Old Fashioned Fudge

Old Fashioned Fudge is a timeless, rich, and decadent treat that has been a favorite for generations. With its smooth, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor, this classic fudge recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Made from basic pantry ingredients like sugar, butter, and cocoa, this recipe brings back the nostalgic charm of homemade fudge, requiring only a bit of patience and care to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

# Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe## IntroductionOld Fashioned Fudge is a timeless, rich, and decadent treat that has been a favorite for generations. With its smooth, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor, this classic fudge recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Made from basic pantry ingredients like sugar, butter, and cocoa, this recipe brings back the nostalgic charm of homemade fudge, requiring only a bit of patience and care to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.## Why It’s GreatOld Fashioned Fudge is great because it captures the essence of traditional candy-making, relying on simple ingredients and precise technique to create a rich, creamy confection. Unlike modern shortcuts, this recipe requires boiling the mixture to just the right temperature, giving the fudge its signature texture. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or indulging in a sweet treat at home. Plus, this fudge has an authentic, homemade quality that store-bought versions can’t compete with.## Recipe### Ingredients: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt### Instructions:1. **Prepare the pan**: Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.2. **Mix the dry ingredients**: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.3. **Cook the fudge**: Add the milk to the dry mixture and stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stop stirring. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer, also known as the soft-ball stage. This will take about 10-15 minutes.4. **Remove from heat**: Once the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, but do not stir. Let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.5. **Beat the fudge**: After cooling, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens and begins to lose its shine, about 5-8 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the correct texture.6. **Set the fudge**: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let it sit at room temperature until it sets, about 2-3 hours. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy!## Serving and Storage Tips- **Serving**: Old Fashioned Fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature. Cut it into small squares and serve as a sweet treat for holidays, parties, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. - **Storage**: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a month or freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent moisture from affecting its texture.## Helpful Notes- **Soft-ball stage**: Using a candy thermometer is crucial to ensure the fudge reaches the right temperature (234°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it’s ready. - **Beating the fudge**: This step is essential for achieving the classic smooth texture. Be patient and keep beating until the mixture thickens and becomes matte—this indicates it’s ready to set.- **Flavor variations**: For a twist, you can add chopped nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips to the fudge just before pouring it into the pan.## FAQs### 1. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer? You can test the fudge by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it has reached the soft-ball stage.### 2. Why didn’t my fudge set? If your fudge didn’t set, it likely didn’t reach the soft-ball stage (234°F). Make sure to use a candy thermometer to achieve the right temperature.### 3. Can I use a different type of milk? Whole milk is recommended for the best texture, but you can use 2% milk. Avoid using non-dairy or low-fat milk, as it may affect the consistency.### 4. Can I add flavors to the fudge? Yes, you can add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, or other flavorings to customize your fudge. Add them during the final mixing stage.### 5. Can I make this fudge without butter? The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. If you omit it, the fudge may not have the same creamy consistency.## ConclusionOld Fashioned Fudge is a classic, rich, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor, this homemade fudge recipe offers a taste of nostalgia that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this fudge recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a traditional homemade dessert. Enjoy the process and the rewards of making this timeless candy!

Why It’s Great

Old Fashioned Fudge is great because it captures the essence of traditional candy-making, relying on simple ingredients and precise technique to create a rich, creamy confection. Unlike modern shortcuts, this recipe requires boiling the mixture to just the right temperature, giving the fudge its signature texture. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or indulging in a sweet treat at home. Plus, this fudge has an authentic, homemade quality that store-bought versions can’t compete with.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook the fudge: Add the milk to the dry mixture and stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stop stirring. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer, also known as the soft-ball stage. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat: Once the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, but do not stir. Let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
  5. Beat the fudge: After cooling, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens and begins to lose its shine, about 5-8 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the correct texture.
  6. Set the fudge: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let it sit at room temperature until it sets, about 2-3 hours. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Old Fashioned Fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature. Cut it into small squares and serve as a sweet treat for holidays, parties, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
  • Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a month or freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent moisture from affecting its texture.

Helpful Notes

  • Soft-ball stage: Using a candy thermometer is crucial to ensure the fudge reaches the right temperature (234°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it’s ready.
  • Beating the fudge: This step is essential for achieving the classic smooth texture. Be patient and keep beating until the mixture thickens and becomes matte—this indicates it’s ready to set.
  • Flavor variations: For a twist, you can add chopped nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips to the fudge just before pouring it into the pan.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can test the fudge by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it has reached the soft-ball stage.

2. Why didn’t my fudge set?

If your fudge didn’t set, it likely didn’t reach the soft-ball stage (234°F). Make sure to use a candy thermometer to achieve the right temperature.

3. Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk is recommended for the best texture, but you can use 2% milk. Avoid using non-dairy or low-fat milk, as it may affect the consistency.

4. Can I add flavors to the fudge?

Yes, you can add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, or other flavorings to customize your fudge. Add them during the final mixing stage.

5. Can I make this fudge without butter?

The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. If you omit it, the fudge may not have the same creamy consistency.

Old Fashioned Fudge is a classic, rich, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor, this homemade fudge recipe offers a taste of nostalgia that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this fudge recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a traditional homemade dessert. Enjoy the process and the rewards of making this timeless candy!

Check These: