Old Fashioned Fudge: A Timeless Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Old Fashioned Fudge is a delightful treat that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. This rich, creamy confection has been a beloved dessert for generations, often associated with holiday celebrations and special occasions. The history of fudge dates back to the late 19th century, when it was first made in the United States, quickly becoming a staple in candy shops and home kitchens alike. What I love most about Old Fashioned Fudge is its perfect balance of sweetness and texture; it melts in your mouth while leaving a satisfying richness that keeps you coming back for more.

People adore this classic treat not just for its taste, but also for the nostalgia it evokes. The process of making Old Fashioned Fudge can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to create something truly special to share with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it as a simple dessert or a thoughtful gift, Old Fashioned Fudge is sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, let’s dive into this timeless recipe and create some delicious memories together!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, I love using walnuts or pecans)
• Pinch of salt

Preparing the Fudge Mixture

Let’s get started on making this delicious old-fashioned fudge! The first step is to gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan, a wooden spoon, a candy thermometer (if you have one), and an 8-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. In your medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
2. Next, pour in the whole milk and add the unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved. This is crucial to avoid any graininess in your fudge.
4. Once the mixture is smooth, bring it to a gentle boil. If you have a candy thermometer, you want to reach the soft-ball stage, which is around 234°F (112°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.
5. Once you reach the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. This is where the magic happens!

Adding Flavor and Texture

Now that we have our fudge mixture ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will elevate the flavor and texture.

6. Stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor to your fudge.
7. If you’re using nuts, now is the time to fold them into the mixture. I love the crunch they add, but feel free to skip this step if you prefer a smoother fudge.
8. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This allows it to cool slightly, making it easier to beat.

Beating the Fudge

Beating the fudge is a crucial step that gives it that classic creamy texture. Here’s how to do it:

9. Using a wooden spoon, begin to beat the fudge mixture vigorously. You’ll notice it starting to thicken and lose its shine. This is a good sign!
10. Continue beating for about 5-10 minutes. The fudge should become thick and creamy. If you’re feeling strong, you can even use a hand mixer on low speed for this step, but I find that a wooden spoon gives me the best control.
11. Once the fudge has thickened and is no longer shiny, it’s time to pour it into the prepared baking dish.

Setting the Fudge

Now that we’ve poured the fudge into the dish, we need to let it set properly.

12. Spread the fudge evenly in the baking dish using a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top.
13. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process, but I recommend letting it cool naturally for the best texture.
14. Once the fudge is set, you can lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board.
15. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I like to make mine bite-sized!

Storing the Fudge

Now that you have your delicious old-fashioned fudge cut into pieces, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

16. Place the fudge pieces in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
17. Store the fudge at room temperature for

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Old Fashioned Fudge recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a rich, creamy treat that brings back nostalgic memories of simpler times. The combination of chocolate, butter, and sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is hard to resist. Plus, the process of making fudge is not only enjoyable but also a great way to bond with family and friends in the kitchen. When it comes to serving suggestions, you can cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and present them on a beautiful platter for a delightful dessert at your next gathering. For a fun twist, consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate—to create variations that suit your taste. I encourage you to give this Old Fashioned Fudge recipe a try and share your experience with me! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Happy cooking! Print

    Old Fashioned Fudge: A Timeless Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

    

    Print Recipe

    This classic old-fashioned fudge is rich, creamy, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, it melts in your mouth and offers a delightful treat for any occasion.

    • Author: Dottie
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 150 minutes
    • Yield: 24 pieces 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/2 cup whole milk
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans recommended)
    • Pinch of salt

    Instructions

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
    2. Pour in the whole milk and add the unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
    3. Stir continuously until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved.
    4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. If using a candy thermometer, aim for the soft-ball stage (around 234°F or 112°C). Alternatively, test by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.
    5. Remove the saucepan from heat once the desired temperature is reached.
    6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    7. If using nuts, fold them into the mixture.
    8. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
    9. Using a wooden spoon, beat the fudge mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its shine (about 5-10 minutes).
    10. Pour the thickened fudge into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
    11. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
    12. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board.
    13. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

    Notes

    • For a smoother fudge, omit the nuts.
    • Ensure to beat the fudge until it thickens for the best texture.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.