The Key Lime Fudge is a rich, tangy, and smooth dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing tartness of key limes. This melt-in-your-mouth fudge is an excellent summer treat, holiday dessert, or edible gift for lime lovers.
The best part? It’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and doesn’t require any complicated candy-making techniques. Whether you’re a fudge fanatic or a citrus enthusiast, this recipe will leave you craving more!
Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for a light lime hue)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for a crust, optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using a graham cracker crust)
Tools:
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Knife for slicing
Pro Tips
- Use fresh key limes. The flavor is more vibrant than bottled juice. If you can’t find key limes, Persian limes work as a substitute.
- Stir continuously. When melting the chocolate and butter, keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Let it set properly. Chill the fudge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Use a sharp knife. For clean slices, wipe the blade between cuts.
- Enhance the flavor. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the citrusy notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut condensed milk and dairy-free white chocolate.
- Extra Crunch: Add white chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts into the fudge before setting.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Press a mix of 1 cup crushed graham crackers and 2 tablespoons melted butter into the pan before pouring in the fudge. This adds a “pie-like” element.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical touch.
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the edges for easy removal. If making a graham cracker crust, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
2. Melt the White Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Add the Key Lime Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the key lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and salt. If you want a slight green tint, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly combined.
4. Pour and Smooth
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle extra lime zest on top for decoration.
5. Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until the fudge is completely firm.
6. Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares with a sharp knife. Serve chilled and enjoy the zesty, creamy goodness!
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
The Key Lime Fudge is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will satisfy any dessert craving. Whether you’re making it for a summer party, a holiday platter, or as a homemade gift, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you add your own creative twist? Happy fudge-making! 
