Get ready to meet your new favorite sweet treat! Key Lime Fudge is the ultimate marriage of creamy white chocolate and zesty, sun-kissed citrus, all wrapped up in a smooth square that practically melts on your tongue. This no-bake delight is as impressive as it is easy, and every bite brings a burst of tangy freshness followed by rich, silky sweetness. Whether you’re serving these up at a potluck or hoarding them for yourself (I won’t judge!), there’s no resisting the vibrant flavor and dreamy texture of homemade Key Lime Fudge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about letting a handful of quality ingredients shine — each one plays a starring role in flavor, color, and that signature creamy texture. Don’t worry: everything on the list is simple to find and easy to use, but together they make Key Lime Fudge taste downright magical.

3 cups white chocolate chips: These provide the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth base for our fudge and balance the tartness of the lime.
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: The secret to fudgy, luxurious texture and the right amount of sweetness in every bite.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps everything blend into a velvety batter.
2 teaspoons key lime zest: The zest delivers bold, aromatic citrus flavor—fresh is best for maximum zing!
¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled): Key lime juice gives the fudge its classic, irresistible tartness.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors and keep the sweetness in balance.
Green food coloring (optional): For that pretty pastel pop—totally optional, but adds a fun, festive look.
Crushed graham crackers (optional, for topping): Adds a playful crunch and nods to key lime pie, making each bite extra special.

How to Make Key Lime Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This little trick will make your fudge super easy to lift out and cut once it’s set. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 2: Melt the Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly and patiently — you want the mixture to be completely smooth with no lumps. This step is where all the creaminess begins!

Step 3: Add Those Signature Flavors

Once your base is melted and off the heat, stir in the key lime zest, key lime juice, salt, and a drop or two of green food coloring if you’re using it. The magic happens here: the zest and juice wake up the fudge with their refreshing citrusy punch. Stir until everything looks creamy and beautiful.

Step 4: Pour and Smooth

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. If you love a little crunch or a pie-inspired touch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the surface. Press them in very lightly so they stick without sinking.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop the pan in the fridge and let your Key Lime Fudge chill for at least 4 hours. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s what gives your fudge that irresistible firm yet silky texture. Once it’s set, use the parchment to lift the whole slab out and cut into small squares. The moment of truth… enjoy!

How to Serve Key Lime Fudge

Garnishes

I love dressing up my Key Lime Fudge with a few special touches! Try a sprinkle of additional lime zest or an extra dusting of graham cracker crumbs for pretty pops of color and texture. Even a tiny wedge of fresh lime can make each piece look straight out of the bakery.

Side Dishes

While these fudge squares definitely shine on their own, they’re amazing paired with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a bright, refreshing treat. Or serve them alongside a cup of coffee or iced tea for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

When you’re gifting or sharing, stack squares in a clear box tied with a bright ribbon for a pop of color, or nestle them in mini cupcake liners on a festive tray. If you’re feeling fancy, layer them with other citrus or berry-flavored treats for a homemade dessert sampler!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Key Lime Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to a week—if it lasts that long! I recommend layering the fudge squares with a piece of parchment so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

Want to have a stash ready for surprise cravings or impromptu guests? Freeze the cut squares, separated by parchment, in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Key Lime Fudge is at its best straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it a tad softer, just let your squares sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. No microwaving needed — this fudge is all about that creamy chill!

FAQs

Can I use regular limes if I can’t find key limes?

Absolutely! Regular lime juice and zest make a delicious substitute, so don’t worry if key limes aren’t available. The flavor is still wonderfully bright and citrusy.

Why didn’t my fudge set properly?

This usually comes down to not chilling the fudge long enough or not measuring the ingredients correctly. Be sure to give it the full chill time, and always double-check your measurements for best results.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Nope! The green food coloring is totally optional and just adds a pretty hue. Skip it if you prefer a more natural look — the flavor will be just as dreamy.

Can I use a different type Dessert

For Key Lime Fudge, white chocolate is ideal because it lets the citrus flavor shine. Dark or milk chocolate will overpower the lime, so stick with white chocolate chips for the classic taste and texture.

Is Key Lime Fudge gluten-free?

The fudge itself is naturally gluten-free! Just skip the graham cracker topping or use a gluten-free version if you need to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a unique, show-stopping dessert that packs a punch of flavor and is a breeze to prepare, Key Lime Fudge is your answer. Give this recipe a try – you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so delightfully creamy, zesty, and totally unforgettable. Happy snacking!

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 36 small squares 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of Key Lime Fudge. This no-bake dessert combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the zesty flavors of key lime for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fudge:

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons key lime zest
¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
pinch of salt
green food coloring (optional)

For Topping (Optional):

crushed graham crackers

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Instructions

Prepare the Fudge: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Melt white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir in key lime zest, key lime juice, salt, and food coloring. Pour into the dish and top with graham crackers if desired.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm.
Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!