Description
This Old Fashioned Stovetop Fudge recipe delivers a rich, creamy chocolate treat made with simple pantry ingredients. Utilizing a traditional stovetop cooking method, it reaches the perfect soft-ball stage to create a smooth and luscious fudge with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for candy lovers seeking a nostalgic homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (Hershey’s is fine)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
Finishing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the fudge base: In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, half-and-half, salt, and corn syrup. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-mixed. Place the pan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Heat to 240°F: Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This temperature is essential for setting the fudge’s texture. Once the temperature is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the butter and vanilla, then cool: Place the butter and vanilla on top of the hot fudge mixture but do not stir. Let it cool undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until the side of the pan is warm but not hot to the touch. This resting time helps the fudge set up correctly.
- Beat until thickened: Using a hand mixer at medium to low speed, beat the fudge mixture for 1-3 minutes or until it starts to thicken and lose its shine. This change in texture indicates the fudge is ready for pouring.
- Pour and set: Quickly pour or scoop the fudge into a buttered plate or dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly if needed. Work swiftly here, as the fudge will set quickly once it cools. Allow the fudge to cool for about 20 minutes before cutting into one-inch squares.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for best texture.
- Do not stir the mixture once it reaches a boil to prevent grainy fudge.
- Butter the pan or dish well to prevent sticking when pouring the fudge.
- Beat the fudge at the recommended speed to achieve the correct texture.
- Allow the fudge to cool properly before cutting to maintain shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
