Indulge in the nostalgic charm of homemade sweetness with this Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Recipe. This timeless treat combines simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, whole milk, and a touch of vanilla to create a rich, velvety dessert that melts in your mouth. Perfectly textured and bursting with deep chocolate flavor, this fudge is cooked to the soft ball stage for an authentic, traditional finish. The preparation involves classic techniques like careful temperature monitoring and hand-beating, ensuring that each bite is deliciously creamy. Whether you’re making it as a gift, a holiday indulgence, or just a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe delivers 16 squares of irresistible goodness. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of homemade chocolate fudge that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself!
Grease an 8x8-inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of fudge later. Set aside.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir gently to mix until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the mixture while stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture starts to boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it does not touch the bottom of the pan.
Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 234°F (soft ball stage). This will take about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla extract, and salt but do not stir. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
After 10 minutes, remove the candy thermometer and begin beating the mixture with a wooden spoon or sturdy silicone spatula. Continue beating until the fudge loses its glossy appearance, thickens, and starts to hold its shape. This process may take about 6-8 minutes.
Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Work quickly as the fudge sets fast.
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until completely set. Once firm, cut it into 16 squares or the desired size.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Calories |
2042 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.0 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.8 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 369 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 458.2 g | 167% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.6 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 410.9 g | ||
| Protein | 22.1 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 1496 mg | 32% | |
*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.