Hershey Fudge is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. This smooth, velvety fudge is made using Hershey’s cocoa and chocolate chips, ensuring that every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Hershey’s cocoa and chocolate chips provide the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this decadent treat in under an hour.
- Perfect Texture: This fudge has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer your fudge plain or with added nuts, candies, or a sprinkle of sea salt, this recipe is easy to tweak to your liking.
- Great for Gifting: Hershey Fudge makes an excellent homemade gift, beautifully packaged for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Tips and Tricks
Don’t Rush the Melting Process: Ensure that you melt the cocoa powder and butter on medium heat. Melting too quickly can cause the fudge to seize or burn. Stir frequently for a smooth result.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe is all about the chocolate, make sure to use high-quality Hershey’s cocoa and chocolate chips. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet fudge, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Use Condensed Milk for Creaminess: Sweetened condensed milk is key to creating that smooth, creamy texture. Don’t substitute it with regular milk, as it won’t give the same result.
Let It Cool Completely: Be patient while the fudge sets in the fridge. Cutting it too early can result in a messy, gooey fudge instead of neat squares.
Variations
- Nutty Hershey Fudge: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the fudge mixture after the chocolate chips have melted. This adds a nice crunch and richness.
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter into the chocolate mixture for a peanut butter chocolate combo that’s irresistible.
- Marshmallow Swirl Fudge: Before setting the fudge in the pan, swirl in some mini marshmallows for an extra creamy, gooey texture.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge: Add a few drops of mint extract to the fudge for a refreshing minty twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
How to Serve
Hershey Fudge is best served in bite-sized squares, perfect for snacking or sharing. You can plate the fudge on a dessert tray for gatherings, pack it in small gift boxes for friends, or store it in a glass jar to enjoy throughout the week. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair your fudge with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas for a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.
- With Ice Cream: Top your fudge with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate gelato for an extra indulgent dessert.
- As a Topping: Crumble a few pieces of fudge over a bowl of vanilla yogurt or oatmeal for a chocolatey breakfast or snack.
How to Store
Proper storage is key to keeping your Hershey Fudge fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store it:
- In the Refrigerator: Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This will help maintain its firm texture and prevent it from becoming too soft.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, place the fudge in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid Humidity: Store the fudge in a cool, dry place away from humidity, as it can cause the fudge to become sticky and lose its texture.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Hershey Fudge without sweetened condensed milk? Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of this fudge. If you need a substitution, you could try making your own condensed milk or use a heavy cream-based fudge recipe, but the taste and texture may vary.
2. How can I make my Hershey Fudge thicker?
If your fudge seems too runny, you can cook it for a few extra minutes to allow it to thicken. Alternatively, you can add more cocoa powder or let the fudge set in the fridge for a longer period of time.
3. Can I add other types of chocolate to this fudge?
Absolutely! You can mix in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar if using a sweeter chocolate.
4. How do I cut fudge into neat squares?
To get clean cuts, let the fudge cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife, and if necessary, dip the knife in warm water to help with the cutting process.
5. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, Hershey Fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or special occasions.
6. Is Hershey Fudge gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Always check the labels to be sure.
Hershey Fudge
Hershey Fudge is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. This smooth, velvety fudge is made using Hershey’s cocoa and chocolate chips, ensuring that every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, letting the foil hang over the sides. Grease the foil lightly with butter for easy removal of the fudge later.
- Cook the fudge base: In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa, sugar, salt, and milk. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it boil for up to 5 minutes, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer or forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.
- Cool the mixture: Once the fudge has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and place the pan into a sink filled with at least 2 inches of cold water. Add the butter and vanilla but don’t stir. Let it sit in the cold water until it reaches room temperature.
- Beat the fudge: After the fudge cools, remove the pan from the water and use a wooden spoon to mix in the butter and vanilla. Then, beat the mixture for several minutes until it loses its glossy shine and starts to take on a satiny sheen. This step may take some time, but it’s essential for the perfect texture.
- Add nuts: If using, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this point.
- Set and cut: Immediately spread the fudge into the prepared pan. Let it sit for at least an hour until it firms up before cutting into pieces.
- Store: Store your Hershey Fudge in a candy tin or airtight container to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
Hershey Fudge is a classic chocolate treat that brings rich, velvety goodness to any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, gifting it to a friend, or indulging yourself, this fudge is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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