Fudge is a sugary candy that is perfect to eat during the holidays. Fudge is made by mixing butter, milk, and sugar, heating it at 240°F until it is soft, and beating the mixture until it is smooth. With many different types of fudge, you may want to make some to take to a holiday celebration. You just want to make sure that it will last until the celebration.
If you are planning on making fudge for your Christmas or holiday celebration, it can last for approximately two to four weeks if you keep it out at room temperature. It can last longer if you plan on storing it in the refrigerator or the freezer. It is important to take into account how you plan on storing the fudge, so you know how long before the celebration you can make it in order for it to still be good to eat.
Continue reading to learn about how long fudge will last depending on where you choose to store the fudge as well as some tips to ensure you are storing your homemade fudge properly.
How Long Does Fudge Last at Room Temperature?
There are various ways to store your fudge, and one of these methods is storing it at room temperature. Fudge can last approximately two to four weeks when stored at room temperature.
You may think that your fudge cannot be kept at room temperature because it contains milk, since milk spoils faster when kept at room temperature. This is not the case.
The sugar content that is present in the fudge will stabilize it. This will allow for the fudge to be able to sit out at room temperature without spoiling quickly.
Many claim that this is the best way to store fudge. It has been found that keeping your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature ensures that it will stay fresher for a longer period of time and prevent the fudge from drying out.
How to Store Fudge at Room Temperature
In order to store fudge at room temperature, you want to make sure you keep it in an airtight container.
If you worry about your pieces of fudge sticking together while in the airtight container, you can use waxed paper in order to keep the pieces separate as wax paper has a nonstick surface which can make it easier to get a piece of fudge later.
How Long Does Fudge Last in the Fridge?
While your fudge can last in the refrigerator for two to three weeks, it is recommended that you do not use this method to store your fudge.
Fudge dries out quickly when kept in the refrigerator compared to how long it takes to dry out at room temperature. If you keep your fudge in the refrigerator, you can also risk your fudge picking up scents from other foods that are kept in the refrigerator.
How to Store Fudge in the Fridge
While it is recommended that you not store your fudge in the refrigerator, some still choose this as the best place to keep it. If you choose to keep your fudge in the refrigerator, you want to place it in an airtight container. This can help keep unwanted smells from getting into your fudge.
You can use wax paper to keep the pieces separate, so they do not stick together. This can also help keep some of the moisture in the fudge from drying out quickly.
Can Fudge Go Bad?
Fudge can, in fact, go bad, just like any other type of confection or candy. It is difficult to determine the exact shelf life for fudge as it can depend on the method you use to store your fudge.
Like most other foods, homemade fudge has a shorter shelf life when compared to fudge that is bought from the store. This can be due to the preservative that could be added to the fudge that is meant to be sold in a store as there is no indication for how long the fudge could’ve been sitting in transportation to the store and then when it is on display to be sold.
Fudge is already given a good preservative in the form of the amount of fat and sugar that is already present in the fudge. This fat and sugar content allows for the fudge to stay fresh longer than other baked goods.
The best way to keep your fudge fresh is to properly store the fudge. No matter the method you choose to store your fudge, it should be kept in an airtight container.
Your fudge can sit out at room temperature for two to four weeks, in the refrigerator for two to three weeks, and in the freezer for two to three months.
Tips for Storing Homemade Fudge
If you have made some homemade fudge that you would like to take to a Christmas or holiday celebration, there are some tips that can help you make sure that your fudge will still be delicious.
One big tip that goes for any method you choose for storing your fudge is to make sure the fudge is kept in an airtight container. This can ensure that no extra moisture or contaminants ruin the fudge.
Tips for Storing at Room Temperature
When you are storing your fudge at room temperature, you want to keep it in an airtight container in an area that allows it to be kept away from light and heat. You want to keep it somewhere dark and cool as this can help to prevent rapid spoilage.
Tips for Storing in the Fridge
To store your fudge in the fridge, you want to make sure it is sealed in an airtight container. This keeps any extra moisture out of the fudge as well as ensure that it does not lose too much moisture and become dry.
This also ensures that your fudge does not come into close contact with other foods in the refrigerator as your fudge could pick up the smells from these foods.
Tips for Storing in the Freezer
There are a few extra steps you want to take to properly store your fudge in the freezer. While you want to make sure that it is stored in an airtight container, similar to storing it at room temperature and in the refrigerator, you also want to wrap your fudge tightly in wax paper and plastic wrap before putting it in the container.
Before eating the fudge you stored in the freezer, you want to ensure that it is properly thawed.
Conclusion
Fudge is a great treat to take to any Christmas or holiday celebration. You can store your fudge in the refrigerator, in the freezer, or at room temperature. At room temperature is often considered the best way to store your fudge.
Fudge can last for two to four weeks when kept at room temperature, two to three weeks when stored in the refrigerator, and for approximately two to three months when kept in the freezer. You want to take these shelf lives into consideration when preparing your fudge for the holidays.
