How Long Does Fudge Last
Fudge should remain good for up to two weeks at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container. However, it is good to store it in the refrigerator to preserve it for longer. Although butter and milk do not last long at room temperature, the sugar content helps to prevent fudge.
While fudge does not have a specific shelf life, you can estimate the amount of time that the fudge stays fresh when stored correctly. Generally, fresh fudge, if stored correctly in a sealed container, will last for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature.
If stored at room temperature, fudge should finish one week after its best-by date. At room temperature, in a dry, dark space, you can expect the fudge to last one to two weeks. For example, fudge stored in an airtight container will likely keep for at least one to two weeks at room temperature, but will break down more slowly if you keep it in the refrigerator.
To learn about How To Preserve Food, check out my article where I cover everything you need to know
With appropriate storage, either in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, the fudge should last for several weeks at room temperature. You can double-wrap fudge, place it in an airtight container or in a freezer bag, then store in the freezer. To store the fudge in the freezer, the best way is to tightly wrap it with wax paper, and then wrap in plastic wrap, before placing it into a sealed container.
| Temperature | Shelf life |
| At room temperature | About 2 weeks |
| In refrigerator | 2-3 weeks |
As always, just be sure it is wrapped in wax paper or in a freezer-safe bag, and stored in a tightly sealed container that allows for the least amount of access to air. If you are staying in a hotel room and your fudge is unwrapped, at the very least, be sure to put it in a plastic bag overnight. Moisture, heat, and air all can affect fudges quality, so best to keep in a cool, dark area, inside a sealed container or bag. Once opened — or if it comes in a cardboard box or paper bag — you will want to move it into something that is sealed.
If possible, the fudge should be frozen in the largest chunks you can, because it will likely dry out more easily if you chop it up. If you are planning on keeping the fudge for the long haul, freezing it may keep any added ingredients from going bad. The best way to freeze your fudge is to wrap it in cling film, if you are going to keep it any longer than one month. Frozen fudge will keep in your freezer for months, and thaw out as creamy and delicious as before freezing.
Below, you will find a guide on the shelf life of fudge, as well as the best ways to store your fudge to ensure that you keep it as long as possible, and that you retain the sweetness of its sweetness. Most times, fudge is consumed in its first week… but, if you are planning to hold onto it beyond its 3-week shelf life, you can freeze your fudge up to one year with this simple process. Fudge is a confectionary food that has no set shelf life, however, if stored correctly, it remains safe for consumption within weeks. Fudge is a delicious home-made treat that lasts two weeks in the refrigerator, or even four, when stored correctly.
By the way, if you’re interested in How To Preserve Garlic, check out my article on that.
If you store your commercial fudge the right way, you will be able to enjoy a tasty homemade fudge, or one purchased at a convenience store, for a week or two. Commercially-produced fudge is probably going to last longer than homemade because it might contain preservatives. You would expect that homemade fudge would have a shorter shelf life than commercially produced because it does not include preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Unlike fudge in stores, fudge does not contain preservatives that keep your sweet treat cold, and usually has less sugar and butter. The higher amount of sugar and fat in the fudge acts as a good preservative, which allows the treat to remain tasty much longer than it would with a brownie or another similar baked good.
Like most desserts, fudge has the potential of spoiling, but determining exactly how long the product will last is difficult due to a number of different recipes incorporating varying ingredients. Fudge packaged in a store has a higher tendency to remain fresh longer than homemade fudge.
Keeping your fudge in the refrigerator can make it slightly firmer than eating it right out of the box at room temperature, although that depends on if other ingredients are included, such as cream cheese or butter (which really do spoil faster). Your fudge may also get stale and gross if you are lax about cooling it to an optimal temperature. In cases when fudge experiences a change of temperature, or is exposed to warmer temperatures or higher humidity, it may either melt or develop a slick texture.
If a fudge has started melting and has a gooey, slimy texture, then it is definitely gone. Check for consistency: If your fudge has solidified or is slick, it is most certainly unsafe to consume. The worst thing that could happen to your fudge is it can get dried out: It will be harder to eat, and the texture will get crumbly and unappetizing.
When exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations, in very rare cases, it can turn sour, but this is still harmless and does not cause serious health problems. Generally, heat, humidity, and air negatively impact the quality of your homemade fudge over time, so you will want to store your products accordingly. Storing your fudge in a sealed container is the best way to keep out excess moisture and keep it at its original quality. Fudge stored refrigerated will keep its flavor and consistency intact for three or four weeks, particularly if you are able to keep the moisture out of the mix.
You can store the fudge in the fridge if you think it tastes better that way — and some people like it this way. Once your fudge has fully defrosted in the fridge, you can take it to room temperature before cutting, and then you can either serve at room temperature or put it back in the fridge. In the fridge, the freshest fudge will last the longest, but if you are struggling for refrigerator space, a cabinet or the pantry is also a good option.
As long as you use clean utensils every time you dip into it, and you do not leave any external food scraps, your fudge should survive well out of the fridge on its own. The day that fudge is made, it is pretty much ready to be eaten out of a spoon, so we would not consider wrapping fudge before it is even set — at least one to two hours after it is been made.
What happens when you eat old fudge?
Even if the fudge has become dry or mushy, it is still safe to eat. The exception may be if the fudge has extra components such as nuts, which can mold, or other substances that can turn. There is a danger of becoming ill from consuming any mold in the long run.
Where is the best place to store fudge?
Keep the sealed container out of the sun if you do not want your fudge to melt and get mushy. It will rot more quickly in the heat of the sun. A cupboard or pantry is always the ideal place to store items when they are at room temperature.
Can you freeze fudge made with condensed milk?
Most definitely! Although some people assert that once thawed, frozen fudge with condensed milk won’t have the same consistency and flavor, I don’t believe that to be the case. You can still get delicious fudge after it has thawed as long as you are careful with the packing.