Rich Paula Deen Fashioned Fudge Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Paula Deen’s old-fashioned fudge whispers tales of sweet nostalgia, melting hearts with its silky chocolate embrace.

This decadent confection beckons with promise of pure indulgence and culinary comfort.

Generations have savored its rich, creamy texture that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Each batch tells a story of family gatherings and cherished moments shared around the kitchen.

Crafting this legendary dessert demands a delicate balance of technique and passion.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over its glossy surface and deep, luxurious flavor profile.

Let this timeless recipe become your gateway to creating memories that linger long after the last delectable morsel disappears.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Old-Fashioned Fudge

• Sugar: Choose fine-granulated for smooth texture, ensuring no lumps develop.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Select high-quality dark cocoa for rich, intense chocolate flavor.

• Light Corn Syrup, Evaporated Milk: Pick fresh, unopened containers for best consistency and preventing crystallization.

• Unsalted Butter: Select high-fat European-style butter for enhanced creaminess and smoother melting.
• Chopped Pecans: Look for fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell, preferably raw and unsalted.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than artificial for deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Tools and Equipment for Making Old-Fashioned Fudge

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Candy Thermometer: Precise temperature tracking for perfect fudge consistency.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly and preventing scorching.
• Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: Helps beat mixture to desired texture and glossiness.
• 9×13 Inch Glass Baking Dish: Provides ideal surface for cooling and setting fudge.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping pecans and cutting cooled fudge.
• Sharp Knife: Helps create clean, even fudge squares.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of pan and transferring mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Old-Fashioned Fudge

• Kickstart the Chocolate Base

Grab a large pot and blend cocoa with sugar, creating a delightful foundation for your sweet adventure.

• Merge Liquid Magic

Gently combine corn syrup and evaporated milk into the dry mixture, stirring until everything looks smooth and inviting.

• Heat and Watch Carefully

Cook the mixture over medium flame, constantly stirring while tracking the temperature. You’re aiming for that perfect 234-240°F sweet spot – use a candy thermometer to guide you.

• Enhance with Creamy Goodness

Pull the pot off the heat and swirl in butter, pecans, and vanilla. Mix until everything dances together beautifully.

• Transform Texture

Whip the mixture energetically with a mixer or wooden spoon. You’ll notice it losing its shine and becoming wonderfully thick – this takes about 5-7 minutes of love and elbow grease.

• Prepare the Delightful Canvas

Pour the warm fudge into a buttered glass dish, spreading it evenly like you’re creating an edible masterpiece.

• Final Touch of Elegance

Sprinkle extra cocoa and remaining pecans across the surface. Let your creation cool peacefully at room temperature for 2-3 hours before slicing into tempting squares.

Tips and Swaps for Classic Fudge Perfection

Replace pecans with almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.

Add a splash of bourbon, coffee liqueur, or orange extract to enhance the chocolate’s depth.

Mix in mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers for unexpected texture and visual interest.

Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Old-Fashioned Fudge

• Serve Alongside Sweet Companions: Pair this rich chocolate pecan fudge with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Create Elegant Gift Packaging: Wrap individual fudge squares in parchment paper or place in decorative tiny boxes for a homemade holiday or special occasion treat that delights friends and family.
• Design Stunning Dessert Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a stunning presentation that looks professionally crafted.
• Complement with Beverage Pairings: Enjoy the fudge with a hot espresso, creamy cappuccino, or a glass of dessert wine to enhance the depth of chocolate and nutty pecan flavors.

Storage and Planning for Fudge Leftovers

• Preserve Deliciousness: Store fudge in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen fudge maintains quality for 2-3 months, ready to thaw at room temperature when chocolate cravings strike.
• Prevent Texture Breakdown: Shield fudge from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency. Avoid storing near warm appliances or in humid areas that might cause sugar crystallization.
• Smart Portioning Technique: Cut fudge into uniform 1-inch squares for easy serving and controlled indulgence. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to create clean, precise edges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 236 kcal

Servings: 11

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Classic Southern Fudge celebrates rich chocolate indulgence with a nostalgic twist. Smooth, creamy chocolate melts seamlessly into a simple yet irresistible dessert you’ll cherish from first delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter (plus extra for buttering dish)
• 4 heaping tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsps light corn syrup
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in a saucepan, ensuring a uniform dry blend.
2. Liquid Integration: Add light corn syrup and evaporated milk, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Heating Process: Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and maintain even temperature distribution.
4. Temperature Monitoring: Use a candy thermometer to track the mixture, aiming for the soft ball stage between 234–240°F (112–116°C).
5. Readiness Check: Drop a small amount into cold water; a soft, pliable ball indicates perfect heating.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and rapidly incorporate unsalted butter, chopped pecans, and pure vanilla extract.
7. Texture Refinement: Beat mixture with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until it transforms from glossy to a matte, thickened consistency.
8. Molding and Cooling: Grease an oblong glass baking dish, pour the fudge mixture, and spread evenly with a spatula.
9. Final Touches: Dust the surface with cocoa powder and sprinkle finely chopped pecans for decorative texture.
10. Setting Period: Allow fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours until completely firm and set.
11. Serving Preparation: Slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for precise edges.

Notes

• Master Temperature Control: Accurate candy thermometer reading is critical; even a few degrees can transform fudge texture from creamy to grainy or hard.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Constant stirring and avoiding scraping pan sides prevents unwanted sugar crystal formation that disrupts smooth fudge consistency.
• Beat with Precision: Stop mixing immediately when fudge transitions from glossy to matte to prevent over-beating, which can create a crumbly, less creamy result.
• Cooling Technique: Room temperature cooling ensures proper setting; refrigeration might cause unwanted moisture and compromise the fudge’s delicate texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 236
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg