Craving a bite of sunshine? This Key Lime Fudge is the answer! Creamy, zesty, and impossibly easy to whip up, it captures all the magic of classic key lime pie in a melt-in-your-mouth square. With the perfect balance of tart citrus, silky white chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crunch on top, this treat is a delightful surprise at any gathering or as a special indulgence just for you. Key Lime Fudge is about to become your new go-to dessert for summer (or whenever you need a taste of something bright and refreshing).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Key Lime Fudge plays a starring role—there’s no room for anything but the essentials! Each one brings something unique to the party, from creamy richness to vibrant color and that signature citrus zing.

White chocolate chips: These form the super-smooth, decadent base for the fudge and pair beautifully with tart lime.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps the fudge set up perfectly without any fuss.
Unsalted butter: Just a couple tablespoons make the texture extra luscious and give a hint of buttery flavor.
Key lime zest: The zest is where the aromatic oils live, giving our Key Lime Fudge a punch of pure citrus fragrance.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient—nothing matches the tangy, floral burst of authentic key lime juice.
Pinch of salt: A tiny bit goes a long way to balance out the sweetness and make those flavors sing.
Green food coloring (optional): For that cheerful pastel green hue that hints at the flavors inside.
Crushed graham crackers (optional): Sprinkle on top for the ultimate pie-inspired finish and a little crunch.

How to Make Key Lime Fudge

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This simple step means you’ll have a breeze pulling out your Key Lime Fudge once it’s chilled—no sticking, no mess!

Step 2: Melt the Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously and patiently until everything is melted and completely smooth. Low and slow is the secret here—white chocolate can scorch quickly, and you want a glossy, lump-free mixture.

Step 3: Add the Citrus Magic

Remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as the mixture is melted. Immediately stir in the key lime zest, key lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of green food coloring if you want that pretty pastel look. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and silky.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour the warm fudge mixture straight into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. If you’re feeling fancy (and why not?), sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top for a playful nod to key lime pie. The graham cracker crumbs add a bit of crunch and extra flavor with every bite.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is fully set and firm to the touch. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it! Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Cut the chilled Key Lime Fudge into squares—25 is the magic number for perfectly bite-sized treats. Serve them cold for the most refreshing flavor and texture. Each piece is a little square of tropical bliss!

How to Serve Key Lime Fudge

Garnishes

Dress up your Key Lime Fudge with a little flourish! A tiny sprinkle of extra lime zest or a few more crushed graham cracker crumbs on top add both color and a burst of fresh flavor. If you love a bit of drama, a thin lime twist or even a dollop of whipped cream on each square makes them truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

This fudge is a star all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a platter of fresh berries, a scoop of light vanilla ice cream, or even a tropical fruit salad. The bright, zesty fudge balances richer desserts or acts as a refreshing palate cleanser after a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the squares on a gorgeous platter lined with parchment or tiny cupcake liners for easy serving. Want to make it extra special? Layer the Key Lime Fudge with other citrus fudge flavors for a colorful display, or wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with a ribbon for sweet homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Key Lime Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week—if it lasts that long! Chilling keeps the texture firm and the flavors bright.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this fudge freezes like a dream. Simply wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for when you need a quick, homemade treat.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Key Lime Fudge, but if you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For the best texture, avoid microwaving—just enjoy it chilled, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a unique floral flavor, regular Persian limes work well if that’s what you have on hand. The fudge will still taste zesty and delicious.

How can I make Key Lime Fudge extra tangy?

If you love a really bold citrus punch, try adding a little more lime zest or an extra teaspoon of juice. Taste the mixture before pouring it into the pan and adjust to your liking.

Can I make this fudge dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that signature lime zing.

Why didn’t my fudge set properly?

Usually, if fudge doesn’t set, it’s because the chocolate didn’t fully melt or the mixture was too hot when the citrus was added. Make sure to melt everything thoroughly over low heat and mix well before chilling.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Not at all! The food coloring is just for a pretty green tint. The fudge tastes fantastic with or without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a more natural look.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both quick and unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with Key Lime Fudge. It’s bright, creamy, and guaranteed to add a bit of sunshine to your day. Give it a try and share a few squares with your favorite people—you might just inspire a new summer tradition!

Key Lime Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes active time plus at least 3 hours chilling
Yield: 25 pieces 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This luscious Key Lime Fudge is a creamy, tangy dessert combining smooth white chocolate with zesty key lime juice and zest. It’s a no-bake treat perfect for warm weather, delivering a refreshing citrus flavor in every bite. Topped optionally with crunchy crushed graham crackers, it offers a delightful texture contrast and easy preparation for summer gatherings or sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Fudge Base

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp key lime zest
1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
Pinch of salt
A few drops of green food coloring (optional)

Toppings (optional)

Crushed graham crackers

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and quickly stir in key lime zest, key lime juice, a pinch of salt, and green food coloring if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
Pour and Spread: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula to create a uniform thickness.
Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers evenly over the top if you desire a crunchy texture contrast.
Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until it becomes firm and set.
Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut into 25 squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
To enhance the lime flavor, consider increasing the amount of key lime zest slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Stovetop
Cuisine: American