Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

This recipe for Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge yields a rich, smooth, and utterly delicious confection that’s truly a timeless classic. With a deep chocolate flavor and a perfect texture, it’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for gifting or satisfying a sweet craving.

Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Set the Stage: Before you begin cooking, prepare your pan. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Alternatively, lightly grease the pan.
2. Sweet Beginnings: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (this is important for even heat distribution), combine the 2 cups of sugar with the 4 tablespoons of Hershey’s cocoa. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly integrated and there are no dry pockets of cocoa.
3. Buttery Delight: Add the stick of salted butter (cut into a few pieces to help it melt faster) and the 5-ounce can of Carnation Evaporated Milk to your sugar and cocoa mixture in the saucepan.
4. Stir It Up & Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, constantly stirring to prevent scorching, until it comes to a rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil for about 3-4 minutes, still stirring continuously. The consistency you’re aiming for is the soft ball stage. To test this, drop a tiny amount of the hot fudge mixture into a cup of very cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that holds its shape but is still soft, it’s ready.
5. Vanilla Essence: Once the fudge mixture has reached the soft ball stage, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
6. Nuts About Fudge (Optional): If you’re a fan of nuts, now is the time to fold them into your hot fudge mixture. Optional nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture.
7. Set and Forget: Pour the hot fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Let it cool for several hours at room temperature. For the best results and a perfectly set fudge, it’s recommended to let it set overnight.
8. The Grand Finale: Once the fudge is completely set and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan and place it onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into squares of your desired size. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!