Old-Time Fudge brings the nostalgia of simpler days, where the rich aroma of melting chocolate and creamy sweetness filled kitchens. This classic fudge recipe is all about indulgence, with a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Old-time fudge uses pantry staples like sugar, butter, and milk, so you can whip it up with minimal fuss.
Rich and Creamy: The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of this fudge is a treat for your taste buds.
Customizable Flavors: While the base of this fudge is chocolatey goodness, you can easily tweak the recipe to create variations with nuts, swirls, or other flavorings.
Perfect for Gifting: Fudge is a fantastic homemade gift idea for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. It’s thoughtful, sweet, and personal.

Tips and Tricks

Use a Candy Thermometer: For the perfect fudge, consider using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sugar and milk mixture. Aim for a temperature of about 234°F (112°C) for the right consistency.

Stir Gently: Be careful not to stir too aggressively while cooking the sugar mixture. Stirring too much can cause the sugar to crystalize, leading to grainy fudge instead of the smooth texture you want.

Resting Time Matters: Let the fudge rest and cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps the fudge firm up slowly, ensuring it has the perfect texture.

Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow the fudge to set at room temperature before refrigerating it. Quick cooling in the fridge might cause uneven setting and result in a slightly chewy texture instead of the creamy consistency you’re after.

Variations

Nutty Fudge: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the fudge mixture before setting. The nuts give a nice texture and flavor contrast to the smooth chocolate.
Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in ¼ cup of smooth peanut butter along with the chocolate for a rich and creamy peanut butter flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Marbled Fudge: For a fun twist, create a marbled effect by swirling in some white chocolate or caramel just before setting the fudge. This adds a beautiful aesthetic and extra flavor.
Mint Fudge: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the fudge mixture for a refreshing mint flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
Espresso Fudge: For coffee lovers, add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture to create a delicious mocha-flavored fudge.

How to Serve

Old-time fudge can be served in various ways depending on the occasion and your preferences:

As a Dessert: Enjoy it as a stand-alone treat or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Gifting: Cut the fudge into neat squares, wrap them in cellophane or gift boxes, and present them as homemade gifts. Fudge is a classic gift that’s always appreciated.
At Holiday Gatherings: Fudge is the perfect addition to any holiday spread, alongside cookies and other sweet treats. Serve it on a platter for easy sharing.
With Coffee or Tea: A small piece of fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a sweet afternoon treat.

How to Store

In the Refrigerator: Store your old-time fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks. If it becomes too hard in the fridge, simply let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
In the Freezer: Fudge also freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the fudge within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

Recipe FAQs

1. Why did my fudge turn out grainy?

Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystallization. To prevent this, ensure you stir gently and avoid stirring the mixture too much while it’s boiling. A candy thermometer can help achieve the correct temperature.

2. Can I make fudge without a candy thermometer?

Yes, although a candy thermometer helps ensure the perfect texture. If you don’t have one, you can test the fudge by dropping a small amount of it into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready to remove from heat.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate? Absolutely! Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, creamier fudge. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

4. Can I make fudge without butter?

Butter adds to the creamy texture of the fudge, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I fix fudge that’s too soft?

If your fudge is too soft and hasn’t set properly, it might need to be refrigerated longer. If it’s still too soft after that, try reheating the fudge mixture and cooking it for a little longer next time to allow it to firm up.

Yield: 20

Old-Time Fudge

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa (Dutch processed)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup salted butter (room temperature) *If using unsalted butter, increase salt to 1/4 teaspoon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep the Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with buttered parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, and salt. Add the milk and stir with a wooden spoon (avoid metal spoons).
Boil the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a strong boil (about 15 minutes).
Simmer & Monitor Temperature: Lower the heat to medium-low and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 234°F (112°C) — around 30 minutes.
Add Butter & Vanilla: Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, but don't stir. Let the mixture cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Beat the Fudge: Once the mixture reaches 110°F (43°C), use a wooden spoon to beat the fudge for 6-8 minutes until it starts losing its gloss.
Set the Fudge: Quickly spread the fudge into the prepared pan and let it cool completely, preferably overnight at room temperature.
Cut & Serve: Once cooled, cut the fudge into squares and enjoy!
Storing the Fudge: Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigerator: Wrap the fudge and store in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fudge wrapped in plastic or a double bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 9mgSodium 68mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 1gSugar 31gProtein 1g

TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Final Thoughts

Name: Old-Time Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups granulated sugar; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa (Dutch processed); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup salted butter (room temperature) *If using unsalted butter, increase salt to 1/4 teaspoon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Old-time fudge is a classic, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and endless flavor variations, it’s a recipe that stands the test of time. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this old-fashioned fudge will undoubtedly bring joy to everyone who tastes it. Enjoy making this sweet treat, and don’t forget to share the love!

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