt the white chocolate chips and condensed milk. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

• How do I know when the white chocolate is fully melted?

The mixture should look smooth and glossy with no visible chocolate chip chunks. Stir between short heating intervals to help chocolate melt evenly.

• Can I add food coloring to make the fudge more vibrant?

Absolutely! A few drops of yellow food coloring can enhance the lemon aesthetic. Add it when mixing the lemon juice and zest for an even color distribution.

Tangy Lemon Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Quick and zesty 5-Minute Lemon Fudge delights dessert enthusiasts with its tangy cream cheese base. Creamy squares promise refreshing citrus notes that melt perfectly on palates seeking simple summer sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups/750 ml white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsps/30 ml unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps/30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp/15 ml lemon zest
• Yellow food coloring (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square baking pan completely with parchment paper, extending edges for effortless fudge extraction.
2. Melting: Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 30-second bursts while stirring consistently to create a uniform, glossy mixture without burning.
3. Flavoring: Infuse the molten mixture with freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest, stirring gently to distribute the vibrant citrus essence throughout the creamy base.
4. Setting: Pour the luminous lemon-infused fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate air bubbles and ensure an even, pristine texture.
5. Chilling: Refrigerate the pan for 2-3 hours, allowing the fudge to solidify completely and develop its signature dense, velvety consistency.
6. Serving: Lift the chilled fudge from the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into elegant, bite-sized squares, and present immediately to showcase the bright, tangy flavor and luxurious mouthfeel.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, organic lemons with vibrant zest for the most intense citrus flavor and use premium white chocolate chips to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Microwave chocolate and condensed milk slowly, stirring frequently to avoid overheating, which can cause the mixture to become grainy or separate.
• Control Moisture Content: Add lemon juice gradually and avoid over-mixing to maintain the fudge’s smooth consistency and prevent potential separation of ingredients.
• Storage and Serving Suggestions: Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg