There is something truly magical about making candy from scratch, and Mom’s Fudge Recipe captures that magic perfectly. This timeless treat brings together a perfect harmony of rich cocoa, creamy butter, and just the right touch of vanilla, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family, giving it as a heartfelt gift, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe offers a sweet slice of comfort that’s been loved for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mom’s Fudge Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture, transforming basic pantry staples into creamy, decadent fudge that’s smooth and satisfying.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and structure to the fudge’s classic texture.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers deep chocolate flavor and the rich color that fudge lovers crave.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, adding a subtle contrast to balance the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Gives the fudge its creamy consistency and helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Brings smoothness and a velvety mouthfeel to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a fragrant depth that brightens the chocolate.
How to Make Mom’s Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by taking a heavy saucepan and thoroughly mixing together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures the cocoa powder is evenly distributed, creating a uniform chocolate flavor throughout the fudge.
Step 2: Add Milk and Bring to a Boil
Next, stir in the whole milk to the dry mixture, blending it well. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. This gentle heat helps the sugar dissolve fully, setting the stage for that perfect fudge texture.
Step 3: Boil to Soft Ball Stage
Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture continue to boil undisturbed until it reaches 234°F, also known as the soft ball stage. This precise temperature is crucial for enabling the fudge to set properly without becoming grainy.
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla; Cool the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring just enough to mix them in. Then, allow the fudge to cool naturally to about 110°F without stirring. This cooling period is vital for proper crystallization later on.
Step 5: Beat Until Thickened
Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously for 7 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the fudge losing its glossy shine and thickening—this is the moment when it transforms from liquid to creamy delight, perfect for cutting into squares.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Finally, pour the fudge into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature until fully set. Once firm, cut it into 36 delightful squares and prepare to share or savor these homemade treasures.
How to Serve Mom’s Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
While the fudge is wonderful on its own, you can elevate it with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, finely chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing this rich fudge with robust coffee or a bold cup of black tea creates a harmonious balance, cutting through the sweetness with a pleasant bitterness. Alternatively, serving it alongside fresh berries adds a refreshing burst that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping individual fudge squares in parchment paper or festive foil for delightful gifts. For parties, arrange the fudge on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mom’s Fudge Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. This prevents the fudge from drying out and maintains its soft, chewy texture for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your homemade fudge later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the squares individually, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to treat yourself again.
Reheating
While fudge is best enjoyed as is, if you prefer a softer texture, gently warm it in short intervals in the microwave or at room temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as the fudge can melt too much and lose its creamy charm.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk provides the richness and creaminess that are key to the texture of Mom’s Fudge Recipe. Using low-fat milk may result in a less creamy fudge, but it can still work in a pinch.
What does the ‘soft ball stage’ mean in fudge making?
The soft ball stage refers to heating candy syrup to 234°F where a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft, flexible ball. Hitting this temperature is essential to achieving the perfect fudge consistency.
Why do I need to stop stirring once the mixture boils?
Stopping stirring during boiling prevents crystallization from happening too soon, which could make the fudge grainy instead of smooth and creamy.
Can I add nuts or other flavors to this fudge?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur after adding butter and vanilla to customize your Mom’s Fudge Recipe.
How long does homemade fudge typically last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this fudge can last about two weeks at room temperature, maintaining its soft texture and delightful flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making Mom’s Fudge Recipe is more than just creating a sweet treat—it’s crafting a heartwarming experience that fills your home with delicious memories. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s been a beloved favorite for so many years. So grab your saucepan and wooden spoon, and dive into the joy of homemade fudge. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mom’s Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Mom’s Fudge Recipe is a smooth, rich, and creamy chocolate treat that’s perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, cocoa powder, milk, butter, and vanilla, this homemade fudge is easy to prepare on the stovetop and yields perfectly chewy and luscious pieces every time.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt by stirring until well blended.
- Add milk and heat: Stir in the whole milk and place the pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Boil to soft ball stage: Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 234°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, ensuring proper fudge consistency.
- Remove from heat and add butter & vanilla: Take the pan off the heat, quickly add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool undisturbed to 110°F, without stirring.
- Beat to thicken: Using a wooden spoon, beat the fudge mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its glossy appearance, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Pour and set: Pour the mixture into a buttered 8×8-inch pan, spread it evenly, and allow it to set completely before cutting into 36 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to precisely monitor temperature for best results.
- Beat the mixture until it loses gloss to achieve the perfect fudge texture.
- Butter the pan well to prevent sticking when removing fudge pieces.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- If mixture cools too much before beating, the fudge may not set correctly.
