Description
Rich chocolate Old Fashioned Fudge invites sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen. Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth squares deliver pure comfort that connect you with cherished culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flavoring and Enhancers:
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal, and lightly grease the sides.
- Combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and continue cooking without stirring, maintaining a steady boil until the temperature hits exactly 234°F (soft-ball stage).
- Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and quickly whisk in chocolate chips, stirring vigorously until they completely melt and create a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Incorporate marshmallow creme and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure no streaks remain and the texture is uniform.
- Sprinkle salt into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- If using nuts, fold them gently into the fudge, ensuring they are well-distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the molten fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, or until it sets completely and reaches a firm, slice-able consistency.
- Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into precise, uniform squares.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution during the caramelization process.
- Monitor the candy thermometer closely, as even a few degrees can drastically change the fudge’s texture from creamy to grainy or hard.
- Avoid stirring once the mixture reaches a boil to prevent sugar crystallization, which can make the fudge gritty instead of smooth.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg