A secret ingredient makes this easy fudge recipe the best you’ll ever make.

The store-bought shortcut helps the candy set quicklyno fussing with a thermometer required.

Learn how to make easy fudge.

Southern Living Easy Fudge cut on a plate ready to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

see to it the container is tightly sealed to prevent the fudge from drying out.

Ingredients

2/3cupwhole milk

1/2cup(4 oz.

)unsalted butter, plus more for greasing

2(5-oz.)pkg.

Southern Living Applesauce Cake lining the pan with parchment paper

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whisk in pudding mix, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened slightly, about 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and cocoa until smooth and well combined.

Southern Living Easy Fudge whisking the cocoa powder into the fudge mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Add fudge mixture to pan:

Pour into prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.

Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of fudge, and chill until cold and firm, about 2 hours.

Cut into 1-inch squares.

Southern Living Easy Fudge spreading the fudge into the pan

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.