Here is Mamie Eisenhower’s famous no-fail chocolate fudge recipe, often called “Mamie’s Million-Dollar Fudge.” It became popular after First Lady Mamie Eisenhower included it in the 1950s White House Christmas Cookbook.
Mamie Eisenhower’s Fudge (Original Recipe)
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz German’s sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1 (7-oz) jar marshmallow cream
- 2 cups chopped nuts (optional but traditional)
Instructions
- Make the syrup:
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, salt, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. - Boil:
Once boiling, cook for 6 minutes, continuing to stir to prevent sticking or scorching. - Add chocolates & marshmallow:
Remove from heat. Add the semisweet chocolate chips, German’s chocolate, and marshmallow cream. Stir until completely melted and smooth. - Add nuts:
Fold in chopped nuts (optional). - Set the fudge:
Pour into a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- This fudge is very sweet, typical of mid-century American holiday sweets.
- If you prefer it firmer, you can cook the syrup 1–2 minutes longer.
- It freezes well.
If you’d like, I can also give:
• a half-batch version
• a modernized version (less sweet)
• a step-by-step version for beginners
• or a printable recipe card.
