Classic Old-Fashioned Fudge Recipe

December 1, 2024

6 Min Read

Discover the ease of crafting timeless old-fashioned fudge with us. With just six simple ingredients and minimal expertise, you’ll quickly craft rich, indulgent fudge at home. Regardless of your level of expertise in candy-making, this recipe is crafted to yield outstanding outcomes consistently. Say farewell to store-bought fudge and welcome the sweet delight of homemade treats crafted with love and precision in your very own kitchen.

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes Food Science: Corn Syrup Variations Mastering the Soft-Ball Stage Storage & Freezing Instructions

Why Our Recipe

Our expert understanding of food science ensures that every piece of fudge is consistently smooth and free from graininess.
Streamlines the art of candy-making with a minimalist approach, requiring only six fundamental components.
Master the soft-ball stage by hand or grab a candy thermometer for precise results.

The art of fudge-making demands a precise understanding of culinary chemistry. With a candy thermometer, you’ll effortlessly achieve the ideal soft-ball stage; however, if you’re without this helpful tool, we’ve got your back – our step-by-step instructions will walk you through the process of reaching this mark manually. A delectable treat that melts in your mouth, ideal for gift-giving during the holidays, serving at festive gatherings, or indulging in a little self-care.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make old fashioned homemade fudge.

Use regular granulated sugar.
Opt for a premium-quality cocoa powder to unlock a deeper, more complex chocolate experience. You can substitute Dutch-processed cocoa powder for natural cocoa powder in a pinch, but note that the flavor and texture may differ slightly due to differences in processing.
Provides creaminess and richness. Avoid substituting with dairy alternatives like milk or half-and-half, as the fudge’s texture may not set correctly.
Preserves the sugar’s natural dissolution, thereby guaranteeing a silky-smooth consistency. Utilizing light corn syrup yields the most favorable results in this instance. Fructose is a natural sugar found in many fruits and vegetables, whereas high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a refined sweetener made from cornstarch that has been processed to contain a higher percentage of fructose than other types of sugar.
Using unsalted butter in a chocolate-based recipe? Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor experience.
Elevates the richness of chocolate while imparting a silky texture and intensifying its overall appeal.

Food Science: Corn Syrup

The addition of a moderate quantity of corn syrup was found to have a profound impact on the texture of our fudge, rendering it remarkably smooth. The fascinating fusion of chemistry and culinary expertise unfolds! Corn syrup is a type of invert sugar that prevents crystallization due to its unique molecular structure. Your fudge will set with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that won’t turn grainy? This simple tweak transforms bland fudge into a delightful treat:

Variations

Classic fudge recipe serves as an excellent foundation for incorporating your preferred flavor combinations and add-ins. Unlock your inner innovator:

Enliven your baked goods by substituting the traditional vanilla extract with alternative flavor profiles: rich almond, vibrant orange, or tropical coconut extracts. Use 1/2 teaspoon.

Add a textured twist by incorporating 0.5-1 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds, for an appealing crunch.

With an additional 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes on top?

Introduce mini marshmallows during the final stages of stirring to seamlessly incorporate their fluffy texture into the rich, velvety fudge, thereby achieving a decadent rocky road twist.

Adorn the fudge with vibrant sprinkles to infuse a playful touch.

An overhead view of pieces of homemade fudge on a table.

Mastering the Soft-Ball Stage

Aiming to achieve a precise soft-ball stage is vital in crafting ideal fudge. Secure the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring the bulb remains at least an inch above the base to prevent inaccurate readings. At precisely 235 to 238 degrees Fahrenheit, the mixture achieves the ideal soft-ball consistency.

If you lack a thermometer, try this trick: carefully pour a tablespoon or so of the scorching mixture into a bowl filled with cold water. When you press the mixture between your fingers and it conforms to their shape without springing back, it is likely ready for use.

As the fudge mixture commences simmering, refrain from stirring it further to prevent premature crystallization.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store the fudge in an airtight container or wrap it securely in plastic wrap. Properly stored, it will remain fresh and of high quality in the refrigerator for a duration of up to three to five days.

Proves to work exceptionally well when used in combination with small, bite-sized portions of fudge, as opposed to consuming individual pieces. Divide a standard-sized 8-by-8-inch baking pan into four equal sections by drawing two lines horizontally and vertically to create nine smaller squares. Individual pieces should be wrapped in plastic wrap prior to being placed within an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag to effectively prevent freezer burn. Fudge can be frozen for up to three months.

Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for several hours or, preferably, overnight.