How To Make Chocolate Fudge That Will Have Your Family and Friends Begging For More!
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My Quest For The Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe
If you really want to WOW your friends and family this Christmas, make sure you save this easy recipe for making chocolate fudge (it also makes a great Valentine's or any time gift). I've loved chocolate fudge ever since I can remember. Even was sick one Christmas Day when I was 4 or 5 because I ate too much of it the night before at my aunt's Christmas party. But that didn't stop me from loving chocolate fudge, and if you've found this lens, you probably love it too!
Once I had a family of my own, I started making chocolate fudge at Christmas time every year. This was back in the early 1970's. and the See's Candy Fudge Recipe was very popular and being passed around. So, for many years I made that recipe and it always seemed to be a hit. But for me, something was just missing...that last little bit of perfection. I tried lots of different chocolate fudge recipes (had a fiasco one year with a candy thermometer), but nothing was as good as the See's recipe.
Fast-forward then to the late 1980's and a good friend of mine gave me some fudge that she had made for Christmas. EUREKA! This was the fudge I had been looking for all of my life! What was even better is that my friend didn't mind sharing her recipe, and ever since then, I have made several batches of this fudge every year and it has always turned out perfect.
Other than the fact that I consider this the perfect fudge recipe, the other great thing about it is that this recipe is fairly easy to make...no candy thermometer needed, but you do have to pay attention while you're making it. Also, it helps to have really strong arms to stir it at the end or better yet, make it a family affair and have a few people to help take turns at stirring it. You can make it with or without nuts, or just part of it with nuts. The chocolate can be darker or lighter if you wish. I'll explain these variations with the recipe below.
First, you'll need a few items to help your fudge turn out perfectly: a heavy stainless steel pot (I use my 8 quart stock pot), a heavy-duty large wooden spoon and a large stainless steel mixing bowl, the one I use isn't marked as to size, but it holds 6 quarts of water when it's filled up to the rim.
Ta-Da! The Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Follow these directions and you'll make creamy and delicious chocolate fudge every time!
This delicious recipe makes 5 pounds of chocolate fudge, unless you make it without nuts, then it's 4 pounds. I usually make some of each since I have some members of my family that do not like nuts and some friends that are allergic to nuts.
Ingredients You Will Need:
In your large stainless steel bowl, break up the milk chocolate candy bars and the butter into small pieces. Pour in chocolate chips and set aside.
Grease your pans with butter. You'll need two 9x13 inch flat cake pans, but you can use smaller or larger pans depending on what you have available, and how thick you want your fudge to be. It's best to have a couple of extra smaller pans ready just in case.
In a large saucepan or pot, combine sugar, evaporated milk and mini marshmallows. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Tip: Don't scrape the sides of the pot when you are stirring, it tends to make candy taste grainy.
Cook and stir at a light but steady boil for 7 minutes. You might see some brownish bits floating around as its cooking. This is normal. Remove from heat, pour over butter and chocolate in your bowl.
With a wooden spoon, stir until melted and well blended. Continue to stir until candy loses some of it's shine. (The shine should go from a shiny, high gloss to a matte gloss). Stir in vanilla and nuts, if desired.* Pour into buttered pans. Cool completely before cutting into pieces. Use a knife dipped in hot water for cutting.
*If you don't want nuts in your fudge, this is where you leave them out. If you want to make a pan of fudge without nuts, then first stir in the vanilla, then pour how much you want without nuts into a pan, and then add nuts to the remaining fudge. You'll need to adjust the amount of nuts then. For example, if you're making half of your fudge without nuts and half with, then only use 8 oz. of nuts.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 20 oz. Hershey's milk chocolate bars - I buy the big ones that are always on sale at Christmas time, but any size will do, just make sure it adds up to 20 oz. If you like darker fudge, substitute some or all of the 20 oz. with the semi-sweet chocolate bars. You may also use other brands of milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate bars...just use your favorite!
- 1 cup butter (not margarine!), softened to room temperature. Do NOT soften in the microwave! Also, a little extra butter for your pans.
- 1-12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Use a good brand, as in Nestle's, Hershey's, or Ghiradelli. If you prefer lighter fudge, use milk chocolate chips.
- 4 cups granulated (white) sugar
- 1 and 2/3 cups evaporated milk
- 2 and 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 teaspoons vanilla, use the real stuff
- 1 pound of nuts, chopped
In your large stainless steel bowl, break up the milk chocolate candy bars and the butter into small pieces. Pour in chocolate chips and set aside.
Grease your pans with butter. You'll need two 9x13 inch flat cake pans, but you can use smaller or larger pans depending on what you have available, and how thick you want your fudge to be. It's best to have a couple of extra smaller pans ready just in case.
In a large saucepan or pot, combine sugar, evaporated milk and mini marshmallows. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Tip: Don't scrape the sides of the pot when you are stirring, it tends to make candy taste grainy.
Cook and stir at a light but steady boil for 7 minutes. You might see some brownish bits floating around as its cooking. This is normal. Remove from heat, pour over butter and chocolate in your bowl.
With a wooden spoon, stir until melted and well blended. Continue to stir until candy loses some of it's shine. (The shine should go from a shiny, high gloss to a matte gloss). Stir in vanilla and nuts, if desired.* Pour into buttered pans. Cool completely before cutting into pieces. Use a knife dipped in hot water for cutting.
*If you don't want nuts in your fudge, this is where you leave them out. If you want to make a pan of fudge without nuts, then first stir in the vanilla, then pour how much you want without nuts into a pan, and then add nuts to the remaining fudge. You'll need to adjust the amount of nuts then. For example, if you're making half of your fudge without nuts and half with, then only use 8 oz. of nuts.
Foolproof Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Easy and Quick to Make!
3-6 oz. packags semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-14 oz. can sweetened, condensd milk
dash of salt
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips with sweetened, condensed milk. Remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients.
Spread evenly into wax paper lined 8 inch square pan. Chill 2 hours, or until set. Turn fudge onto cutting board, peel off paper and cut into squares. Cover and store at room temperature.
1-14 oz. can sweetened, condensd milk
dash of salt
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips with sweetened, condensed milk. Remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients.
Spread evenly into wax paper lined 8 inch square pan. Chill 2 hours, or until set. Turn fudge onto cutting board, peel off paper and cut into squares. Cover and store at room temperature.
Chocolate Fudge is Perfect for Gift Giving!
How I Cut and Package My Fudge For Gifts
People love my fudge at Christmas time, it's become a tradition. Most people haven't asked for my recipe (I think it's because the fudge is so good that they assume it's very difficult to make), but they do bring their tins back to me and ask for a refill!
If you are making other sweets also, such as divinity and cookies, then you can arrange some of each sweet on a Christmas themed decorated paper or styrofoam plate, cover well with plastic wrap and put a bow on top. These plates are unstable though so I prefer the Christmas or Winter themed tins. I stock up on the tins when they are on sale, and you'll find that some people will return them to you so you can give them fudge again next year. If you prefer the plate arrangement, try using tin foil pie plates, they are sturdier than paper plates.
Buy the holiday decorated cupcake paper cups to put your pieces of fudge in. Cut the fudge about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches square, that size fits well in the cupcake cups. You can use the smaller cups that are made for candy, but this fudge is hard to cut that small when it has so many nuts in it.
If you will have more than one layer of candy in the tin, put a layer of plastic wrap or waxed paper in-between so the fudge doesn't stick to the paper cups on the top layer. The paper cupcake cups are also a good size to put some cookies in or a few pieces of other candy in your gift.
More Chocolate Fudge Recipes
If you are making other sweets also, such as divinity and cookies, then you can arrange some of each sweet on a Christmas themed decorated paper or styrofoam plate, cover well with plastic wrap and put a bow on top. These plates are unstable though so I prefer the Christmas or Winter themed tins. I stock up on the tins when they are on sale, and you'll find that some people will return them to you so you can give them fudge again next year. If you prefer the plate arrangement, try using tin foil pie plates, they are sturdier than paper plates.
Buy the holiday decorated cupcake paper cups to put your pieces of fudge in. Cut the fudge about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches square, that size fits well in the cupcake cups. You can use the smaller cups that are made for candy, but this fudge is hard to cut that small when it has so many nuts in it.
If you will have more than one layer of candy in the tin, put a layer of plastic wrap or waxed paper in-between so the fudge doesn't stick to the paper cups on the top layer. The paper cupcake cups are also a good size to put some cookies in or a few pieces of other candy in your gift.
More Chocolate Fudge Recipes
Candymaking Books on Amazon
See's Cream Candy Fudge
Here's another fudge recipe that has been passed around for years. Make both and see which one you like best!
This recipe turns out pretty well, but I always had a hard time getting the fudge to taste really creamy, I always got a grainy texture.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large can evaporated milk
Place in large pot. Boil 8 minutes.
#2 Mixture:
- 1/2 lb. butter or margarine
- 2-5 oz. jars marshmallow whip
- 3-6 oz. packages chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Place Mixture #1 in Mixture #2 and beat with electric mixer until smooth. Add nuts. Pour in pan to cool. Let stand 2 hours before cutting.
#1 Mixture:
Chocolate Fudge Links
Online Places to Buy Chocolate Fudge
Don't have the time to make your own chocolate fudge or just hate to cook? Try out these websites to get some yummy tummy chocolate fudge fast!
- Chocolate Fudge on eBay
- Both home candymakers and companies offer great fudge on eBay!
- Amish Country Gifts and Foods
- Located in the Heart of Amish Country, we have a large selection in our Bakery for you to choose from. All of our food items are made to order with only the freshest ingredients found. Priority Mail Shipping.
The History of Chocolate Fudge
The exact origin of fudge is not known, but it is said to have originated from a "fudged" batch of caramels, hence the name "fudge."
1886: A Vassar student's cousin sells fudge in Baltimore for 40 cents a pound. This is the first known sale of fudge.1887: Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College, learns of her classmate's cousin and his fudge.
1888: Emelyn Hartridge gets her hands on the fudge recipe and makes 30 pounds of it for the Vassar Senior Auction.
1889: The first fudge shop is opened in Mackinac Island, Michigan. The island eventually becomes famous for its fudge.
1890s: Murdick's Candy Kitchen on Mackinac Island, Michigan wows visitors by making its fudge on marble slabs, giving their fudge a unique taste and turning the fudgemaking process into a show.
1900s: By this time people came up with the idea of undercooking fudge so they could pour it over ice cream. This is how the hot fudge sundae is born.
1906: C.C. Browns, an ice cream parlor in Hollywood, is officially credited with inventing the hot fudge sundae.
1950s: A fudge recipe that uses evaporated milk and requires less cooking is introduced. It is called "Mamie's Fudge" or "White House Fudge" and is rumored to have been invented by Mamie Eisenhower.
Another Chocolate Fudge Recipe courtesy of Wikipedia:
Chocolate fudge is a traditional, rich candy, especially around the holidays in the United States.
Ingredients
* 2 1/2 c Sugar
* 1/2 c Margarine or butter
* 2/3 c Evaporated milk
* 1 Jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
* 2 c Semi sweet chocolate chips
* 3/4 c Chopped walnuts
* 1 ts Vanilla
Procedure
1. Line 9 inch square or 13x9 inch pan with foil so that foil extends over sides of pan; butter foil.
2. In large saucepan, combine sugar, margarine and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. After 5 minutes of constant stirring remove saucepan from heat.
4. Add marshmallow creme and chocolate chips; blend until smooth. Stir in walnuts and vanilla.
5. Pour into buttered, foil-lined pan. Cool to room temperature.
6. Score fudge into 36-48 squares. Refrigerate until firm.
Notes, tips, and variations
* Remove fudge from pan by lifting foil; remove foil from sides of fudge. Using large knife, cut through scored lines. Store in refrigerator.
Learn More About the Discovery of Fudge
Quick Chocolate Pick-Me-Up!
If you haven't tried the new M&M's dark chocolate candies...they're really good! My DH brought home a bag for me the other day...isn't he sweet? They taste like semi-sweet chocolate chips with the M&M's candy coating...How To Make Easy Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate Fudge on Twitter
The latest thoughts about this delectable candy...
- Me too!! RT @Lovelyme_2k12: I want some ham, greens, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream right now
- @markie_c24 Vanilla w/ chocolate fudge & chocolate whipped cream... Im a sucker for chocolate ice cream. Wish I had sprinkles tho ctfu!!
- @SDWIFEY @ty_frank @jenboydsd I like chocolate fudge brownie.
- I want some ham, greens, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream right now
- chocolate fudge cake for breakfast *melts*
Microwave Chocolate Fudge - For A Quick Fix!
The Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe For People Who Don't Cook...
- Serves: 1-?
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1-12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
In glass dish, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave 3 minutes on high. Stir until smooth. Add walnuts and vanilla. Spread into foil-lined 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm, 2 hours. Yields: 1 1/4 pounds.
Adrienne's Free Chocolate Recipes Online
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Visit Adrienne's Free Chocolate Recipes Blog to find delicious chocolate recipes...all family and friend approved! You're invited to share your favorie chocolate recipes too...
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Say Hello or Tell Me Your Favorite Kind of Fudge
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candidaabrahamson
Feb 15, 2012 @ 5:14 pm | delete
- I find fudge perhaps the most delectable food in the world. How wonderful to have a delectable lens to go with it.
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Tolovaj
Feb 3, 2012 @ 12:18 pm | delete
- Hello! Hey, I miss Try Module.Wouldn't be great to have some kind of spoon (instead of mouse) and we could try the fudge, not just drool all over our screens?
Thumbs up!
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Serenia
Dec 29, 2011 @ 7:45 pm | delete
- I am smacking my lips and drooling over these recipes. My family just LOVES fudge and still havent found that perfect fudge recipe. I am bookmarking this lens so we can try some of these out. Thanks.
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Wbisbill Dec 7, 2011 @ 11:39 am | delete
- I love this lens. I have included it my featured lens section of my site on peanut butter fudge..Thanks. Thumbs Up!
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TransplantedSoul
Nov 26, 2011 @ 7:36 pm | delete
- Fudge - yum. I like the recipe you feature at the top. It's such a nice thing to have with coffee.
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