Description
Rich, creamy, and utterly nostalgic, this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge is a timeless treat that brings back memories of simpler times. With a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor, it’s perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square pan with a thin layer of butter or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add milk and heat: Pour in the milk, then place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Boil to soft-ball stage: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Stop stirring and allow the fudge to cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (about 234–238°F / 112–114°C on a candy thermometer). This usually takes around 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add butter: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter on top but do not stir. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
- Beat the fudge: Using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture until it thickens and loses some of its gloss. This process can take about 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract during the final minute of beating.
- Pour and set: Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Allow it to set at room temperature until firm, about 1–2 hours.
- Slice and serve: Once fully set, cut the fudge into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) during the final stirring phase for extra crunch and flavor.
- Tips:
- Use a candy thermometer for best results.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of the fudge mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready.
- Allergies/Intolerances: This recipe contains dairy. Replace whole milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives if needed (e.g., coconut milk, vegan butter).
- Taste Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter fudge, add up to ¼ cup (50 g) more sugar. For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder or add a pinch of espresso powder.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe (1 square)
- Calories: ~140 kcal
- Sugar: ~23 g
- Sodium: ~50 mg
- Fat: ~3 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~26 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg
Keywords: old fashioned chocolate fudge recipe, chocolate fudge, homemade fudge, candy, dessert, nostalgic treats