Old Fashioned Fudge

There’s something so comforting about homemade fudge, right? The way it melts in your mouth, rich and velvety, with that perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness—it’s like a little taste of nostalgia. And this Old Fashioned Fudge recipe is the perfect throwback to simpler times, with ingredients that are easy to find and steps that anyone can follow. No fancy gadgets, no complicated methods—just pure, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Trust me, this fudge is the kind of treat that takes you back to your childhood—those days when you’d sneak into the kitchen and enjoy a bite of something sweet, and it felt like the world was just a little bit better because of it. Whether it’s for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, this Old Fashioned Fudge is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Fudge

Classic Flavor: This fudge is packed with the sweet, creamy goodness you remember from your favorite childhood recipes, making it a timeless treat.

Rich and Decadent: It’s got the perfect balance of smooth chocolate and just the right amount of sweetness. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Simple Ingredients: No need for exotic ingredients or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples that you likely already have.

Easy to Make: No candy thermometer required. With just a few simple steps, you can have this fudge cooling and ready to devour in no time.

Great for Gifting: Pack it up in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a perfect homemade gift for friends or family.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this classic, melt-in-your-mouth fudge:

Fudge Base:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the key to that creamy, smooth texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are your fudge’s base, adding rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the fudge’s sweetness and flavor.

Optional Toppings/Variations:

• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a little crunch and extra flavor.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows for an extra fun, chewy twist.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that salty-sweet combo.

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

Instructions

Ready to make some delicious fudge? Let’s get started!

1. Prepare the Pan:

Start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This will help your fudge come out easily once it’s set.

2. Melt the Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.

3. Add the Chocolate:

Once the milk mixture is simmering, add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. The fudge should have a glossy, rich texture at this point.

4. Add Vanilla:

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Pour into the Pan:

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it’s level in the pan.

6. Add Optional Toppings:

If you’re using any optional toppings (like nuts, marshmallows, or sea salt), sprinkle them over the top of the fudge now. Gently press them down into the fudge to ensure they stick.

7. Chill and Set:

Let the fudge cool at room temperature for a bit, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. The fudge will firm up and become that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

8. Slice and Enjoy:

Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice it into small squares and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Old Fashioned Fudge

This fudge is the perfect standalone treat, but if you want to make it extra special, here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Dessert:

Serve these rich fudge squares after a family dinner or alongside a warm cup of coffee for the perfect sweet ending.

As a Gift:

Pack the fudge in a cute tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. It’s always a hit for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

Pair with Ice Cream:

For an extra decadent treat, serve the fudge with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, velvety fudge.

Additional Tips

• Let It Cool: Be patient and let the fudge cool completely before cutting it. If you try to cut it too soon, it might fall apart.
• Get Creative with Toppings: You can top your fudge with just about anything—crushed candy, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent twist.
• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A1: Yes, you can! Milk chocolate will give the fudge a sweeter flavor, so it’s perfect if you prefer a less intense chocolate taste.

Q2: Can I add more toppings to the fudge?
A2: Absolutely! Crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or even candy pieces like crushed Oreos or toffee bits will add extra texture and flavor.

Q3: How can I make the fudge more decadent?
A3: You can add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter into the chocolate mixture for an extra indulgent twist!

Q4: Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
A4: Yes! You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, like margarine or coconut oil, to make it dairy-free.

Q5: Can I freeze this fudge?
A5: Yes! Freeze the fudge in an airtight container, and it’ll keep for up to a month. Just make sure to let it thaw before serving.

Q6: Can I use a different type of milk?
A6: Sweetened condensed milk is key for the smooth, creamy texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free versions if needed.

Q7: How do I know when the fudge is set?
A7: The fudge is set when it’s firm to the touch and doesn’t squish under pressure. You can test it after chilling for 2 hours.

Q8: Can I make the fudge ahead of time?
A8: Yes! The fudge can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just make sure you use a larger pan, and you may need to adjust the chilling time.

Q10: How do I cut the fudge neatly?
A10: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to make sure each piece comes out neat and perfect.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Fudge is everything you want in a sweet treat: simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a batch of rich, decadent fudge that will remind you of the good old days. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or enjoying it all by yourself (no judgment!), this fudge is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Happy indulging!

Print