Don't let the name fool you because this armpit fudge recipe is actually a simple fudge in a bag, made using your own body heat and hands to knead it to completion.
While I wish that I could take credit for this recipe, I honestly can't. This is one of the Girls Scouts camping recipes that has been around for decades. And that's because it's so easy and perfect for bringing with you on those outdoorsy adventures.
The name may not sound appealing, but you have to admit it's intriguing because you're here and reading all about it. Girl Scout snack ideas are usually pretty memorable like that.
For more fun camping recipes, make sure to check out my Pizza Dough In a Bag or Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.
Why This Recipe Works
- The kids can make it. This is a recipe all about the youth! No sharp objects, heating elements, or heavy equipment are needed. They'll just need a pair of warm hands and a plastic baggie.
- It's portable. Bag up everyone's portioned ingredients before heading out, make the fudge at home, and bring it with you in a cooler, or just pack up the ingredients and measure later. There are so many ways you can bring it with you on your next hike or get-together.
- Easy clean up. The mixing bowl and serving bowl are one and the same. Eat your fudge right out of the bag or scoop it onto a plate or in a bowl and enjoy it that way.
Jump to:
🥘 Ingredients
Butter- You will want to use some butter for this recipe. Margarine can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor are best with butter. Use salted or unsalted butter, depending on what you have on hand.
Vanilla Extract- This is an optional flavor enhancer. Just a little splash is all that's needed.
Cream Cheese- To make your fudge creamy and rich, you'll need a tiny bit of cream cheese.
Cocoa Powder- Use some unsweetened cocoa powder (the baking cocoa) to give your fudge a rich chocolate taste. Milk chocolate cocoa powder and dark chocolate cocoa powder both taste really great with this recipe!
Powdered Sugar- This is the base of the recipe and what makes the fudge thick and sweet without changing the smooth consistency.
For specific quantities, see the recipe card below.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make Armpit Fudge with these simple step-by-step instructions:
If desired, open a zipper topped baggie and place it into a cup, fold the top over, and push the bag into the cup so that it's now an opened circle. This will make it much easier for adding ingredients without the mess and hassle of the bag falling down.
Add your cocoa powder and powdered sugar to the baggie.
Now add in the vanilla, cream cheese, and butter.
Remove as much air from the bag as you can and seal it closed.
Knead the bag between your warm hands for about 5 minutes. Warm body heat can help to melt the butter and cream cheese faster.
It will turn into a dark creamy consistency when it's ready.
There may still be a few small unmixed chunks. This is okay!
Eat straight from the baggie or place it into a bowl for serving.
Dig in and enjoy!
🍴 Recipe Tips
The consistency of this fudge will not be like the fudge you usually picture in your mind- those thick hard cut squares of chocolate. Instead, this fudge is thinner than that and more like a thickened chocolate frosting.
The fudge is pretty rich and filling, I enjoy serving it up with fresh berries to help cut down on the sweetness.
🐄 Dairy Free Version
To make this recipe dairy free, substitute the cream cheese for vegan cream cheese like Tofutti or opt for pureed silken tofu. Both will give you a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
Vegan butter like Earths Balance can be used in place of the butter.
The remaining ingredients can remain the same. Double-check for allergen warnings on the labels.
Follow the recipe steps exactly as requested and make sure to avoid any cross-contamination with anyone using the dairy version (this means not sharing the same measuring spoons and keeping hands and work areas clean).
⏲️ Make Ahead Instructions
You can make this fudge in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The fudge will solidify as it ages, making it easier to cut into squares (if you choose to do so).
👩🏻🍳 Storage
Keep any uneaten fudge in a labeled, airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🥣 Recipe Add-Ins
If desired, you can add in 1-2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or peanut butter cups for a sweeter treat. Chopped walnuts make for a nice add-in too, but you'll want to avoid them if anyone has a nut allergy.
💭 FAQs
The Girl Scouts gave this fudge its name after several cold campers decided that their armpits would be a safe warm spot to hold their bags of fudge. That said, your hands will usually work just fine.
I think a sandwich bag would be perfect for this amount of fudge as it gives plenty of space for the ingredients and for moving everything around as you knead the bag. Smaller bags may not work as well, but larger bags like quart-sized or gallon could work just fine.
Absolutely! You don't NEED to go camping to enjoy this nifty dessert. Feel free to whip it up at home (you can even use a mixing bowl) and then sit back and eat your sweet chocolate concoction on the patio or from the couch on a rainy afternoon.
More great recipes that kids can make
📖 Recipe
Armpit Fudge
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Unsweetened cocoa powder ($0.07)
- ½ cup Powdered sugar ($0.12)
- ⅛ teaspoon Vanilla extract ($0.01)
- 2 teaspoons Cream cheese ($0.05)
- 1 Tablespoon Butter ($0.09)
Instructions
- If desired, open a zipper topped baggie and place it into a cup, fold the top over, and push the bag into the cup so that it's now an opened circle. This will make it much easier for adding ingredients without the mess and hassle of the bag falling down.
- Add your cocoa powder and powdered sugar to the baggie.
- Now add in the vanilla, cream cheese, and butter.
- Remove as much air from the bag as you can and seal it closed.
- Knead the bag between your warm hands for about 5 minutes. Warm body heat can help to melt the butter and cream cheese faster.
- It will turn into a dark creamy consistency when it's ready. There may still be a few small unmixed chunks. This is okay!
- Eat straight from the baggie or place it into a bowl for serving.
- Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Tips
- The consistency of this fudge will not be like the fudge you usually picture in your mind- those thick hard cut squares of chocolate. Instead, this fudge is thinner than that and more like a thickened chocolate frosting.
- The fudge is pretty rich and filling, I enjoy serving it up with fresh berries to help cut down on the sweetness.
Dairy Free Version
- To make this recipe dairy free, substitute the cream cheese for vegan cream cheese like Tofutti or opt for pureed silken tofu. Both will give you a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
- Vegan butter like Earths Balance can be used in place of the butter.
- The remaining ingredients can remain the same. Double-check for allergen warnings on the labels.
- Follow the recipe steps exactly as requested and make sure to avoid any cross-contamination with anyone using the dairy version (this means not sharing the same measuring spoons and keeping hands and work areas clean).
Make Ahead Instructions
- You can make this fudge in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The fudge will solidify as it ages, making it easier to cut into squares (if you choose to do so).
Storage
- Keep any uneaten fudge in a labeled airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe Add-Ins
- If desired, you can add in 1-2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or peanut butter cups for a sweeter treat. Chopped walnuts make for a nice add-in too, but you'll want to avoid them if anyone has a nut allergy.
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