Decadent Joy of Cooking Fudge Recipe

Chocolate fudge emerges as a decadent symphony of sweetness that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.

Rich, creamy textures dance across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Crafting this divine confection transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Simple yet sophisticated, fudge represents a timeless dessert that connects generations of sugar enthusiasts.

Precise temperature control and expert techniques unlock the secret to achieving that perfect, silky-smooth consistency.

The alchemy of sugar, chocolate, and cream creates a magical treat that whispers indulgence.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by this irresistible delicacy that promises pure bliss in every mouthful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 429 kcal

Servings: 15

Ingredients for Creamy Chocolate Fudge

• Half-And-Half: Select organic dairy for richer, smoother texture and cleaner flavor profile.
• Sugar: Choose pure cane sugar for consistent sweetness and clean crystallization.
• Light Corn Syrup: Pick high-quality brands to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure smooth consistency.

• Chocolate: Select premium dark or semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for deep, complex flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Use fresh, high-quality European-style butter for superior creaminess and clean taste.

• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla for authentic, robust aromatic notes.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance chocolate's depth and balance overall sweetness.

Fudge-Making Tools You’ll Want

• 8×8 inch baking pan: Perfect for creating uniform fudge squares and easy removal.
• Heavy 3-quart saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly without scratching pan surface.
• Candy thermometer: Crucial for precise temperature tracking during cooking process.
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon: Helps achieve smooth, creamy fudge texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Airtight container: Keeps fudge fresh and prevents moisture absorption.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut clean, precise fudge squares.
• Cold water brush or pastry brush: Useful for managing sugar crystals during cooking.

Step-by-Step Fudge Recipe Guide

Create Creamy Chocolate Fudge

• Prepare Baking Surface

Coat an 8 x 8 inch pan with soft butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and make removal easy.

• Craft Chocolate Base

Combine chocolate, cream, sugar, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring constantly to blend ingredients smoothly and create a rich, velvety texture.

• Control Cooking Process

Allow steam to naturally clean pan edges by covering for a few minutes. Carefully monitor temperature using a candy thermometer, stopping when mixture reaches soft ball stage. Prevent sugar crystals by brushing pan edges with cool water if needed.

• Transform Mixture

Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly. Add butter, salt, and vanilla. Beat vigorously until fudge loses its shine and becomes thick and creamy. The transformation happens as you mix, creating a smooth, decadent texture.

• Set and Enjoy

Pour the glossy mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let fudge rest and set completely for several hours. Slice into bite-sized squares and store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and rich flavor.

Flavor Variations and Topping Tips

Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or crushed peppermint for exciting texture and additional taste dimensions.

Use a digital candy thermometer for accurate temperature reading, ensuring perfect fudge consistency every single time.

If fudge turns grainy, reheat carefully and beat again or add a small amount of cream to restore smooth texture.

How to Serve and Cut Fudge Neatly

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve this rich chocolate fudge alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Create Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a beautiful serving tray with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or delicate mint leaves to elevate the presentation.
• Package as Sweet Gifts: Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper or colorful cellophane for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
• Complement with Hot Beverages: Enjoy these chocolate squares with a steaming cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or espresso to enhance the deep chocolate flavors.

Storage Solutions for Homemade Fudge

• Store with Care: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Preserve Freshness: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or parchment paper for maximum moisture retention and flavor protection.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Extend shelf life by storing in refrigerator up to 2 weeks, ensuring fudge is tightly covered to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Option: Pack fudge in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment, thawing at room temperature before serving.

Silky Fudge Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate fudge delivers a rich, creamy indulgence that melts perfectly on your palate. Crafted with simple ingredients and love, this classic dessert invites sweet memories of family gatherings and shared moments of pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (400 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 squares (2 oz) (60 g) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) half-and-half (or light cream)
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsps light corn syrup
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prep Pan: Thoroughly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk half-and-half, sugar, chocolate, and light corn syrup until perfectly blended, creating a uniform mixture with no lumps.
3. Cook and Monitor: Heat the mixture over medium-low, stirring consistently with a wooden spoon. Cover briefly to dissolve sugar crystals, then attach a candy thermometer without touching the pan’s bottom, continuing to cook without stirring until reaching 236°F (soft ball stage).
4. Cool and Transform: Remove from heat, sprinkle butter across the surface, and let it melt naturally. Allow the mixture to cool to 110°F without disturbance, then vigorously beat in salt and vanilla extract until the fudge loses its shine and transforms into a smooth, dense consistency.
5. Set and Serve: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and let it set at room temperature for several hours before cutting into precise, uniform squares for serving.

Notes

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Cover the pan briefly to allow steam to wash down sugar crystals, ensuring a smooth, creamy fudge texture.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a candy thermometer and monitor closely; hitting exactly 236°F guarantees perfect soft ball stage for ideal fudge consistency.
• Handle with Care: Avoid stirring during critical heating stages to prevent sugar crystal formation and maintain a silky, glossy finish.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let fudge cool undisturbed to lukewarm temperature before beating, which helps develop the right texture and prevents graininess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 429
• Sugar: 88 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 90 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg