Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this old-fashioned fudge, made with simple ingredients for a delightful treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with loved ones, this recipe yields approximately 16 pieces of delicious fudge.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour in the whole milk and add the unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved to avoid graininess.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. If using a candy thermometer, attach it to the side of the pan. Cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (about 234°F or 112°C).
- Stir occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking and ensure an even texture.
- Remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir gently. If using nuts, fold them in now.
- Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its shine (about 5-10 minutes).
- Pour the fudge mixture into a greased or lined 8-inch square baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let sit at room temperature for several hours until completely set. For quicker setting, refrigerate, but natural setting is preferred for texture.
- Once set, cut into squares or rectangles (about 1-inch pieces).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- Be patient while cooking; rushing can lead to grainy fudge.
- If you dont have a candy thermometer, test by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, its ready!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes