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 I use key limes instead of limes? ›

Key lime juice is prized for being tart and super-aromatic. You can use them in place of regular limes in any recipe, but they're an ideal choice for sweetened-up desserts like Key lime pie, cupcakes or thumbprint cookies.

Is there a difference between lime juice and Key lime juice? ›

In terms of taste, key limes have a higher acidity, making them a little more tart than what we consider "regular limes." This makes them ideal for pairing with sweeter ingredients, hence the ever-popular Key lime pie.

What is the difference between Key lime and Persian lime? ›

Persian limes are more acidic than Key limes, giving them a more tart flavor. Key limes are known for being aromatic and typically sweeter in taste, making them perfect for a refreshing pie. Persian limes can still be used as a substitute for many lime dishes.

What's the difference between a sweet lime and a Key lime? ›

Sweet limes are larger and rounder, offering a mild and sweet flavor with less acidity. They are often enjoyed fresh or used in beverages and desserts. Key limes, on the other hand, are smaller and more spherical with a tangy and acidic taste, accompanied by a unique aroma.

Why is Publix Key lime pie so good? ›

Rather, the key to perfecting the Publix key lime pie is a simple ingredient added to the graham cracker crust. It's not the graham crackers themselves that make the crust special, but rather the unique addition of crushed toasted almonds.

What is special about key limes? ›

The Key lime has thinner rind and is smaller, seedier, more acidic and more aromatic than the Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia). It is valued for its characteristic flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.

Are key limes healthier than regular limes? ›

While key limes are valued for their flavor and strong citrus aroma, they are also more costly. When it comes to nutrition, key limes and Persian limes are similar, both offering fiber and vitamin C, with few calories. They are basically interchangeable when used in recipes, although key limes offer a bolder taste.

Are Mexican limes and key limes the same thing? ›

A Key lime, also known as a Mexican lime, West Indian lime, or Florida Key lime, is significantly smaller and rounder. Key limes also contains seeds, while the Persian limes — sometimes called a Tahitian limes — found in grocery stores typically do not.

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

Nothing will bring forward the bright, citrusy, natural flavors and acidity like fresh squeezed limes. However, bottled lime juice is certainly a convenient option. If you decide to go this route, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is 100% lime juice with no added sweeteners or flavors.

Can I substitute bottled lime juice for fresh lime juice? ›

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.

Is key lime healthier than lemon? ›

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.

Is Tahitian lime the same as key lime? ›

Compared with key limes, Tahitian limes are larger in size, seedless and last for a longer time. They are also less bitter and have a more subtly citrus flavour.

What kind of limes do Mexicans use? ›

Mexican lime is known by many names such as Key lime, Bartender's lime, and West Indian lime. The trees are moderately-sized and bushy, almost shrub-like, and the leaves are distinctively aromatic when crushed. Some selections are quite thorny, while other selections are thornless.

Why are my key limes so small? ›

More often than not, a key lime is smaller and more yellow than a regular lime. When sliced in half, you'll also notice that the key lime has a thinner skin and contains more seeds. While the average lime weighs 3 ounces, a key lime generally weighs in at around 1 ounce.

What does Key lime contain? ›

Key lime nutrition is similar to Persian lime, even though it's a smaller fruit. It contains a healthy serving of vitamin C and fiber, with few calories. It also provides health-boosting metabolites, including: alkaloids.

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 makes Key lime flavor? ›

The Key lime has thinner rind and is smaller, seedier, more acidic and more aromatic than the Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia). It is valued for its characteristic flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.

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