Chocolate Fudge is rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet for a festive gathering, gifting loved ones, or satisfying your sweet tooth, chocolate fudge is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
What Is Chocolate Fudge?
Chocolate fudge is a soft, dense confection made primarily from chocolate, sugar, and dairy. Its smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth richness make it a favorite among dessert lovers worldwide. While it might seem fancy, making chocolate fudge at home is surprisingly simple with the right recipe and techniques.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Fudge
- Choose Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the fudge. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or bars for optimal flavor.
- Low Heat is Key: Avoid burning the chocolate by melting it over low heat and stirring constantly.
- Don’t Skip the Lining: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removing the fudge a breeze.
- Add Texture with Toppings: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed candy canes add visual appeal and texture.
- Use a Candy Thermometer (Optional): For more precise results, ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235–240°F).
Delicious Variations of Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate fudge is versatile, and with a few tweaks, you can create endless flavor combinations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter into the fudge and swirl with a knife before setting.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- White Chocolate Raspberry: Replace half the chocolate with white chocolate and swirl in raspberry jam.
- Espresso Fudge: Stir in a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha-inspired treat.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge
- As a Standalone Dessert: Serve fudge squares as a simple yet indulgent treat.
- With Ice Cream: Pair fudge with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
- On Dessert Trays: Include it in a holiday dessert spread with cookies, brownies, and truffles.
- As a Gift: Wrap squares in decorative boxes or bags for a heartfelt homemade gift.
How to Store Chocolate Fudge
- At Room Temperature: Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- In the Freezer: Freeze fudge for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Absolutely! Dark chocolate creates a deeper, less sweet flavor. Adjust sugar if needed.
2. Why is my fudge grainy? Grainy fudge usually results from undissolved sugar or overheating. Stir continuously and melt over low heat for a smooth texture.
3. Can I make fudge without condensed milk? Yes! You can use heavy cream and sugar as a substitute, but the texture and sweetness will differ slightly.
4. How do I prevent my fudge from sticking to the pan? Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
5. Is chocolate fudge gluten-free? Most traditional chocolate fudge recipes are gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels to confirm.
Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate Fudge is rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet for a festive gathering, gifting loved ones, or satisfying your sweet tooth, chocolate fudge is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup cocoa (unsweetened dutch processed)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter (I use salted) (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- if you use unsalted butter then increase the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Instructions
- Line an 8 inch square pan with buttered parchment paper.
- In a medium heavy saucepan stir together sugar, cocoa and salt, then add the milk and stir with a wooden spoon (not a whisk or metal spoon).
- Cook over medium heat stirring continuously until mixture starts to boil (a strong boil), approximately 15 minutes.
- Turn heat to low medium and continue to cook without stirring until temperature reaches 234 °F (112C) Approximately 30 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat, add the butter and vanilla. Do not stir. Cool to room temperature (110°F/43C), approximately 30 minutes. Then beat with a wooden spoon just until mixture begins to lose some of it's gloss (approximately 6-8 minutes).
- Then spread quickly in prepared cake pan and let cool completely, even overnight (at room temperature).
- Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- You can also freeze the fudge in a double bag, well wrapped. Freeze either in pieces or the whole slab. Can be frozen up to 3 months. Keeps in an airtight container for approximately 2 weeks or in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
20Serving Size
1Amount 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.
Why Chocolate Fudge is the Perfect Dessert
Chocolate fudge combines simplicity with luxury, making it a beloved treat for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Its ability to adapt to various flavors and occasions ensures it remains a timeless classic. Whether you’re experimenting with variations, gifting it to loved ones, or savoring a square after dinner, chocolate fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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