Tangy Key Lime Fudge

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Heat milk, sugar, and salt until boiling. Mix in marshmallows, white chocolate, lime zest, and juice. Let cool, then slice into chewy squares for a citrus treat.

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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 01:10:53 GMT
Creamy fudge squares packed with lime zest and slices of lime surround them on the table. Pin it
Creamy fudge squares packed with lime zest and slices of lime surround them on the table. | chefmelt.com

I've transformed my summer pie favorite into incredible fudge! The tangy lime mixes perfectly with sweet creaminess, making your mouth water with every bite. People always sneak back for extra pieces at gatherings. Once you taste it, you'll be completely addicted!

What Makes This So Addictive

The combo of sour lime with creamy white chocolate creates pure magic. It's like the best dessert mashup ever! And it's way simpler than it looks. My children always fight to squeeze the limes, and everyone wants to clean the bowl when we're done.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Milk Base: 2/3 cup evaporated milk (regular, not sweetened)
  • For Sweetness: 2 cups granulated sugar
  • Just a Bit: 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • The Soft Part: 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • The Creamy Stuff: 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
  • The Sour Kick: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
  • Extra Flavor: 2 teaspoons lime zest

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prep Work
Put parchment paper in your pan—it'll make removing the fudge super easy later!
Begin The Process
Combine milk, sugar, and salt in your pot. Stir while heating until bubbles form. Continue cooking for 8 more minutes—your arm will get tired but the results are worth it!
Mix In Remaining Ingredients
Remove from heat then add marshmallows, white chocolate, lime juice, and zest. Keep stirring until everything looks smooth and shiny.
Cool It Down
Pour into your lined pan and flatten the surface. Let it cool at room temperature before putting it in the fridge to set completely.
Enjoy Your Treat
Slice into squares and watch them quickly vanish! Store any leftovers in the fridge—if they don't get eaten right away!

Custom Tweaks

Regular limes work just fine if key limes aren't available! Sometimes I add a tiny bit of green food coloring for looks, and sprinkling graham cracker crumbs on top gives it that authentic pie taste!

Inside Tricks

Don't skip the fresh lime zest—it's crucial for flavor! Keep your spoon moving during cooking or you'll end up with bumps. In a time crunch? Nellie & Joe's bottled key lime juice works great too!

Storage Advice

Store your fudge in a container in the fridge and it'll stay delicious for up to two weeks. Want to save it longer? Wrap it well and freeze it. Just don't forget to put wax paper between layers so they won't stick together!

Tasty Variations

Add graham cracker bits on top for that pie experience. Love coconut? Toss some in! I sometimes pour melted white chocolate over everything—it looks super impressive!

Tools For Success

You'll need a sturdy pot, good spatula, and candy thermometer if you have one. Don't forget an 8x8 baking dish and parchment paper—they make the whole process so much easier!

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

This fudge becomes the star at summer cookouts and Christmas parties alike. I love giving small batches as gifts—everyone goes crazy for that sweet-tart flavor combination!

A stack of lime-flavored fudge pieces sits on parchment paper next to halved limes. Pin it
A stack of lime-flavored fudge pieces sits on parchment paper next to halved limes. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap regular limes for key limes?

Sure thing! Regular limes work just fine. Use a little less juice since they tend to be milder in flavor.

→ What do marshmallows do in fudge?

They give the fudge a smooth finish and structure. Plus, they stop the sugar from crystallizing.

→ Why cover the pan with foil?

Foil makes it simple to remove the fudge later and keeps the slices looking neat. Butter the foil so it doesn’t stick.

→ Do I really need to stir the whole time?

Absolutely. Stirring keeps the bottom from burning and makes sure it’s smooth. It’s worth the extra work!

→ How do I know if it’s ready without a thermometer?

If it boils for 5-6 minutes, the mix should thicken and darken a bit. Timing works if you keep an even heat going.

Key Lime Fudge

Silky white chocolate fudge with a punch of lime zest and juice. A tasty mix of tart and sweet in every piece.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
23 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup lime zest from about 5 limes, finely grated.
02 1 2/3 cups white sugar.
03 5 oz can of reduced-fat evaporated milk.
04 2 tablespoons lime juice from 5-7 key limes.
05 1/2 teaspoon of regular table salt.
06 2 cups of white chocolate chips.
07 12 jumbo marshmallows, cut into four pieces each.

Instructions

Step 01

Line an 8x8 pan with foil, then butter it up all over.

Step 02

In a big saucepan, stir together sugar, milk, and salt. Heat up on medium until it boils.

Step 03

Turn the heat down a bit and keep it boiling gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring like crazy so nothing sticks.

Step 04

After taking the pan off the heat, toss in the marshmallows, chocolate pieces, lime zest, and juice. Mix it up until it's creamy and smooth.

Step 05

Pour the mixture into the pan, smoothing it out so it's even. Let it cool off completely.

Step 06

Once set, cut into neat little squares of about an inch each.

Notes

  1. Regular limes work if you don't have key limes.
  2. Smaller pans like 8x8 work better than 9x9 ones.
  3. Double boilers aren't required, but they make life easier.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy saucepan or a double boiler if preferred.
  • An 8x8 square baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: ~