Easy & Delightful Joy Of Cooking Fudge Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet, creamy fudge has been a beloved dessert that captivates taste buds with its rich, indulgent texture.

Crafting this delectable treat requires precision, patience, and a passion for culinary artistry.

Generations of home bakers have perfected the delicate balance of ingredients that transform simple components into a mouthwatering confection.

The magic happens when careful temperature control and expert techniques merge to create a smooth, velvety delight.

Chocolate lovers find themselves drawn to the irresistible allure of this classic confection that melts effortlessly on the tongue.

Each batch represents a tiny celebration of flavor, promising pure satisfaction with every decadent bite.

You’ll fall in love with the process of transforming basic ingredients into a luxurious dessert that sparks joy: prepare to become a fudge-making maestro.

Pro Tips for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Fudge

• Rescue Burnt Edges: Watch carefully and move pot quickly if edges start to darken.
• Temperature Precision: Attach candy thermometer slightly above bottom, never touching metal surface to get accurate reading.
• Cooling Strategy: Let fudge rest undisturbed at room temperature, avoiding drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Clean Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for smooth, even slices through solidified fudge.
• Surface Protection: Line pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and minimal cleanup after setting.

Fudge Storage: Keeping It Fresh

• Airtight Container Method: Store fudge in a sturdy, sealed container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Separate pieces carefully to maintain their pristine texture and prevent crumbling. Refrigeration keeps the fudge firm and extends its delectable life.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to lock in moisture and flavor. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the fudge's rich, creamy consistency. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Strategy: Keep fudge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid to protect from air and humidity. Consume within 7-10 days for optimal freshness and mouthwatering flavor.

Flavorful Variations for Your Fudge

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or pecans during the beating stage for added texture and rich, earthy flavor.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce across the top of the fudge before it sets, then sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
• Espresso Chocolate Boost: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder while heating the mixture to enhance the chocolate's depth and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Peppermint Chocolate Dream: Mix in crushed peppermint candies or a few drops of peppermint extract during the final beating stage for a refreshing winter-inspired treat.

Fudge Finale: Sweet Endings

Chocolate fudge whispers sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen and festive celebrations.

Silky chocolate squares promise pure indulgence with each delectable bite.

Rich flavors melt into a luxurious experience that connects generations through culinary magic.

Classic recipes like this fudge reveal profound connections between ingredients and emotion.

Kitchen alchemy transforms simple components into extraordinary treats that spark joy.

Chocolate lovers will savor these moments: share this recipe, sprinkle deliciousness across social networks, and inspire fellow culinary adventurers to create their own delightful masterpiece.

Fudge Fantasy: Why It’ll Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth

• Craft Creamy Chocolate Bliss: This fudge recipe delivers a luxurious, velvety smooth chocolate experience that melts perfectly in your mouth, offering a rich and indulgent treat that feels like a warm chocolate hug.
• Master Precision Candy Making: The detailed temperature-controlled method transforms simple ingredients into a professional-quality dessert, teaching home cooks advanced culinary techniques without requiring professional training or complex equipment.
• Enjoy Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of common pantry staples like half-and-half, sugar, chocolate, and corn syrup, you can create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet chocolate shop, making it perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute sweet cravings.
• Create Stress-Free Dessert Delight: The straightforward step-by-step process allows even novice bakers to achieve a smooth, creamy fudge with minimal risk of failure, providing a foolproof method that guarantees delicious results every single time.

Building Blocks for Velvety Fudge

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps easily coat the pan and prevents sticking.
• 8×8 Inch Pan: Provides the perfect size and shape for even fudge setting.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy base that creates smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create candied consistency.
• Chocolate: Gives deep, intense chocolate flavor and determines fudge's richness.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures smooth, glossy finish.

• Butter: Additional butter adds extra richness and helps smooth the fudge texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Essence: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor profile.

Making Fudge: Your Easy Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan with softened unsalted butter, covering all surfaces completely. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• Half-and-half
• Sugar
• Chocolate
• Light corn syrup

Step 3: Start Cooking

Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 4: Create Steam Seal

Cover the pan for 2-3 minutes, allowing steam to wash down sugar crystals from pan edges.

Step 5: Monitor Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to pan side (avoiding bottom contact). Continue cooking without stirring until mixture reaches 236°F (soft ball stage). If sugar crystals form, gently brush pan edges with cold water.

Step 6: Cool Initial Mixture

Remove from heat. Sprinkle butter on top without mixing. Let cool to 110°F (38-43°C).

Step 7: Finish Fudge

• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Beat mixture using wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth and loses glossy appearance.

Step 8: Set and Serve

Pour into prepared pan. Allow 3-4 hours to completely cool. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in airtight container.

Joy Of Cooking Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Silky chocolate fudge from Joy of Cooking delivers pure indulgence with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Smooth squares of sweet perfection invite chocolate lovers to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated white sugar
• 2 squares (2 ounces) (60 grams) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) half-and-half (or light cream)

Fats and Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Seasoning and Flavor:

• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 20 x 20 x 5 centimeters (8 x 8 x 2 inches) baking pan by generously greasing the entire surface with room temperature unsalted butter.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan measuring 2-1/2 to 3 quarts, combine half-and-half, sugar, chocolate, and light corn syrup, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth mixture.
3. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching or uneven heating.
4. Cover the pan for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing condensation to wash down any sugar crystals clinging to the pan’s edges.
5. Carefully attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom, and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage at 236 degrees Fahrenheit (113 degrees Celsius).
6. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle two tablespoons of butter across the surface, letting it melt naturally without stirring.
7. Allow the fudge to cool undisturbed until it reaches a lukewarm temperature between 38 to 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit).
8. Extract the candy thermometer and incorporate salt and vanilla extract, beating the mixture with a wooden spoon or electric hand mixer until the fudge becomes smooth and begins to lose its glossy appearance.
9. Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and let it set at room temperature for several hours before cutting into uniform squares.

Notes

• Slow and steady wins when melting chocolate, preventing scorching and maintaining a silky smooth consistency.
• Cast iron or heavy-bottomed pans distribute heat evenly, reducing risks of uneven cooking or burning.
• Keep your candy thermometer suspended mid-liquid, ensuring an accurate temperature reading without interference from pan surfaces.
• Patience matters most after cooking – letting the mixture settle and cool completely guarantees clean, sharp-edged squares.
• Room temperature allows chocolate to set properly, creating a professional-looking final product with perfect texture.
• Gentle stirring prevents sugar crystallization, which could make your chocolate grainy or lumpy.
• Clean utensils are crucial to prevent moisture from disrupting the chocolate’s delicate composition.
• Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water ensures clean, precise cuts when portioning your chocolate treat.
• Wipe down the knife between each slice to maintain crisp, neat edges on your squares.
• Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature to preserve the chocolate’s glossy finish and rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25