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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Pan: Thoroughly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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