Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Grandma’s Sweet Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat

Crafting an old fashioned fudge recipe brings back memories of grandma’s warm kitchen and sweet traditions.

Chocolate lovers will adore this classic treat that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Generations have cherished this simple dessert passed down through family cookbooks.

Rich, creamy textures combine with deep chocolate flavors that dance across taste buds.

Kitchen novices and experienced bakers alike can master this delightful confection with ease.

Smooth chocolate promises pure comfort in every single bite.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless sweet that connects you to cherished culinary memories.

What Makes Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe So Nostalgic

  • Conquer Chocolate Cravings: Dive into a rich, indulgent dessert that satisfies even the most intense sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn a classic candy-making method that builds confidence in the kitchen, transforming basic pantry staples into a decadent treat.
  • Create Nostalgic Family Memories: Recreate a traditional dessert that connects generations, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or sharing special moments with loved ones.
  • Impress Without Stress: Achieve professional-looking results with a recipe that requires only basic cooking skills and common kitchen tools, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the classic fudge sweetness and helps create the dense, rich texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers the deep chocolate flavor and dark color characteristic of traditional fudge.
  • Butter: Adds richness, smooth texture, and enhances the overall flavor of the fudge.
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy base and helps achieve the smooth, velvety consistency of the fudge.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Vanilla Extract: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.
Preparation Helpers:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor profile.

How to Make Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fudge Base

In a sturdy saucepan, mix together:
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Butter
  • Evaporated milk

Create a smooth, combined mixture that will become the foundation of your delectable fudge.

Step 2: Bring to a Rolling Boil

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Watch as the ingredients blend and start to bubble, creating a rich, chocolatey liquid that promises sweet deliciousness.

Step 3: Maintain Consistent Cooking

Keep the mixture at a steady boil, continuing to stir without pause. Let the fudge simmer and develop its deep, intense flavor for exactly 7 minutes. This crucial timing helps create the perfect texture.

Step 4: Transform the Mixture

Remove the saucepan from the heat and begin vigorously beating the fudge. The mixture will start to thicken and become glossy, transforming from a liquid into a creamy, decadent treat right before your eyes.

Step 5: Set and Chill the Fudge

Pour the smooth, beaten fudge into a buttered dish, spreading it evenly. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature, which helps it set and develop its signature rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge has fully cooled and set, slice it into perfect square pieces. Serve and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness you’ve created from scratch!

Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Stir constantly during cooking to avoid scorching and achieve smooth texture.
  • Check candy thermometer for precise temperature if available, aiming for soft-ball stage around 235-240°F.
  • Avoid humidity when making fudge, as moisture can affect crystallization and final consistency.
  • Let fudge cool completely at room temperature before cutting to maintain perfect square shapes and prevent crumbling.

Flavorful Variations of Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the fudge before setting for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top of the fudge for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip: Mix in peppermint extract and green-tinted chocolate chips for a refreshing minty version.
  • Espresso Mocha Blast: Add instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's depth and create a rich coffee undertone.

Pairing Ideas for Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

  • Elevate Chocolate Richness with Red Wine: Pair this old-fashioned fudge with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the deep chocolate flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Create Creamy Contrast with Coffee: Serve alongside a smooth espresso or cappuccino, allowing the bitter coffee notes to balance the rich, sweet fudge and enhance the chocolate's complexity.
  • Boost Flavor with Nutty Companions: Accompany the fudge with roasted almonds or pecans, adding a crunchy texture that provides a delightful counterpoint to the smooth, velvety chocolate.
  • Refresh with Vanilla Cream: Enjoy a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream beside the fudge, creating a classic dessert combination that brightens the intense chocolate experience.

Storage Tips for Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

  • Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 week. Keep container sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
  • Keep fudge at room temperature in sealed container for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Do not microwave to prevent texture changes.

FAQs on Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

  • What ingredients do I need to make old fashioned fudge?

You’ll need granulated sugar, cocoa powder, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract for a classic fudge recipe.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this fudge?

You’ll want a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a buttered dish for setting the fudge.

  • How can I tell if my fudge is cooked correctly?

Watch for the mixture to reach a rolling boil and continue stirring for exactly 7 minutes. The mixture should thicken and become glossy when it’s ready to be removed from heat.

Print
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Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Rich chocolate magic emerges in this old fashioned fudge recipe, blending creamy sweetness with nostalgic comfort. Silky smooth squares deliver pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (470 ml) sugar
  • 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
  • 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa powder

Dairy Ingredient:

  • 5 ounces (148 ml) Carnation evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Blend sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and evaporated milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium flame, continuously stirring to prevent scorching, until it reaches a rolling boil with vigorous bubbling.
  3. Maintain a steady boil for precisely 7 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent burning and promote even heat distribution.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat source and vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until it transforms into a thick, glossy consistency.
  5. Quickly transfer the molten fudge into a pre-buttered rectangular dish, using a spatula to spread evenly and minimize air pockets.
  6. Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, enabling complete cooling and proper setting before slicing into uniform squares.

Notes

  • Check sugar temperature carefully to prevent burning or crystallization during cooking.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise doneness, aiming for 234-238°F (soft-ball stage) to ensure perfect fudge texture.
  • Avoid scraping sides of pan while stirring to prevent sugar crystals from forming and making fudge grainy.
  • Allow fudge to cool completely at room temperature without refrigeration to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 147
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 42 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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