Grandma’s Dreamy Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe for Sweet Moments

Creamy old fashioned fudge brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and sweet childhood moments.

Chocolate lovers understand the magic behind this classic dessert that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Rich cocoa flavors dance with sugary goodness, creating a nostalgic treat.

Smooth textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of this traditional confection.

Generations have passed down secret techniques for achieving that perfect fudgy consistency.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with this timeless recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Prepare to experience a delightful journey through sweet, chocolatey memories.

Why Old Fashioned Fudge Brings Back Sweet Memories

• Tackle with Ease: Requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks wanting a straightforward chocolate treat.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows adding nuts or variations, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary desires.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers rich, decadent chocolate flavor guaranteed to impress family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations with minimal preparation.
• Create Memorable Moments: Transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic dessert that sparks conversations and brings people together around sweet shared experiences.

Old Fashioned Fudge Ingredient List

• Sugar: A primary sweetener that forms the foundation of the fudge's rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Butter: Provides creaminess and helps create a luxurious mouthfeel in the fudge.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect smooth consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudge's dark color.

• Marshmallow Creme: Ensures a glossy finish and helps bind the fudge ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

• Nuts: Provides a crunchy texture and additional depth to the fudge (optional).

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.
• Candy Thermometer: Ensures precise temperature control for perfect fudge consistency.
• Silicone Spatula: Helps in smooth mixing and even spreading of the fudge mixture.

How To Cook Old Fashioned Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the exposed sides of the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

• Sugar
• Butter
• Evaporated milk
• Cocoa powder

Stir the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 3: Monitor Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

Step 4: Reach Precise Temperature

Cook the chocolate base until it reaches exactly 234°F (soft-ball stage). This process typically takes 10-12 minutes of careful attention and consistent stirring.

Step 5: Add Marshmallow Creme

Remove the pan from heat immediately. Quickly fold in marshmallow creme, stirring vigorously to create a uniform, glossy texture throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor

Incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly across the fudge.

Step 7: Optional Nut Addition

If desired, gently fold nuts into the mixture, ensuring they are well-distributed throughout the fudge.

Step 8: Transfer to Pan

Pour the molten fudge into the prepared pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it completely sets and becomes firm to the touch.

Step 10: Remove from Pan

Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the fudge from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 11: Cut into Pieces

Slice the fudge into precise squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to create neat, professional-looking pieces.

Step 12: Store Properly

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Tips To Nail Old Fashioned Fudge

• Master Pan Preparation: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, creating overhang for easy fudge removal and lightly greasing sides prevents sticking.
• Monitor Heating Carefully: Use a candy thermometer to precisely track temperature, stirring continuously to avoid scorching and ensure smooth, even heating.
• Create Glossy Texture: Fold marshmallow creme vigorously into the hot mixture, guaranteeing a uniform, shiny appearance that defines perfect fudge.
• Achieve Clean Cutting: Wipe knife between cuts to create professional-looking, precise squares and maintain a neat presentation of your fudge.
• Store Smartly: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent pieces from clinging together.

Flavor Twists For Old Fashioned Fudge

• Dairy-Free Chocolate Fudge: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free alternative, using vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
• Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts before pouring into the pan, creating a crunchy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Fudge: Substitute traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a decadent chocolate experience.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the fudge before setting, or swirl caramel sauce through the mixture for an elevated gourmet touch.

Tasty Pairings With Old Fashioned Fudge

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, whose rich tannins and dark fruit notes complement the intense chocolate fudge's deep sweetness.
• Create Espresso Contrast: Serve alongside a freshly pulled espresso shot, whose strong, bitter undertones beautifully balance the fudge's sugary richness and highlight its complex chocolate flavor profile.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, allowing its creamy, smooth texture to provide a cool counterpoint to the dense, sweet fudge while enhancing the dessert's overall indulgence.
• Explore Whiskey Pairing: Pour a small glass of smooth bourbon or scotch whiskey, whose caramel and oak undertones will harmonize with the fudge's deep chocolate notes and provide a sophisticated adult dessert experience.

Best Way To Store Old Fashioned Fudge

• Store fudge in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep fudge in a sealed container at room temperature for 1 week. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Gently warm fudge in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if it becomes too firm. Alternatively, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.

FAQs For Old Fashioned Fudge

• Can I use a different type of sugar?

Granulated white sugar works best for this recipe. Brown sugar or alternative sweeteners might alter the texture and consistency of the fudge.

• What if I don't have a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the perfect soft-ball stage. Without it, you risk under or overcooking the fudge, which can make it grainy or too hard.

• How do I know when the fudge is at the right temperature?

The mixture should reach exactly 234°F (soft-ball stage). At this point, the mixture will form a soft, pliable ball when dropped into cold water, indicating it’s ready to be removed from heat.

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate Old Fashioned Fudge melts smoothly on palates with nostalgic charm. Sweet memories swirl through each silky square, inviting you to savor classic dessert perfection.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Base:

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Binding Agents:

• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the exposed sides.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and cocoa powder, stirring to create a smooth mixture.
3. Position a candy thermometer in the pan and heat the mixture over medium-high heat, continuously stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
4. Cook the chocolate base until it reaches exactly 234°F (soft-ball stage), which typically takes 10-12 minutes of careful monitoring.
5. Immediately remove the pan from heat and quickly fold in marshmallow creme, stirring vigorously to create a uniform, glossy texture.
6. Incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the fudge.
7. If using nuts, gently fold them into the mixture, ensuring they are well-distributed.
8. Pour the molten fudge into the prepared pan, using a silicone spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
9. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it sets completely and becomes firm to the touch.
10. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
11. Slice into precise squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat, professional-looking pieces.
12. Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning, avoiding potential scorching during the cooking process.
• Monitor the temperature precisely with a reliable candy thermometer, as reaching exactly 234°F is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge consistency.
• Stir continuously while cooking to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• For nut-free or alternative dietary needs, easily swap out nuts or omit them completely without compromising the fudge’s rich chocolate flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg