Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge

If you’re craving a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings back sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons, then this Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is exactly what you need. This fudge is rich, creamy, and filled with the deep, earthy flavor of black walnuts that gives it a unique twist on the traditional fudge. The perfect balance of sweet and nutty, this recipe will quickly become your go-to indulgence.

With just the right amount of sweetness and the crunch of black walnuts throughout, this fudge is the kind of treat that you can’t stop nibbling on. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re sharing it at a holiday gathering, bringing it to a party, or enjoying it as a special after-dinner treat. So get ready to treat your taste buds to something truly delicious!

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge

Rich, Creamy, and Decadent

This fudge is everything you love about the classic treat—smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a deep, buttery flavor. The black walnuts add the perfect crunch and richness that makes this fudge extra special.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s the holidays, a birthday, or just a random Tuesday, this fudge is perfect for any occasion. It’s a treat that feels fancy but is simple to make, meaning you can indulge whenever you want.

A Nod to Tradition

This recipe brings the classic fudge recipe to life with a twist, using black walnuts for a more sophisticated flavor profile. It’s a true throwback to the recipes your grandma might’ve made—timeless and full of love.

Made with Pantry Staples

The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry. No need for exotic items here—just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying fudge in no time!

Ingredients

For this Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge, you’ll need:

• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the base of this sweet treat.
• Butter: Gives the fudge its rich, creamy texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds the creamy consistency that makes fudge so smooth.
• Marshmallow Fluff: For that extra creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Black Walnuts: The star of the show! These nuts give the fudge its distinctive, slightly bitter flavor and crunchy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set it aside.

2. Combine Sugar and Milk

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir, and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

3. Add Marshmallow Fluff and Vanilla

Once the sugar mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

4. Add Black Walnuts

Fold in the black walnuts. You want them evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture, adding that signature crunch and flavor to every bite.

5. Pour Into the Pan

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it’s fully set and firm to the touch.

6. Slice and Serve

Once the fudge has cooled and set, cut it into squares and enjoy! The texture should be smooth and creamy, with a wonderful crunch from the black walnuts.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge

As a Sweet Snack
These squares are the perfect snack to enjoy throughout the day when you need a little something sweet to keep you going.

For a Party or Gathering
These fudgy treats are a great addition to any party spread. Their rich, nutty flavor will definitely stand out among other desserts, and they’re sure to be a hit!

Holiday Gift Idea
Wrap these little squares in a festive tin or a box, and you’ve got yourself a homemade, heartfelt gift that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s the kind of treat that’ll show how much you care.

With a Hot Drink
Serve this fudge with a nice cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. The richness of the fudge pairs perfectly with a warm, comforting drink.

Additional Tips

• Store in an Airtight Container: Keep any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
• Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter fudge, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the mixture before cooking. Just make sure to adjust to your taste.
• Customize the Nuts: If you don’t have black walnuts or prefer a different flavor, you can swap them for pecans, almonds, or regular walnuts. Just keep in mind that black walnuts have a stronger, more bitter taste that gives this fudge its unique character.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re making this for a crowd or want to have extra for later, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the cooking time if needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this fudge without black walnuts?
A1: Of course! If black walnuts aren’t available or if you prefer a milder nut flavor, you can substitute regular walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts.

Q2: Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This fudge actually gets better with time. You can make it up to a week in advance, store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it later.

Q3: How do I know when the fudge is ready to cool?
A3: When you remove the fudge from the heat, it should be slightly thickened and able to hold its shape when poured into the pan. After it cools, it should be firm and easy to cut into squares.

Q4: Can I freeze this fudge?
A4: Yes! Fudge freezes really well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk?
A5: While evaporated milk is the traditional choice for fudge, heavy cream can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that it will result in a richer, creamier texture.

Q6: Can I add chocolate to this fudge?
A6: Yes! If you want to make this a chocolate walnut fudge, simply melt some chocolate and stir it in with the marshmallow fluff for an extra indulgent twist.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Q8: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A8: Yes, this fudge is vegetarian-friendly. However, if you’re vegan, you’ll need to substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use a vegan marshmallow fluff.

Q9: Can I make this fudge without marshmallow fluff?
A9: Marshmallow fluff helps create the smooth texture of the fudge. If you don’t have it, you can use a bit of sweetened condensed milk as an alternative, but the texture might be a bit different.

Q10: Can I add more nuts to this fudge?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to add more nuts to your liking. Just make sure not to overload the fudge, as it can affect the texture.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is the perfect combination of rich, creamy sweetness and crunchy, nutty flavor. It’s a treat that’s easy to make, but so incredibly indulgent that it’ll feel like a special occasion every time you enjoy it. Whether you’re making it for yourself, as a gift, or to share with friends and family, this fudge is sure to be a hit!

Print