Easy Paula Deen Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe: Creamy Sweet Bliss

Paula Deen’s old-fashioned fudge transports you to a world of nostalgic sweetness with its rich, velvety texture and irresistible chocolate charm.

Generations have cherished this timeless dessert that embodies comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Classic recipes like these connect us to cherished memories and family traditions.

Smooth, glossy surfaces hint at the decadent experience waiting beneath.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredient list.

Crafting this beloved treat requires patience and a gentle touch to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

You’ll fall in love with its luxurious chocolate depth and comforting warmth: Get ready to create magic in your kitchen.

Why Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge is a Timeless Treat

• Savor Rich, Velvety Chocolate Indulgence: This old-fashioned fudge delivers an intensely deep chocolate experience that melts smoothly on your tongue, creating a luxurious moment of pure comfort and decadence.
• Master a Classic Southern Dessert Technique: Paula Deen's recipe offers home cooks an authentic way to create traditional fudge using precise temperature control and simple cooking methods that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular sweet treat.
• Enjoy Quick Homemade Luxury: With just one hour of preparation time, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients like sugar, cocoa, and pecans into a gourmet dessert that feels special without requiring professional baking skills.
• Celebrate Nutty Texture and Crunch: The addition of chopped pecans brings a delightful textural contrast to the silky chocolate, providing unexpected bursts of toasty crunch in every single bite of this classic Southern dessert.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

• Sugar: The main sweetener that provides the foundational sweetness for the fudge.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor that gives the fudge its deep, dark chocolate taste and color.

• Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and provides smooth texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base that contributes to the rich, smooth consistency of the fudge.

• Butter: Adds richness, smooth texture, and enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and classic fudge aroma.
• Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and traditional southern fudge character.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

Step 1: Combine Dry Foundation

Mix sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 2: Introduce Liquid Components

• Light corn syrup
• Evaporated milk

Step 3: Create Precise Temperature Control

Cook over medium heat, stirring consistently, until mixture reaches 234–240°F using a candy thermometer. Test by dropping small amount in cold water – it should form a soft, pliable ball.

Step 4: Infuse Creamy Richness

• Unsalted butter
• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Stir until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5: Transform Texture

Beat mixture vigorously with hand mixer or wooden spoon until it starts losing glossiness and thickens slightly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Shape Delectable Treat

Pour warm fudge into a 9×13 inch lightly buttered glass baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 7: Finalize and Garnish

Dust surface with additional cocoa powder and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans. Allow fudge to completely cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before cutting into 1-inch squares.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

• Capture Cooling Perfection: Rest fudge at room temperature for smooth, clean-cutting results without crumbly edges.
• Master Water Test Technique: Drop small mixture amounts into cold water, watching for soft, pliable ball formation – a foolproof doneness indicator.
• Prevent Burning Disaster: Continuous stirring prevents scorching and ensures consistent texture throughout the cooking process.
• Invest in Precision Tools: Digital kitchen scales guarantee accurate dry ingredient measurements, eliminating potential recipe failures.
• Prepare Serving Surface Early: Generously butter your dish before cooking to facilitate effortless mixture pouring and smooth setting.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

• Container Method: Seal fudge in an airtight glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Protect each layer with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve texture. Keeps fudge fresh and prevents moisture absorption from refrigerator air.
• Freezing Method: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stack layers carefully with parchment paper between each row to prevent breaking. Frozen fudge maintains quality for up to 4 months when sealed properly.
• Temperature Control Method: Store fudge in the coolest part of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Maintain consistent temperature around 40-45°F to prevent sugar crystallization and preserve smooth texture. Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace pecans with a mix of almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds for a multi-textured, crunchy fudge experience.
• Sea Salt Caramel Fudge: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Version: Swap cocoa powder with dark cocoa and add a shot of espresso powder to create a rich, intense coffee-chocolate profile.
• Coconut Dream Fudge: Fold shredded coconut into the mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired dessert variation.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Old Fashioned Fudge

Sweet southern charm radiates through Paula Deen’s classic fudge recipe, connecting generations with rich chocolate memories.

Southern kitchens whisper nostalgic tales of creamy pecan-studded squares melting on eager taste buds.

Heritage chocolate traditions shine brightly in this simple yet luxurious dessert.

Cocoa’s deep complexity harmonizes perfectly with crunchy pecans, creating sensory magic in each bite.

Homemade fudge becomes more than mere confection – it transforms into edible storytelling.

Passionate chocolate enthusiasts who dare to explore this recipe will discover pure delectable bliss that beckons sharing, liking, and commenting with pure culinary excitement.

Paula Deen Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent Paula Deen Old Fashioned Fudge delivers classic chocolate richness with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Grandma’s kitchen wisdom shines through this nostalgic sweet treat that will transport you to comforting moments of pure chocolate bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter plus extra for buttering dish
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 4 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Nuts:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare a saucepan and combine granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Introduce light corn syrup and evaporated milk to the dry ingredients, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Position the saucepan over medium heat, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and ensure even temperature distribution.
4. Monitor the temperature carefully using a candy thermometer, aiming for the precise soft ball stage between 234–240°F (112–116°C).
5. Test the mixture’s readiness by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball when properly heated.
6. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat source and incorporate unsalted butter, carefully chopped pecans, and pure vanilla extract.
7. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, vigorously beat the mixture until it transitions from glossy to a slightly matte, thickened consistency.
8. Lightly grease an oblong glass baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
9. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
10. Delicately dust the top with additional cocoa powder and sprinkle a generous layer of finely chopped pecans for decorative texture.
11. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours until completely set and firm.
12. Once cooled, slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for precise edges.

Notes

• Capture the perfect texture by letting fudge cool naturally at room temperature, preventing crumbly edges when slicing.
• Keep stirring constantly during cooking to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even mixture that’s free from scorched spots.
• Grab a reliable kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely, guaranteeing the ideal balance of sweetness and consistency.
• Test the mixture’s readiness using the simple cold water method when a candy thermometer isn’t available, creating foolproof fudge every time.
• Prep your serving dish beforehand, buttering it thoroughly to allow for seamless pouring and effortless removal of the final sweet treat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg