Mackinac Island Fudge
© JP1961 via Canva.com
Quick Bite
Mackinac Island fudge is rich, creamy fudge made in big slabs, often worked by hand on marble tables. It is sweet, old-fashioned, and so tied to island tourism that visitors are lovingly nicknamed “fudgies.”
History
Mackinac Island fudge became famous because the island itself became famous. As Mackinac Island grew into a summer tourism destination in the late 1800s and early 1900s, candy shops gave visitors something sweet to watch, smell, buy, and carry home.
Original Murdick’s Fudge traces its Mackinac Island candy-making roots to the late 19th century and is one of the most historic names in the island’s fudge story. Over time, other shops joined in, and fudge-making became part of the island’s public theater.
The process is a big part of the charm. Fudge is cooked in copper kettles, poured onto marble slabs, cooled, and paddled or folded until creamy. Watching fudge being made through a shop window is practically part of the Mackinac Island itinerary.
Today, Mackinac Island fudge comes in classic chocolate, chocolate walnut, maple, peanut butter, turtle, mint, and plenty of modern flavors. But the appeal remains simple: a sweet slab from a car-free island that smells like horses, lake air, and sugar.
Fun Facts
- Mackinac Island tourists are often called “fudgies.”
- Many shops still paddle fudge by hand on marble slabs.
- Fudge is so central to the island that there is an annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival.
Where to Try
One of the island’s oldest and most iconic fudge names, with multiple Mackinac Island shops.
A family-run island fudge shop that has been part of the Mackinac fudge scene since 1969.
A bright pink fudge-shop favorite with multiple island locations and plenty of classic flavors.
About the Game
This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.
Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Start the fudge base: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Boil: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook to temperature: Boil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture reaches about 234°F.
- Add chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, marshmallow crème, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir smooth: Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add nuts: Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pan the fudge: Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Set and slice: Let set at room temperature, then cut into squares.
