Indulge in Decadence: The Ultimate Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a penchant for indulgence, then get ready to experience pure bliss with our Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe. This timeless treat is a true classic, beloved by generations for its rich, creamy texture and irresistible chocolate flavor. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own batch of homemade fudge, complete with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings while watching their carb intake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa
• 1 stick of salted butter
• 5-ounce can of Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• Nuts (optional, but they add a delightful crunch!)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Gather all the ingredients listed above.
2. If using nuts, chop them into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cocoa.
2. Stir the mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Add the stick of butter and the can of evaporated milk to the saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Fudge

1. Once the mixture is smooth, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, approximately 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 116°C).
3. This process may take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent the mixture from burning.

Step 5: Add the Vanilla and Nuts

1. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if using. Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Pour and Cool

1. Immediately pour the hot fudge mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

1. Once the fudge is set, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares.
2. Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Texture: For a smoother texture, you can sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the saucepan.
• Butter: If you prefer, you can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt to taste.
• Nuts: Feel free to customize your fudge by adding your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings, such as peppermint extract, almond extract, or espresso powder, to create unique variations of this classic recipe.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this old fashioned fudge, you can make the following modifications:

• Sweetener: Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Cocoa: Use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of Hershey’s cocoa to reduce the sugar content.
• Evaporated Milk Substitute: Substitute the evaporated milk with a combination of heavy cream and water to reduce the carb content.

FAQs

Q: Can I use cocoa powder instead of Hershey’s cocoa? A: Yes, you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Hershey’s cocoa is a popular choice, but any brand will work.

Q: Can I omit the nuts from the recipe? A: Yes, the nuts are optional. You can leave them out if you prefer a nut-free fudge.

Q: How should I store the fudge? A: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to three months.

In conclusion, our Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe is a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a batch of homemade fudge that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious dessert, this old fashioned fudge is guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up a batch today!