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