Key Lime Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Learn how to make key lime fudge with these easy step-by-step recipe instructions. Sweet and tangy and oh so fragrant this lime fudge recipe is addicting. Simple to make, this fudge recipe is terrific for sharing, gifting, or when you want to indulge at home.

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

This easy lime fudge recipe is a sweet treat the whole family will enjoy. Made with fairly common ingredients, you can make this easy recipe with your children or grandchildren – this is such a simple recipe that nearly anyone can make it!

How to make Key Lime Fudge:

1. Prep – Spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray, line it with parchment paper, and get a double boiler going.
2. Melt the white chocolate, add sweetened condensed milk, add key lime juice, and key lime zest, and mix.
3. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, smooth, and garnish.
4. Chill – Let the fudge chill for 6 hours or until completely firm.
5. Cut – Once firm, remove the fudge and slice the fudge recipe on a cutting board. Enjoy!

What is the difference between key limes and limes?

Key limes – the name comes from their close association to the Florida Keys – are also known as West Indian lime, bartender’s lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime (Citrus x aurantifolia). Key limes are smaller, seedier, tarter, and have a thinner rind than the Persian lime we purchase regularly at the store. The Key lime is picked while green and turns yellowish as it ripens. Persian limes (Citrus x latifolia) are what we think of as regular limes and commonly available for purchase in local grocery stores, have fewer seeds, are sweeter, and are larger in size.

If you enjoy making homemade fudge recipes, try these easy fudge recipes:

Strawberry Fudge Recipe
Salted Dark Chocolate Bourbon Fudge Recipe
Chocolate Amaretto Swirl Fudge Recipe

Tips and variations for making this Key Lime Fudge Recipe:

● Double boiler – The only thing you have to watch for is that your chocolates are melting at pretty much the same rate in the double boiler. And please use a double boiler and do not try melting the chocolate in a microwave. The double boiler will prevent burning and hardening, and the microwave… does not.
● Zest the key limes from the lime rind before extracting the juice. The difference between the lime peel and the lime rind is that the peel includes all parts of the exterior of the lime, including the white pith. The rind is the color that you zest.
● The two (2) large key limes should render the four (4) tablespoons of juice necessary to make this recipe.
● Substituting limes for key limes will make this less sweet-tart. Not a bad thing. Some people mix ½ lemon juice, ½ lime juice to approximate the taste of key lime juice.
● Do not overcook – As soon as the chocolate chips melt, add the sweetened condensed milk, give it a stir, and get it off that heat.
● This is not a key lime pie fudge recipe. That would involve a bottom layer crust, usually Graham cracker crust. If you would like to add that, make certain it is baked before proceeding with this recipe.

● If you plan on making 36 servings, that is cutting 6 rows x 6 rows. If you plan on making 25 servings, that is cutting 5 rows by 5 rows.
● Place one sheet of parchment paper across the pan. Place the second sheet of parchment paper across the first sheet (to form an +).
● It is best if the rest of the ingredients are not altered as they specifically complement or counteract each other in the perfect manner. I would not be able to offer any other suggestions as substitutions that would work in the same manner.
● Fudge can be stored in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. It will last up to two weeks in either situation. Do not store fudge at room temperature.

Key Lime Fudge Recipe Ingredients:

● 24 oz White Chocolate Chips
● 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
● 4 TBSP Fresh Key Lime Juice
● Zest of 2 Large Key Limes

Key Lime Fudge Mise en Place:

Spatula
● Spoon
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
8″x8″ Cake Pan
● Double Boiler
Parchment Paper

Key Lime Fudge Recipe Directions:

1. Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper (in the shape of a +). Set aside.

2. Over medium heat boil the water in your double boiler. In the double boiler upper container (or a bowl snugly fitted over a saucepan filled with simmering water), melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.

3. When the chips are melted, add in the key lime juice and the key lime zest. Reserve ½ teaspoon of the lime zest for garnish. Mix until well combined.

4. Spread the key lime fudge mixture in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Sprinkle the remaining key lime zest, evenly on the top of the fudge.
6. Allow the key lime fudge to chill in the fridge for 6 hours, up to overnight.

7. Remove the fudge by picking up the ends of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and using a sharp knife cut into 25 (5×5) or 36 (6×6) even squares.

8. Serve immediately.

9. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Yield: 1

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

Key Lime Fudge Recipe (15)

Key Lime Fudge Recipe. Learn how to make key lime fudge with these easy step-by-step recipe instructions. Sweet and tangy and oh so fragrant this lime fudge recipe is addicting. Simple to make, this fudge recipe is terrific for sharing, gifting, or when you want to indulge at home

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time5 minutes

Additional Time6 hours

Total Time6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 oz White Chocolate Chips
  • 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 4 TBSP Fresh Key Lime Juice
  • Zest of 2 Large Key Limes

Instructions

    1. Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper (in the shape of a +). Set aside.
    2. Over medium heat boil the water in your double boiler. In the double boiler upper container (or a bowl snugly fitted over a saucepan filled with simmering water), melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
    3. When the chips are melted, add in the key lime juice and the key lime zest. Reserve ½ teaspoon of the lime zest for garnish. Mix until well combined.
    4. Spread the key lime fudge mixture in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
    5. Sprinkle the remaining key lime zest, evenly on the top of the fudge.
    6. Allow the key lime fudge to chill in the fridge for 6 hours, up to overnight.
    7. Remove the fudge by picking up the ends of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and using a sharp knife cut into 25 (5×5) or 36 (6×6) even squares.
    8. Serve immediately.
    9. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Substituting Persian limes for key limes will make this less sweet-tart. Not a bad thing. Some people mix ½ lemon juice, ½ lime juice to approximate the taste of key lime juice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 150Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g

Note: for exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information provided is simply a guideline.

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Key Lime Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is key lime fudge made of? ›

How do you make Key Lime Fudge? Evaporated milk, sugar and salt are heated together in a saucepan and boiled for 8 minutes. Once that mixture has boiled for several minutes, it'll be piping hot. At that point, you'll pull the pan off the stove and stir in marshmallows, white chocolate, lime zest and lime juice.

Can you use regular lime juice for key lime? ›

Unless you live in the Florida Keys, key limes are near impossible to find. Furthermore, they're so tiny that you'd need to juice at least twenty of them for this recipe. No thank you! Ordinary limes make an exceptional Key lime pie, and they are a much better alternative to bracingly tart bottled Key lime juice.

How many key limes equal one lime? ›

As key limes ripen, they turn a yellow hue and lose acidity. The juice takes on a sweeter flavor and has a unique aromatic flavor. Since key limes are smaller, it takes about 5 key limes to equal the juice you will get from 1 regular lime.

Is there a difference between key lime and lime? ›

Key limes have a flavor that is different from regular limes. They are more acidic and have a more intense, tangy taste – more “lime-y,” if you will. Some people describe the flavor of key limes as slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. They also have a floral aroma that is more noticeable than regular limes.

What is so special about Key lime pie? ›

Now recognized as an important symbol of Florida, The Florida State Legislature sees key limes as not only an important export, but important in Florida's history. The most pivotal part of the pie is the filling. The “sweet spot” between the tart key lime, and the creamy condensed milk is crucial for the pie's quality.

Why is Publix Key lime pie so good? ›

Key limes have more acidity, which makes them more tart. That's the reason why they pair so well with sweet ingredients. Publix also uses whipped cream instead of meringue. This is a big one for me.

Can you use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes? ›

Although it seems like a simple swap, you need to be careful when substituting bottled lime juice for fresh. Check the label to be sure it is pure juice; some varieties, such as the popular Rose's label, are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

Are Mexican key limes the same as Florida Key limes? ›

A key lime, also known as a Mexican lime or West Indies lime, is a type of hybrid citrus fruit commonly grown in the Florida Keys. They typically measure about one to two inches in diameter.

Why is it called key lime? ›

The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie. It is also known as West Indian lime, bartender's lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime, the last classified as a distinct race with a thicker skin and darker green colour.

Why are key limes so expensive? ›

Nearly every lime Americans eat comes from Mexico, but lime prices spiked almost $4 in early 2022, and stores had trouble keeping their shelves stocked. Droughts, extreme heat, and disease have hit farms across Mexico, making it hard to keep up. In very dry conditions, the lime skin is too smooth and may turn yellow.

Are key limes healthier than lemons? ›

Both lemons and limes have similar nutrients. Lemons contain more vitamin C and antioxidant flavonoids than limes. However, limes have slightly higher levels of minerals and vitamins than lemons. For example, limes have more niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium than lemons.

Are key limes from the Florida Keys? ›

Though the lime is strongly associated with the Florida Keys and its popular name even comes from this association, Key limes are actually native to tropical Southeast Asia. 1 Its other names include West Indian lime, bartender's lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime.

Can you eat the skin on a key lime? ›

Answer. Yes, you can eat the rind of a lime. The outer layer can be used for zesting to add flavor to water and beverages, dressings, marinades, and baked goods. Did you know the juice and zest from lemons or limes can work as a salt substitute and may help prevent the cold and flu?

What are the benefits of eating key limes? ›

Research published in Pharmacognosy Review reveals that, when used daily, key lime has antibacterial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It provides metabolites that help protect the body from disease.

Can you use key limes in drinks? ›

When it comes to adding acidity to drinks, a select few bartenders are reaching for Key limes, rather than the standard Persian. From simple sours like the Daiquiri to lavish tiki staples like the Mai Tai, limes are an essential building block for entire categories of co*cktails.

What are key limes made of? ›

Key lime is probably a tri-hybrid intergeneric cross (a three-way hybrid involving three plant species and at least two different genera) of citron (Citrus medica), pummelo (Citrus grandis), and a microcitrus species, Citrus micrantha.

What is the flavor key lime? ›

Key limes tend to be small and seedy, with a distinctive lime flavor that is tart but not too acidic. They also have a distinct aroma, far more aromatic than common limes. 2 Grocery store limes, generally speaking, are Persian limes, the most widely commercially cultivated variety of lime.

What is fudge made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

What does key lime dessert taste like? ›

What does key lime pie taste like? Citrusy, sweet, and tart are the three words that come to mind when I think of key lime pie. Traditional key lime pie filling contains key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks giving it a sweet and slightly bitter flavor.

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