Bright Lemon Fudge

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Melt white chocolate and sweet milk together, stir in lemon flavor plus color or zest if you feel like it, then chill till it hardens. Done in minutes, cuts easy after a few hours in the fridge.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:52:14 GMT
Plateful of lemon fudge squares, topped with zest, with cut lemons spread around on wood. Pin it
Plateful of lemon fudge squares, topped with zest, with cut lemons spread around on wood. | cookingkitchn.com

This lemon fudge is ridiculously simple to pull together! Just three easy things and you've got a smooth, punchy citrus treat. Every time I whip up a pan, the whole place smells sunny and fresh. Best thing? You barely spend any time making it!

Irresistible Reasons You'll Love This

I can’t get enough of quick treats with zero hassle. This one’s tops. Ten minutes—seriously, and it's done. That creamy vibe comes from white chocolate, and the burst of flavor is all thanks to fresh lemon. My pals always ask me to bring some for get-togethers!

What You Need

  • Sprinkles: Toss some on for extra sparkle
  • Lemon Zest: More brightness if you want that fresh punch
  • White Chocolate: Three cups, chopped up (splurge a little for better melting)
  • Condensed Milk: Grab a 14-ounce can of the sweet stuff
  • Color Fun: A bit of yellow coloring if you’re after that sunny look
  • Lemon Flavor: One teaspoon lemon extract for that real zing

Easy Lemon Fudge Directions

Snack Attack
Slice the fudge into bite-sized squares and see how fast they vanish! Pop any extras in the fridge so they stay good.
All Set to Chill
Pour your smooth fudge into a paper-lined pan. Smooth out the top, toss on your sprinkles if you want, and let the whole thing chill in the fridge until it stiffens up.
Lemon Upgrade
Love things extra zippy? This is when you add some fresh lemon zest to pump up the flavor.
Get Gooey
Blend in the white chocolate and keep stirring it on low heat. Stir until everything is melted down and super smooth.
Mix & Swirl
Start by dumping sweetened condensed milk, lemon extract, and yellow coloring (if you want) in a saucepan. Give it all a nice mix.

Switch Things Up

Sometimes I throw crunchy meringue crumbles over the top for something that feels like lemon pie. Or I swap in orange extract—so good! Play with toppings—crushed up cookies are awesome.

Best Tricks I Use

Don't cheap out on white chocolate—the bargain brands just don't melt right. Keep your stove on low and slow, and pick a solid lemon extract. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!

Keeping Yours Tasty

Stash it in something airtight and the fudge stays fresh for weeks in the fridge—unless you used zest, then snack on it sooner. You can freeze it, too, for a month or two. If it feels a little tacky, just let it air for a while.

Fun Ways to Enjoy

Let your fudge chill out on the counter before eating to bring out the creaminess. Wrap pieces as cute gifts or serve 'em up at a party. I love munching a square with my afternoon tea!

Squares of lemon fudge set on parchment, topped with lemon zest, and surrounded by bright whole lemons. Pin it
Squares of lemon fudge set on parchment, topped with lemon zest, and surrounded by bright whole lemons. | cookingkitchn.com

Topping Ideas

Go wild with toppings! I love rainbow sprinkles for color or smashing cookies on for texture. I’ve even stirred in different jello powders—raspberry and lime are wild and fun!

Unbeatable Sweet Citrus Treat

This fudge brings together melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and a lively lemon bite. After your first batch, you’ll probably want to keep your fridge stocked all the time. It's honestly addictive!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is lemon juice okay instead of extract?

Stick to extract—it’s less watery. Just using juice can make things runny or weird. Zest works for real lemon kick but your fudge won’t keep as long.

→ Why is my fudge soft?

Make sure you use actual white chocolate bars, not the chips. Chill it really well—overnight gives you those perfect, neat squares.

→ Can I stash the fudge in the freezer?

You bet. Wrap it up tight and freeze for up to three months. When you want it, let it thaw in the fridge. Might feel a little different but still yummy.

→ What's up with gel coloring?

Gel lets you color your fudge nicely without making it too wet or ruining the texture. Regular coloring sorta works, just go easy on it.

→ No lemon extract on hand?

You can go for the lemon jelly trick. Mix lemon jello with some water before adding the rest, and you’ll get close to the same tang.

Bright Lemon Fudge

Luscious bites of lemony white chocolate. Only three things needed. Toss on zest or sprinkles if you want a punch of fun.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 540g (19oz) white chocolate, chopped into chunks.
02 1 can (395g/14oz) sweetened condensed milk.
03 Yellow gel food coloring if you'd like (optional).
04 3-4 teaspoons lemon extract.
05 Sprinkles to decorate if you want (optional).
06 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Cover the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square tin with baking paper.

Step 02

In a small pot, mix condensed milk, lemon extract, and food coloring (optional) together.

Step 03

On medium-low heat, stir the chocolate into the mixture until it's completely melted and creamy.

Step 04

Taste it, and add extra lemon extract if needed. Stir in zest if using.

Step 05

Pour it into the lined tin, toss on some sprinkles if you'd like, and tap the tin gently. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Step 06

Slice it into squares once it's set and firm.

Notes

  1. Avoid chocolate chips, stick to chocolate bars.
  2. Without lemon zest, it'll keep for 2-3 weeks. With zest, use within 7 days.
  3. You could swap the extract for lemon jello powder.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sturdy saucepan with a thick base.
  • 8-inch square tin for baking.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g