Fudge is a delicious, rich, and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any sweet tooth. With its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent flavor, it’s no wonder that fudge is a favorite treat for so many people. Making homemade fudge is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun way to indulge in a sweet treat. In this article, we’ll show you how to make perfect fudge from scratch with simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make classic chocolate fudge, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups (450g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 can (14 oz or 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Tip: For a more decadent fudge, you can use a combination of semisweet and milk chocolate. This will create a sweeter, creamier fudge.
2. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preparing your baking dish. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the fudge from the dish once it’s set.
Tip: Greasing the parchment paper lightly with butter or non-stick spray can help the fudge come out of the dish more easily.
3. Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure the ingredients melt together smoothly. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Tip: Be sure to melt the ingredients slowly and carefully to avoid burning the chocolate. You can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate if you prefer a gentler method.
4. Add the Vanilla and Salt
Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla will add a nice flavor depth to the fudge, and the salt will balance out the sweetness.
Tip: You can also add a bit of instant coffee or espresso powder at this point to intensify the chocolate flavor.
5. Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish
Pour the melted fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface of the dish. Tap the dish gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and help the fudge settle into a smooth, even layer.
Tip: If you like, you can add chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or sprinkles to the top of the fudge before it sets to give it some extra texture and flavor.
6. Let the Fudge Set
Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is fully set. The fudge should be firm to the touch and easy to slice.
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the setting process by placing the fudge in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
7. Slice and Serve
Once the fudge is set, remove it from the fridge and lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Slice the fudge into squares, and you’re ready to serve!
Tip: For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it off between each slice to keep the edges neat.
8. Store Leftover Fudge
If you have any leftover fudge, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also store it in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tip: If the fudge starts to get too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
9. Variations and Flavors
While classic chocolate fudge is always a hit, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up. Some ideas include:
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture for a creamy peanut butter fudge.
- White Chocolate Fudge: Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a sweet, creamy variation.
- Nutty Fudge: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Tip: Feel free to get creative with your fudge! Swirl in caramel, add swirls of Nutella, or mix in dried fruit for unique flavors.