Skip to Content

Does Fudge Go Bad?

Does Fudge Go Bad?

If you’re into fudge and are dying to know whether it goes bad or not, then hop on board!

Fudge is just one of those foods you can’t say no to.

I always buy fudge in bulk for the sole reason that my eyes are bigger than my stomach. True story, guys.

There’s always fun to be had when we end up at one of those Disneyland-style gas stations that have all of the sinfully delectable junk foods.

But just so we’re on the same page: Do you know which ones I’m talking about here? Well, some of them have this entire area dedicated to fudge. Seriously.

Those are the BEST!

And when you’re standing there being presented with ten thousand different kinds of fresh fudge, you know you MUST buy them all.

Then you get home and realize that you have seventy-five pounds of homemade fudge.

Standing there in that moment is when I always wonder how long will this fudge last?

Yes, fudge does go bad. 

However, it does last a long time, especially if it’s properly stored. Fudge can last up to two weeks stored at room temperature. It can also last up to four weeks in the refrigerator. 

On the other hand, fudge can last up to 12 months in the freezer.

How long can fudge sit out?

How long fudge can sit out will vary depending on how it was made. 

For instance, homemade fudge can sit out at room temperature for up to three weeks. It will taste best if it’s consumed within the first two weeks, though. 

And as homemade fudge doesn’t have any preservatives, it’s a bit different than store-bought fudge. 

Store-bought fudge will have a best-by date on the package, but fudge will often last longer than that date and that’s the good news.

Keep your fudge in a cool and dry place, and you’ll be snacking on that fudge for weeks.

Should I refrigerate fudge?

If you’re worried about the fudge getting too warm in the pantry or on the counter, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, I don’t recommend storing fudge in the refrigerator that quickly.

Fudge stored in the refrigerator should be stored properly in an airtight container. Fudge that’s stored in the fridge tends to dry out quicker than fudge stored in the pantry. 

However, if you’re like me and prefer the fudge to be a bit cold, just take great care when packaging the fudge. 

Often, fudge that you buy at a fudge shop comes packaged in cardboard and wrapped in wax paper. Don’t put fudge wrapped this way directly in the fridge as it will dry out quickly and won’t be all creamy.

How to tell if fudge is bad

The biggest clues to let you know that fudge is bad can be found in its texture and appearance. Meanwhile, note that it’s possible that it will get molds, but that’s rare.

Check for these signs of spoilage

If the fudge is dry and crumbling, it has gone bad. 

If the fudge has developed a white powder on the outside of it, it has likely gone bad. 

Now, it’s worth noting that you can eat fudge that has oxidized (developed the white powder) but it won’t taste as delicious as it once was. 

Also, you can still eat fudge that has dried out but it won’t be as tasty. 

It’s possible for fudge to grow mold or go rancid, but is very rare. Most of the time, fudge dries out over time and the chocolate starts oxidizing. 

Fudge with nuts, berries, or other ingredients is more likely to go bad because the nuts will eventually go rancid. So if you have fudge that has nuts or berries and you aren’t sure, sniff the fudge.

You can often smell that fudge with nuts has gone bad. Rancid nuts will make you sick, so be cautious when trying to decide whether or not to eat that fudge.

How to store fudge

The best way to store fudge is in a cool, dry, and dark place. To keep fudge in the best condition for the longest amount of time, place the fudge in an airtight container.

The best way to store fudge

  1. Wrap the fudge in wax paper
  2. Place the wrapped fudge in a baggie. 
  3. Squeeze as much air as possible out of the baggie and then seal the baggie.
  4. Place that baggie in another airtight container.
  5. Place that container in the pantry.

Remember that air is the enemy of fresh fudge. So while the instructions above may seem like a bit much, they are still the best ways to keep your fudge fresh longer. We can avoid a bad fudge for a long time if we just use proper storage methods.

Freezing fudge is the best long-term storage method. Alternatively, we wrote a full tutorial on how to freeze fudge. But just know that if you freeze fresh fudge, it can last up to a year.

Tip: If you choose to freeze your fudge, I recommend cutting it into smaller pieces.

The bottom line

If you store fudge the right way, chances are high that it will last a long time. This may surprise you but the shelf life of fudge can be up to three weeks! Yes, three weeks! 

For best results, these steps we’ve come up with on how to store fudge are all that you need!

Leftover fudge is such a tasty treat. So next time you’re at the candy store, know that you can buy a bit extra and enjoy it for weeks to come.