Lemon Fudge

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Melt condensed milk with white chocolate and a hint of lemon extract. Add food coloring or zest, if you like, then let it set in the fridge. Quick to make, firm in hours.

A woman in a white chef's outfit with a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:17:43 GMT
Squares of lemon-flavored candy on a plate, garnished with zest, next to fresh-cut lemons on a table. Pin it
Squares of lemon-flavored candy on a plate, garnished with zest, next to fresh-cut lemons on a table. | cuisinegenial.com

I can't believe how simple this lemon fudge is! Just grab three basic ingredients for the smoothest, tangiest sweet treat ever. My kitchen always smells wonderfully citrusy whenever I make a batch. And guess what? It barely takes any time to throw together!

What Makes This Fudge Irresistible

I'm all about recipes that don't need fancy cooking tricks, and this one's top-notch! It's done in just ten minutes. The white chocolate creates that super smooth texture, while fresh lemon adds such a bright flavor kick. Everyone at parties always asks me to bring this!

Your Shopping List

  • Sweet Base: A 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
  • White Chocolate: 3 cups chopped (worth buying quality here!)
  • Lemon Extract: A single teaspoon
  • Optional Color: Yellow food coloring for a sunny look
  • Extra Flavor: Fresh lemon zest really brightens it up
  • Decorations: Sprinkles to add some sparkle

Easy Steps

Combine Basics
Put condensed milk in a pot with lemon extract and yellow coloring if you want. Mix it well.
Add Chocolate
Drop in your white chocolate chunks and keep stirring over gentle heat until everything's silky smooth.
Boost Flavor
Need more tang? Add some fresh lemon zest right now.
Set It Up
Scoop everything into your paper-lined pan, flatten the surface, sprinkle toppings if you'd like, then stick it in the fridge until firm.
Ready To Share
Slice into squares and watch them quickly vanish! Store any extras in the fridge.

Personalize It

I sometimes add crushed meringues on top for a pie-like feel. Or try switching to orange extract that's amazing too! Don't be afraid to play with toppings smashed cookies taste fantastic.

Pro Pointers

Don't go for budget white chocolate it won't melt properly. Keep your heat low and constant, and pick quality lemon extract. It really does matter!

Storage Advice

Store in an airtight container and it'll stay delicious in the fridge for weeks (only a week if you added fresh zest). You can even put it in the freezer for up to two months. If the top gets tacky, just let it sit open for a little while.

Serving Ideas

Let the fudge come to room temp before eating it'll taste much creamier. I enjoy wrapping pieces as small gifts, or putting them out during gatherings. My absolute favorite is enjoying a piece with afternoon tea!

A tray of lemon fudge squares, garnished with lemon zest, is arranged on parchment paper with whole lemons in the background. Pin it
A tray of lemon fudge squares, garnished with lemon zest, is arranged on parchment paper with whole lemons in the background. | cuisinegenial.com

Try New Toppings

Get fancy with your decorations! Colorful sprinkles make it playful, or add crushed cookies for texture. I've even tried different jello flavors to create cool varieties like raspberry or lime!

Tangy Sweet Bliss

This fudge truly combines the best elements creamy sweetness with a zesty lemon punch. After making it once, you'll want to keep some in your fridge all the time. It's really that addictive!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap lemon juice for extract?

It's better to stick with extract since juice can ruin the mixture. For natural taste, lemon zest works, but it won't last as long.

→ What if my candy won't harden?

Always use bar chocolate, not chips. Chill it completely for best results. Leaving it overnight is ideal for easy cutting.

→ Can I store this in the freezer?

Sure, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. The texture might slightly change but still tastes great.

→ Why gel over liquid food coloring?

Gel keeps the texture right while giving vibrant hues. Liquid may work but can mess with the consistency, so use just a drop or two.

→ What if lemon extract isn't available?

As an alternative, use lemon jelly crystals. Dissolve them in water first, then mix in the remaining ingredients for a similar burst of flavor.

Lemon Fudge

Creamy lemon-flavored white chocolate squares made with 3 ingredients, plus optional zest or sprinkles for an extra pop of flavor.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 14oz (395g) of sweetened condensed milk in a can.
02 A tablespoon of lemon zest (optional).
03 19oz (540g) of white chocolate, chop it up roughly.
04 3 to 4 teaspoons of lemon extract.
05 Sprinkles for topping (if you want).
06 Yellow gel food dye (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with some baking parchment.

Step 02

In a saucepan, stir the condensed milk, lemon extract, and food dye (if you want to use it).

Step 03

Toss in the white chocolate and keep stirring over low to medium heat until it all melts together smoothly.

Step 04

If you're using lemon zest, stir it in now. Taste it and add more extract if you'd like a stronger flavor.

Step 05

Pour everything into the pan. Add sprinkles if you’d like, tap the pan so it settles. Chill for 4 hours or just leave it overnight.

Step 06

When it’s nice and firm, slice it into squares.

Notes

  1. Use blocks of chocolate, not chips.
  2. Lasts 2-3 weeks without zest, but only 1 week with it.
  3. You can swap lemon extract with jello crystals.

Tools You'll Need

  • A solid saucepan with a heavy bottom.
  • 8-inch square baking pan.

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g