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