Old Fashioned Fudge

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about making homemade fudge. The rich, smooth texture combined with the deep chocolate flavor takes you back to simpler times when sweet treats were made with love and care. I recently made this Old Fashioned Fudge recipe, and let me tell you, it is a total game changer. In just under 20 minutes, you can have a batch of melt-in-your-mouth, creamy fudge that tastes just like the ones from childhood. My family absolutely loved it, and every time I make it, it disappears faster than I can imagine! It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for last-minute gifts, holiday treats, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings. The best part? It’s incredibly simple and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
• 5-ounce can of Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix sugar and cocoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 4 tablespoons of Hershey’s cocoa powder. Stir them together until well combined.
2. Add butter and evaporated milk: Place the saucepan over medium heat, and add the stick of salted butter and the 5-ounce can of evaporated milk. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to heat up.
3. Boil and stir continuously: Once the mixture starts boiling, continue stirring it for about 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. You’ll notice the texture start to change and thicken as it boils.
4. Remove from heat: After 7 minutes of stirring and boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Add vanilla and stir: Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and stir it continuously for another 3 minutes. This helps ensure that the fudge sets properly.
6. Pour into a buttered dish: Once the mixture has thickened, pour it into a buttered baking dish (an 8×8 dish works well). Smooth the top with a spatula and let it set for about 1 hour at room temperature.
7. Optional – Add nuts: If you prefer your fudge with a little crunch, feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.
8. Let it set and enjoy: Allow the fudge to fully set for about an hour before cutting it into squares. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade fudge!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 16 squares (assuming you cut the fudge into 16 pieces)
• Calories per serving: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour to set)

How to Serve

• As a dessert: Serve this fudge as a sweet after-dinner treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Gift idea: Package this fudge in a decorative box or tin and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or for special occasions.
• For a party: Serve this fudge on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats like cookies or brownies. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Additional Tips

1. Don’t rush the boiling process: Be sure to stir continuously while boiling to prevent the fudge from burning. The 7 minutes of boiling is essential for achieving the right texture.
2. Use good-quality cocoa: Since the cocoa is one of the main ingredients, using a high-quality cocoa powder like Hershey’s makes a big difference in the flavor of the fudge.
3. Butter helps with texture: Don’t skip the butter – it contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of the fudge. Using salted butter enhances the flavor too.
4. Be patient while setting: Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for at least an hour. Avoid refrigerating it as it can change the texture and make it harder.
5. Try different flavor add-ins: If you’re in the mood for something different, you can add various flavorings to the fudge. A pinch of cinnamon or a few teaspoons of coffee powder can give your fudge a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Fudge: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for added texture and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the mixture before setting it in the dish for a creamy, peanut buttery variation.
• Marbled Fudge: Add a spoonful of peanut butter, caramel, or other flavored spreads into the fudge before pouring it into the dish. Swirl it with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Mint Fudge: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla to create a mint-flavored version of this fudge.

Serving Suggestions

• With a scoop of ice cream: Serve a piece of fudge with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a sweet snack: Cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces and serve them as a snack at parties or during movie nights.
• With fresh berries: Pair the fudge with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a sweet contrast and a pop of color.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Fudge freezes well! Once it has set, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover fudge, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
   Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance the flavor.
2. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
   No, sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter and thicker than evaporated milk. It would alter the texture and sweetness of the fudge.
3. Can I make this fudge without cocoa powder?
   Cocoa powder is essential for the chocolate flavor in this recipe, so it’s best not to omit it. However, you can use different flavored cocoa powders like dark cocoa for a richer taste.
4. Why is my fudge too hard?
   If the fudge is too hard, it may have been cooked too long. Ensure you’re following the boiling time and not overcooking the mixture.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you use a larger saucepan and baking dish to accommodate the extra ingredients.
6. Can I add other flavorings to this fudge?
   Absolutely! Try adding a little almond extract, coffee, or citrus zest to customize the flavor to your liking.
7. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Yes, use dairy-free butter and swap the evaporated milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk.
8. How do I make sure my fudge is smooth?
   Stir continuously and ensure the mixture is boiling properly. A smooth consistency comes from the careful balance of heat and stirring.
9. How can I tell when the fudge is done?
   The fudge should be thickened and have a glossy, smooth texture. After stirring for 3 minutes post-boiling, the mixture should hold together when you pour it into the dish.
10. Can I make this fudge without the vanilla?
    While the vanilla enhances the flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Fudge recipe is a true classic. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or a simple indulgent treat, this fudge will quickly become a favorite in your home. With its rich chocolate flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a dash of vanilla, it’s everything you want in a fudge recipe. Best of all, it’s ready in less than 20 minutes – you can’t beat that! Try it out, and you won’t regret it.

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