Key Lime Fudge

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Boil salt, sugar, and milk. Melt in white chocolate, lime juice, marshmallows, and zest. Pour, cool, slice, and enjoy this tangy treat!

A woman in a white chef's outfit with a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:17:42 GMT
A pile of smooth, lime-flavored fudge pieces surrounded by fresh lime halves and shreds of lime zest. Pin it
A pile of smooth, lime-flavored fudge pieces surrounded by fresh lime halves and shreds of lime zest. | cuisinegenial.com

I've transformed my summertime pie favorite into this incredible fudge creation! The tangy lime blended with smooth creaminess makes your mouth water with each bite. People always sneak back for seconds whenever I bring this treat to gatherings. Once you sample it, you'll be completely addicted!

What Makes This So Irresistible

The combination of zesty lime with creamy white chocolate creates pure magic. It's like the perfect marriage between your favorite pie and fudge! And it's way simpler to make than you might expect. My children always want to help squeeze those limes, and nobody can resist trying to get the last lick of the mixing spoon.

Your Ingredient List

  • Dairy Base: 2/3 cup evaporated milk (regular, not sweetened)
  • Sweetener: 2 cups granulated sugar
  • Seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Soft Stuff: 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • Sweet Chips: 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
  • Fruit Juice: 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
  • Flavor Boost: 2 teaspoons lime zest

Simple Preparation Steps

Prep Work
Put parchment paper in your pan first this makes removing the fudge super easy afterward!
Begin The Mix
Combine milk, sugar, and salt in your pot. Stir constantly while heating until bubbles form. Continue stirring for another 8 minutes your arm will get tired but the results are amazing!
Mix Everything
Remove from heat and add all remaining ingredients marshmallows, white chocolate, lime juice, and zest. Keep stirring until everything looks smooth and shiny.
Cool Down
Transfer to your prepared pan and level the surface. Let it cool at room temperature before moving to the fridge to set completely.
Enjoy Your Creation
Slice into squares and watch how quickly they vanish! Store any leftovers in the fridge if they actually last!

Customize Your Treat

No key limes available? Standard limes work just fine! Sometimes I add a tiny bit of green food coloring for visual appeal, and sprinkling crushed graham crackers on top gives that authentic pie taste!

Pro Tricks

Never skip using fresh lime zest it completely transforms the flavor! Make sure you don't stop stirring during cooking or you'll end up with lumps. In a time crunch? Nellie & Joe's bottled key lime juice works wonderfully!

Storage Advice

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

Tasty Variations

Try adding crushed graham crackers on top for that authentic pie experience. Love coconut? Mix some in! I sometimes drizzle extra melted white chocolate across the top it looks super impressive!

Tools For Success

You'll want a good cooking pot, sturdy spatula, and candy thermometer if you have one. Don't forget an 8x8 baking dish and parchment paper they'll make your life so much easier!

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

This fudge becomes the hit of any gathering from summer cookouts to winter celebrations. I love packaging small batches as gifts the sweet-tangy flavor combo always gets rave reviews!

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. | cuisinegenial.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap key limes with regular ones?

Sure, regular limes work too! They’re usually a bit less tangy, so adjust the amount of juice to taste.

→ What do marshmallows add to this fudge?

They keep the fudge smooth, help stabilize it, and stop sugar crystals from showing up.

→ Why line the pan with foil first?

It’s way easier to lift out the fudge later, plus cutting it becomes super neat. Just butter it to avoid sticking.

→ Is stirring the mixture really necessary?

It sure is! Stirring keeps the blend smooth, stops burning, and gets the texture just right. Don’t skip it.

→ What if I don’t have a kitchen thermometer?

If you boil for 5–6 minutes and the mix thickens, you’re good to go. Just keep the heat steady and watch the color.

Key Lime Fudge

Silky white chocolate squares flavored with zesty lime. Every chewy bite bursts with a perfect blend of sweetness and citrus.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
23 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 5 ounces of evaporated milk, 2% variety.
02 1 and 2/3 cups of plain white sugar.
03 Half a teaspoon of table salt.
04 12 big marshmallows, cut into quarters.
05 Two cups of white chocolate chips.
06 A quarter cup of lime zest (5 limes' worth).
07 Key lime juice, 2 tablespoons (5-7 limes).

Instructions

Step 01

Cover the bottom of an 8-inch pan with foil, then add butter to grease it.

Step 02

Stir milk, salt, and sugar together in a sturdy pot. Heat over medium until bubbling.

Step 03

Keep it boiling for 5-6 minutes on medium-low and stir non-stop.

Step 04

Take it off the stove. Mix in the marshmallows, chocolate, zest, and juice until everything melts and blends together.

Step 05

Pour it into the pan and smooth it out. Let it cool all the way.

Step 06

Once cool, slice into 1-inch squares.

Notes

  1. Regular green limes can stand in for key limes.
  2. An 8-inch pan gives better results than a 9-inch one.
  3. Double boilers aren’t mandatory but can make the process easier.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy pot or a double boiler.
  • A square 8-inch pan.

Allergy Information

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