Oh, this fudge.fudge recipeIs a time machine? One bite, and I’m transported back to Grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of chocolate. The sound of her humming as she stirred the pot. I swear, that woman could make anything taste like love. This particular fudge recipe? It was her masterpiece, and it’s way easier to make than most cake recipes out there. Is it incredibly rich, intensely chocolatey, and ridiculously smooth? Candies are made with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Forget store bought stuff, this is the real deal.
What is chocolate fudge?
What is chocolate?fudge recipe, at its heart, is a cooked candy made from sugar, butter, and chocolate. Think of it as a super-dense, incredibly decadent cousin to chocolate. It’s essentially a controlled crystallization process, where the sugar molecules bond in a way that creates a smooth, creamy texture instead of a grainy one. The name “fudge” comes from the fact that it was originally a “fudged” batch of caramels – a happy accident, really! But I’m glad it was invented by accident, because I love this so much.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking dark chocolate intensity balanced by a hint of vanilla and that’s it. What are some of the best creams What do you like about this fudge chocolate truffle?fudge recipe is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, don’t let the word “candy” intimidate you. It’s way simpler than most people think, and I always have the ingredients on hand. Plus, it’s SO much cheaper than buying fancy fudge from a chocolatier.
And talk about versatile! You can add nuts, dried fruit, swirls of peanut butter… the possibilities are endless. I’ve even added a pinch of sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty thing (highly recommend!). My family goes absolutely bonkers for this stuff. Honestly, a batch rarely lasts more than a day in my house. And compared to other chocolate treats, like a complicated layered cake or fussy macarons, this fudge is a weeknight warrior. You can whip it up in under an hour, start to finish. Believe me, once you taste this fudge recipe, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
How do you make chocolate fudge?
Quick Overview
Making this fudge recipeIs it easier than you think to get a job? You’ll melt everything together, bring it to a boil, and then let it cool and set. What is the best way to stir a candy thermometer to make sure you reach the right temperature. I’ll walk you through every step! What is the best way to make fudge? No grainy textures here, promise!
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
* 3 cups granulated sugar (good quality sugar makes a difference! ) * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (I use European-style butter for extra flavor). * 2/3 cup evaporated milk (not condensed milk! ) * 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is my go-to)* 7 oz. marshmallow creme (the best) (The best). What is the secret to a smooth fudge ) * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (real vanilla, please! ) * 1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances the chocolate flavor)
Optional Add-in
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toast them for extra flavor! * Swirls of peanut butter (add after pouring into the pan) * Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling on top)
What are the Step by
Step 1: Prep the Pan
First, grease an 8×8 inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving an inch of surface area. Overhang on the sides. What is the best way to lift fudge out of your mouth? I usually do this before I even start gathering the ingredients, just to get it out of the way.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the butter melted. Remove from heat. What is the best way to do this? Make sure you’re scraping the bottom of the pan so nothing sticks and burns!
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Once everything is melted and smooth, bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 235°F (113°C), also known as the ‘Candy’ temperature. As the “softball stage”. “This is the crucial step, so don’t rush it! And seriously, keep stirring! Is it worth it to do this for a 10 minute session? I always set a timer so I don’t get distracted.
Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Chocolate
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and vanilla. Vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until everything is melted and smooth. What’s the best way to make marshmallow creme? Don’t stop until it looks totally smooth.
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in now. If you want to swirl peanut butter over fudge, drop spoonfuls over the top. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls.
Step 6: Pour and Chill
Pour the fudge recipeMixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If you’re using sea salt flakes, sprinkle them on top now. Then, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Is the fudge firm? I find that overnight is best – it really lets the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it). Cut it into squares and serve. Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator. Can you store your food in the refrigerator for up to two weeks?
What is the best way to serve it?
This fudge recipeWhat are some of the best ideas for serving it?
What is a good holiday treat?What are some good ways to make homemade fudge? How do you tie a ribbon around your head?
For a Dessert Platter:Add a few cubes of fudge to your dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and fresh fruit. What’s your chocolate craving?
For a Sweet Snack:What is the best way to enjoy a square of fudge with coffee or tea in the afternoon? Sometimes I sneak a little piece while I’m cleaning up the kitchen – don’t tell anyone!
For a Party:What are some of the best ways to serve fudge at a party? Is it always a crowd pleaser?
Growing up, my Grandma always served this with a big glass of milk. What are some classic combos that I still love to this day?
How do I make a perfect fudge?
How do I make sure my kids are safe?fudge recipeWhat are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?
How do you use a candy thermometer?What is a candy thermometer? Don’t try to eyeball it – it’s not worth the risk. I’ve ruined a batch or two by trying to guess the temperature.
Stir Constantly:Don’t stop stirring! This prevents the sugar from burning and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. I know it’s a bit of an arm workout, but it is worth it.
Don’t overcoIf you overcook fudge, it will be dry and crumbly. If you accidentally overcook it, try adding a tablespoon of milk and stirring until it’s smooth. Is it better to throw something away than to make it perfect?
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the fudge! Use good quality chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract. It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances out the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
Experiment with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try adding different flavors and mix-ins. Peanut butter swirls, chopped nuts, dried fruit, sea salt… the possibilities are endless! I once added a shot of espresso to a batch – it was amazing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your delicious fudge:
Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The fudge will be a bit firmer when chilled, but it’s still delicious.
Freezer: You can also freeze the fudge for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. Make sure you thaw it and eat it soon after.
Glaze Timing Advice: The glaze will need to be added after any storage that involves freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This fudge recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It’s made with love. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with your loved ones. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out my other chocolate recipes, like my chocolate chip cookies or my chocolate cake. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and how you tweaked it. I love hearing about your baking adventures!
Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup butter
- 0.5 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chocolate chips until melted.
- Pour into a greased 8x8 inch pan and let cool completely.
