Tangy Key Lime Fudge Recipe

Zesty Key Lime Fudge Recipe: A Tangy Sweet Treat

Cool summer days call for a zesty lime fudge that dances between tangy and sweet, promising pure dessert bliss.

This key lime fudge recipe delivers a creamy, vibrant treat that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Bursting with bright citrus notes, the fudge captures the essence of tropical refreshment in every single bite.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create an unexpectedly luxurious dessert that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

Silky smooth and packed with zingy lime flavor, this fudge transforms an ordinary afternoon into a delightful culinary experience.

Rich white chocolate provides the perfect canvas for the lime bold personality.

Whip up this irresistible treat and let your taste buds embark on a delicious vacation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 13

Key Lime Fudge Ingredient List

For Base Preparation:
  • Non-Stick Tin Foil or Parchment Paper: Ensures effortless fudge removal and clean presentation with zero sticking.
  • Baking Spray: Provides extra non-stick insurance for smooth release.
For Fudge Mixture:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Delivers creamy sweetness and smooth texture, select high-quality chips for rich flavor.
  • Key Lime Curd: Adds vibrant citrusy punch and tangy brightness, choose fresh and zesty variety for maximum flavor impact.
For Chilling and Serving:
  • Tin Foil or Plastic Wrap: Protects fudge during refrigeration and prevents moisture absorption.
  • Refrigerator: Helps fudge set perfectly and develop ideal firm consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Mixing and Molding Fudge

  • Microwave-safe mixing bowl: Essential for melting chocolate and key lime curd smoothly.
  • 8-inch square baking pan: Perfect for creating uniform fudge pieces.
  • Non-stick tin foil or parchment paper: Helps easily remove fudge after chilling.
  • Baking spray: Optional, for preventing sticking if using regular tin foil.
  • Measuring cups: For accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting fudge into clean, even squares.

How to Make Tangy Key Lime Fudge

  • Preparation Surface

Set up a clean baking pan with smooth, non-stick liner for easy fudge removal.

  • Creamy Mixture

Combine white chocolate chips and zesty key lime curd in a microwave-safe bowl, creating a tangy sweet base.

  • Gentle Heating

Warm the mixture carefully using microwave, allowing gentle melting with pauses between short bursts of heat.

  • Smooth Consistency

Stir ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform texture with no remaining chip chunks.

  • Pan Placement

Spread the glossy mixture evenly across prepared pan, ensuring smooth surface.

  • Cooling Zone

Cover fudge and let it rest in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.

  • Serving Style

Once completely chilled, remove from refrigerator and slice into bite-sized squares with clean, sharp knife.

  • Enjoyment

Savor these creamy, citrusy treats that blend sweet and tangy notes in every delightful bite.

Tips for Enhancing Key Lime Flavor

  • Add extra key lime zest directly into the mixture for a more intense citrusy punch that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top or mix crushed graham crackers into the fudge for a beach-inspired texture and flavor profile.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining its creamy consistency and bright flavor.
  • Let the fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth softness that highlights the smooth, silky texture.

Serving Key Lime Fudge for Parties

  • Tropical Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside fresh mango slices or coconut sorbet for a refreshing Caribbean-inspired complement that enhances the key lime's zesty flavor.
  • Beach Party Presentation: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative platter with small cocktail umbrellas or garnish with lime zest sprinkles to create a fun, summery display perfect for poolside gatherings.
  • Gourmet Gift Idea: Package the fudge squares in clear cellophane bags tied with a bright green ribbon, creating a delightful homemade treat that looks professionally crafted and makes a wonderful hostess or holiday gift.
  • Coffee Companion: Pair these sweet, tangy fudge squares with a strong espresso or creamy coconut latte to balance the rich, citrusy notes and elevate your afternoon snack experience.

Fudge Storage Tips for Freshness

  • Refrigerator Champ Storage: Keep your key lime fudge in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cool environment helps maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Freezer Friend Technique: Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months, perfect for sweet emergency treats or unexpected guests.
  • Room Temperature Trick: Let fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing its melt-in-your-mouth smoothness and releasing those zesty key lime notes.
  • Smart Serving Strategy: Stack fudge pieces between parchment paper layers when storing to prevent sticking. This method keeps each square looking pristine and makes grabbing a quick treat super easy.
Print
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Tangy Key Lime Fudge Recipe

Tangy Key Lime Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful key lime fudge brings tropical zest to classic dessert recipes. Creamy white chocolate and tangy lime create a refreshing sweet treat that delights palates with its smooth, rich texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ⅓ cups (320 ml) key lime curd
  • 2428 oz (680794 g) white chocolate chips
  • 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) key lime zest
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage for effortless extraction.
  2. Melting Process: Combine white chocolate chips and key lime curd in a microwave-safe bowl, positioning centrally for uniform heating.
  3. Heating Technique: Microwave at reduced power, gently warming the mixture while stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
  4. Homogenization: Continue stirring until chocolate chips dissolve completely, creating a uniform, glossy lime-infused cream with no visible lumps.
  5. Pan Transfer: Pour the luminous mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a perfectly leveled surface.
  6. Chilling Stage: Cover the fudge with protective wrap and refrigerate, allowing the confection to solidify and develop its rich, creamy texture for several hours.
  7. Final Presentation: Remove the chilled fudge from the refrigerator, lift from the pan using parchment paper edges, and slice into precise, uniform squares that highlight the vibrant key lime essence.

Notes

  • Precision Matters: Use a microwave-safe bowl with tall sides to prevent overflow and ensure even melting of chocolate and lime curd.
  • Temperature Control: Microwave at 50% power in short 15-second intervals to avoid scorching white chocolate, which can quickly burn and become grainy.
  • Texture Technique: Stir thoroughly after each microwave interval to distribute heat evenly and create a silky-smooth fudge consistency.
  • Chilling Strategy: Allow fudge to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to achieve the perfect firm yet creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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