This Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe is chewy, fudgy with the perfect amount of chocolate. Step by Step instructions for perfect fudge every time!
Day 10 of the annual 12 Days of Christmas Cookies 2021!
You have no idea how much this recipe altogether means to me. For years I have been trying to make fudge. YEARS!
Previously, I thought 2015 was going to be my year. After all, I had just gone to culinary school. I felt pretty confident. But, let me tell you, when you are on your third round of 2AM fudge after working the hot line at a steakhouse, even the strongest confidence bubble will burst. ? “Next year, I said.”
But fear not, friends, 2021 was my YEAR OF FUDGE. Never have I ever been more proud of myself ? nor has success tasted so sweet. Good thing the wedding was the weekend before, or I would have had a wedding dress problem!
I am not exaggerating when I say that I read every single recipe for fudge in my extensive vintage and modern cookbook collection, and I dove deep into the web looking for fudge illumination. The problem with 96% of fudge recipes is that they are too general. There are recipes where method doesn’t really matter, or there are several means to the same end.
Fudge does not fall into that category. Method significantly matters.
Just ask 2AM 2015 Lindsey. Some attempts didn’t set, some became crystallized rocks. Moreover, none vaguely resemble fudge. The OG recipe that I was trying to make was my Dad’s Mom, Ruth Jean’s. She obviously didn’t need instructions whereas I needed a full team of grandmothers to hold my hand.
Next year, Dad, I will make Ruth Jean’s recipe. That’s in fact a promise.
The winning instructions come from Better Homes & Gardens Cookies and Candies 1966 Cookbook. There may not be many recipe photos in the book, but I appreciate that the authors took an entire page to provide step by step photos of making fudge. They particularly knew what was up. God bless.
If you aren’t here for this much work. I likewise feel that deeply. Make this easy Peppermint Fudge instead.
Combine sugar, milk, chopped chocolate, salt, corn syrup and butter. Cook over medium high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and it comes to a boil.
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Cook, without stirring or swirling, until it reaches soft-ball stage (236°F). You can double check by dropping a small spoonful in ice water. It should form a soft, pliable ball of candy.
Add the extract and begin beating vigorously with a wooden spoon. Don’t stop beating! No resting! Enlisting the help of a friend is highly recommended. Try not to scrape around the edges.
Push the mixture from the pan into prepared dish and don’t scrape around the sides. It seems wasteful but the crystals will ruin the texture of your fudge! Smooth out the surface.
These stunning Homemade Speculoos Cookies were Day 9!
Day 8 (a new personal fave) was Double Chocolate Biscotti!
Day 7 (Part 2) of the annual 12 Days of Christmas Cookies 2021 were Cinnamon Almond Bars!
Traditional Raspberry Linzer Cookies were Day 7 (Part 1) of 12 Days of Christmas Cookies 2021!
These Cardamom Crescent Cookies were Day 6!
We adored Part 2 of Day 5: the traditional Pfeffernüsse Cookies!
Part 1 of Day 5 was the wondrous: Moravian Christmas Cookie!
We all loved Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies: Orange Financiers!
Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies: Pistachio Cranberry Sablee Cookies!
We had Day 2 of the 12 Day Christmas Cookie celebration: Cashew Caramel Pretzel Blondies!
Don’t forget about Part One of Day 2 of the 12 Day Cookie Extravaganza: Hungarian Walnut Rolls!
And who could leave out Day 1, Italian Pizzelles!? Make them all
Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sugar (460g)
- ¾ cups Milk (195g)
- 2 oz Unsweetened Chocolate (2, 1 oz squares, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoon Butter (plus additional for the dish & pot)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Walnut Halves (for finishing)
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy, high-sided sauce pot. Don’t skimp this is crucial because then when the fudge is bubbling, sugar can’t cling to the side and create unwanted crystals.
- Also butter a 4x6” baking dish or loaf pan. I had the darndest time getting mine out and next time I will try lining it with parchment paper and then buttering! Don’t worry, the scraps didn’t go to waste.
- Combine sugar, milk, chopped chocolate, salt, corn syrup and butter. Cook over medium high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and it comes to a boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Cook, without stirring or swirling, until it reaches soft-ball stage (236°F). You can double check by dropping a small spoonful in ice water. It should form a soft, pliable ball of candy.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool undisturbed to 110°F. The bottom of the pan should feel comfortably warm to your hand.
- Add the extract and begin beating vigorously with a wooden spoon. Don’t stop beating! No resting! Enlisting the help of a friend is highly recommended. Try not to scrape around the edges.
- The fudge will begin to stiffen and lose it’s gloss. The longer you beat it, the more air that will be incorporated. This will change the texture ever so slightly. It will make it more crumbly but will have a magically chewy, fudgy texture. I was paranoid about stopping too soon and mine never really lost its gloss, so I finally just had to call it.
- Push the mixture from the pan into prepared dish and don’t scrape around the sides. It seems wasteful but the crystals will ruin the texture of your fudge! Smooth out the surface.
- Score the squares with the tip of a knife for neater slices later. Press a perfect half walnut into the top of each square before they set completely. [Try not to stress.]
- Once it cools, cut along score marks and admire your handiwork. Bravo! You made fudge!!!
Can you please tell me how to double this recipe? Thank you ever so much.
Multiply everything by two! Happy baking
I made this fudge yesterday and it turned out great. Thank you for the excellent instructions!
I'm so glad you enjoyed! ????