Coal Fudge Recipe
Introduction
Coal fudge is a rich, creamy treat perfect for the holidays or any time you want a decadent sweet. Its striking black color makes it a fun and festive twist on traditional chocolate fudge. Easy to make and irresistibly smooth, this fudge will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (16 ounce) container marshmallow fluff
- 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Black gel food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a 9×13 or 11×15 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with butter or a thin layer of non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine sugar, marshmallow fluff, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Stir over medium-low heat until the sugar melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring as the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Step 4: Once boiling, cook stirring constantly until the temperature reaches 234-240°F (soft-ball stage), about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and black gel food coloring. Mix until smooth and adjust food coloring to achieve the desired depth of black.
- Step 6: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and allow it to set at room temperature until firm. Use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan and cut it into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the perfect temperature for fudgy consistency.
- For a sleeker texture, beat the fudge slightly once it cools but before it fully sets.
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before setting for a salty-sweet contrast.
Storage
Store coal fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To re-soften, microwave small pieces for a few seconds until slightly warm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can chop baking chocolate or chocolate bars into small pieces and use them. Just ensure they melt smoothly into the mixture.
Why is food coloring needed for coal fudge?
The black gel food coloring gives the fudge its signature coal-black appearance, making it fun and unique. The color doesn’t affect the taste but adds visual appeal for special occasions.
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Coal Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares 1x
Description
This Coal Fudge recipe creates rich, chocolatey fudge with a thick, smooth texture and a dramatic black color. The fudge combines melted sugar, marshmallow fluff, evaporated milk, butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, infused with vanilla and black gel food coloring. Perfect for gifting or a special dessert treat, this fudge sets at room temperature for an easy, no-bake finish.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (16 ounce) container marshmallow fluff
- 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chocolate & Flavoring
- 24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Black gel food coloring (quantity as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13 or 11×15 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside to use after cooking.
- Combine and melt ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add sugar, marshmallow fluff, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Stir over medium-low heat to melt and combine the mixture thoroughly.
- Bring to boil: Once the sugar is fully dissolved, increase the heat to medium and continue stirring while bringing the mixture to a full boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Maintain a boil and stir constantly until the temperature reaches between 234°F and 240°F (soft-ball stage), which typically takes about 5 minutes.
- Add chocolate and flavorings: Remove pot from heat and immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and black gel food coloring. Mix until the fudge becomes smooth and evenly colored. Add additional food coloring as needed for desired blackness.
- Set the fudge: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let it set at room temperature until firm.
- Serve: Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring during the boiling step to prevent the fudge from burning.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature for best texture.
- Black gel food coloring is preferred as it provides a deep color without altering the fudge consistency.
- Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a firmer fudge, refrigerate after setting at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: coal fudge, black fudge, chocolate fudge, homemade fudge, marshmallow fudge, holiday fudge

