Black Walnut Fudge
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of homemade Black Walnut Fudge—a decadent treat that blends creamy chocolate with the earthy crunch of black walnuts. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth, this classic fudge recipe features a base of granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and whole milk, cooked to the perfect soft-ball stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of aromatic vanilla and buttery black walnuts takes this confection to the next level, providing a delightful contrast of smoothness and nutty bite in every square. With an 8x8-inch batch yielding 24 servings, this easy-to-follow recipe is a must-try for fudge lovers and a showstopper for any dessert table. Ideal for preserving in an airtight container, this fudge stays fresh for days, making it the ultimate make-ahead treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Black walnuts, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with unsalted butter or nonstick spray.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to remove any lumps.
Add the milk to the saucepan and stir until combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). This will take approximately 15–20 minutes.
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract without stirring.
Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Do not stir during this time, as it may cause the fudge to crystallize prematurely.
After cooling, remove the candy thermometer and use a wooden spoon to beat the mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its glossy sheen. This should take about 8–10 minutes, depending on arm strength.
Quickly fold in the chopped black walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Work quickly, as the fudge will begin to set rapidly.
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until fully set, approximately 2–3 hours. For faster results, you can chill it in the refrigerator.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 24 squares.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3729 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.7 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.8 g | 214% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 168 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 738 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 633.5 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 622.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.4 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 583 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1070 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
