Fudge can dry out and even mold if it isn’t stored properly. Here are some tips for creating an airtight seal and make it stay fresh for longer.
The time period in which fudge stays fresh for can vary depending on how you store it. However, most people end up eating the indulgent sweet treat before it has a chance to get stale.
While the high sugar content means that fudge can last a long time at room temperature, the milk and butter will be what cause it to dry out and go bad after a week or so.
There is a risk that fudge can even grow mold due to the dairy products used in it.
These are some of the different storage options for fudge and how you can make it last as long as possible. When considering how to store fudge, it is worth checking reviews of the recipe used or whether you have bought commercial fudge.
Commercially made fudge typically has a shorter shelf life than homemade, so it is important to consider how you are storing it in order to keep it fresher for longer.
This guide also includes some signs that fudge has expired, and what you can use to ensure it is stored properly.
Refrigerate
Check with the recipe or supplier that it won’t compromise the quality or taste of the product beforehand, but refrigerating fudge will make it last longer than when it is left at room temperature.
Depending on where you got your fudge from or if you made it yourself, it could be worth doing a little research into what ingredients risk dampening the overall flavor when refrigerated.
Ensure that you store your fudge in a sealed airtight container for added freshness, and to prevent any harmful bacteria from landing on the sweet treat.
The longevity of fudge is usually determined by the ingredients used. Fudge that isn’t homemade, or has been mass-produced, will often have a shorter shelf life. This is because of the ingredients that make it easier to produce in bulk.
Commercial fudge keeps fresh in the refrigerator 2-3 weeks after its best-by date. Homemade fudge can last 3-4 weeks when stored in the same way.
Freezing
Another way to keep your fudge as fresh as possible is to freeze it. This can be a good way to encourage portion control and ensure that you always have a sweet treat on hand.
If you have the space in your deep freeze, then freezing can make your fudge last the longest. If the fudge is still in an uncut slab, double wrap it tightly using wax paper followed by aluminum foil. This works by preventing it from sticking and creating a complete seal.
For added protection, try keeping it in an airtight container to prevent any damage from other foods, or freezer burn. When stored correctly, fudge can be frozen for as long as 3 months.
After that, the quality begins to reduce and some ingredients may start to break down and affect the taste.
In order to thaw the fudge when you want it, you can either move it to the refrigerator for a few hours, or even place it somewhere safe in the pantry to defrost in less time.
While it can be stiff at first, it is easy to cut into frozen fudge using a sharp knife, which is a great option if you want to pack a treat for your kids’ lunch or even indulge yourself.
Room Temperature
The most common way to store fudge is in a sealed or airtight container at room temperature. Whether you want to leave chunks on the counter for guests to pick at, or if you want a sweet treat for after dinner, keep fudge in the pantry.
Homemade fudge will keep at room temperature up to 14 days, whereas commercial fudge is usually good for a week after the best-by date.
Keeping fudge at room temperature allows for the easiest access to the sweet treat, and most people find that the fudge has all gone before they need to think about storing it.
Signs That Fudge Is Going Bad
Unlike other foods, it can be hard to tell when fudge is past its best and whether it is still safe or not. Some things to look out for are if it is giving off an odor, and even molding. This is usually because of the dairy in the fudge.
It can dry out when it isn’t being stored in an airtight container, which is one of the most widely seen signs that the fudge is no longer fresh. That said, most fudge gets eaten before it has the chance to go bad.
Helpful Products
When thinking about making the most out of your fudge, some things that are recommended to purchase are wax paper and some reliable airtight containers.
Wax paper is a great way to prevent sticking because of the wax involved. It can create a seal on large slabs of fudge and ensure that it stays fresher for longer. Put it between layers if storing large amounts, to allow for bulk storage.
Airtight Containers that have a seal option that allows you to squeeze out as much air as possible. This can ensure that the fudge stays fresher for longer. Make sure that you invest in food-grade products that are safe to store among other food items.
You can read more about storing fudge here, How To Store Fudge .
In Summary
If you want to keep fudge as fresh as possible, the storage option that ensures this is freezing it in a firmly sealed wrap of two layers. However, many choose to keep it in the refrigerator because it is much easier to access when you want it.
Before you consider storing fudge in the refrigerator, make sure that you have a sealable container that you can use to remove some air from.
Other people choose to keep fudge in the pantry, as some kinds of fudge alter the taste when it is chilled. Homemade fudge lasts notably longer than some that is commercially made.
Carefully check the ingredients and reviews on a company site or recipe to see how people have found the best place to store fudge and keep it as fresh as possible.
