Smooth & Dreamy Silky Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Chocolate lovers swoon over this creamy old fashioned fudge recipe that melts hearts with its rich, decadent texture.

Sweet memories flood back with each velvety bite of traditional fudge perfection.

Generations have cherished this classic dessert that brings pure joy to the table.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this fudge creates moments of pure indulgence.

The blend of sugar, butter, and chocolate produces a mouthwatering treat that feels like a warm hug.

Smooth and irresistible, this recipe promises to become your new favorite sweet escape.

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 16

What You’ll Need for Old Fashioned Fudge

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the signature fudge texture, select pure white crystal sugar for best results.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor, choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa for deep, intense taste.
• Milk: Creates smooth consistency and helps dissolve sugar, use whole milk for creamier fudge.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creamy texture, select fresh butter with high butterfat content.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds aromatic complexity, opt for pure vanilla extract instead of artificial.

• Chopped Nuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertone, toast nuts beforehand for enhanced flavor profile.

Equipment That Brings This Fudge Recipe to Life

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing sugar from burning.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Candy thermometer: Helps achieve precise soft-ball stage temperature for perfect fudge texture.
• 8-inch square baking dish: Used for setting and shaping the fudge.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal of fudge from the pan.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting fudge into neat squares.

How to Make Old Fashioned Fudge Like Grandma Did

• Prepare Your Cooking Zone

Grab a heavy saucepan, wooden spoon, candy thermometer if you have one, and a lined baking dish. Make sure everything is clean and ready to rock.

• Create Sweet Chocolate Base

Toss sugar, cocoa, and milk into the saucepan. Gently warm and stir until everything melts together smoothly over medium heat.

• Bring Magic to a Boil

Let the mixture bubble without touching it. Watch for the perfect temperature around 234-240F. No thermometer? Drop a tiny bit in cold water – it should form a soft, squishy ball.

• Enhance with Creamy Goodness

Pull the pan off the heat. Drop in butter and vanilla. Let it chill and cool down to about 110F without stirring.

• Transform Into Fudge Perfection

Grab your wooden spoon and beat the mixture until it turns thick and loses its shiny look. This might take 5-10 minutes of arm power. Want nuts? Fold them in now.

• Set and Slice

Quickly spread the fudge into your prepared dish. Let it cool completely at room temperature. Once solid, slice into delicious squares and dive in!

Flavor Add-Ins That Take Fudge Beyond the Basics

• Temp Control Magic: Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature tracking, ensuring perfect fudge texture every single time.
• Texture Troubleshooting: If fudge turns grainy, it might mean sugar crystallized too quickly; beat gently and consistently to achieve smooth, creamy results.
• Nutty Adventures: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and depth of flavor in your classic fudge recipe.
• Dietary Twist: Make this fudge gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Storage Wisdom: Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising its rich, decadent texture.

Serve in Squares or With Holiday Cheer

• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Complement the rich, chocolatey fudge with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Festive Gift Idea: Package the fudge in cute mason jars or decorative holiday tins, tied with a ribbon, making it a perfect homemade present for friends and family during special occasions.
• Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the fudge or mix in chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add a delightful crunch and elevate the traditional recipe with gourmet touches.
• Serving Presentation: Arrange fudge squares on a rustic wooden board with some fresh berries or mint leaves for an elegant display that will impress guests and make the dessert look even more tempting.

Store Fudge So It Stays Firm, Not Crumbly

• Smart Cooling Strategy: Let the fudge settle at room temperature for 2-3 hours to ensure perfect texture and smooth cutting. Avoid refrigerating immediately, which can cause crystallization and change the delicate consistency.
• Fridge Storage Technique: After initial cooling, store fudge in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, preventing moisture and maintaining soft, creamy texture.
• Counter Shelf Life: When stored in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, fudge can remain fresh at room temperature for 7-10 days. Ensure container is completely dry to prevent potential sugar bloom.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen fudge stays delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to maintain original rich flavor and smooth consistency.

Silky Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Classic Old Fashioned Fudge delights chocolate enthusiasts with its rich, creamy texture. Smooth chocolate squares promise sweet memories of grandma’s traditional kitchen magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (115 grams/4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (25 grams/0.9 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (150 grams/5.3 oz) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Assemble a heavy-bottomed saucepan, wooden spoon, candy thermometer, and lined square pan, ensuring all equipment is clean and ready for precise fudge crafting.
2. Initial Mixture: Combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in the saucepan, heating gently while stirring continuously until ingredients integrate smoothly and dissolve completely.
3. Temperature Elevation: Increase heat, allowing mixture to bubble without stirring, carefully monitoring temperature until reaching the soft ball stage between 234F and 240F using a candy thermometer or classic water drop test.
4. Cooling Phase: Remove from heat, add unsalted butter and vanilla extract without immediate stirring, letting the mixture cool naturally to approximately 110F, creating optimal crystallization conditions.
5. Transformation Process: Energetically beat the mixture with a wooden spoon, transitioning from a glossy liquid to a thick, matte texture through persistent stirring for 5-10 minutes, developing the classic fudge consistency.
6. Final Setting: Quickly pour the transformed mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and allowing it to set completely at room temperature until firm and ready to be cut into delectable squares.

Notes

• Choose Robust Cookware: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent sugar from burning, which ensures smooth fudge texture.
• Master Temperature Precision: Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to hit the exact 234-240F sweet spot, preventing grainy or too-soft fudge consistency.
• Control Stirring Technique: Minimize stirring during initial heating to prevent sugar crystallization, then vigorously beat when cooling to create perfect creamy texture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for lactose-free version, and use dark cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor without compromising recipe integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg