Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this old-fashioned fudge—a delightful treat combining the lusciousness of chocolate with the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a simple indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: A nostalgic dessert with the perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey richness.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like chocolate and condensed milk.
- Easy Preparation: No candy thermometer required, making it approachable for beginners.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite nuts or flavor add-ins.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gifting or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (finely chopped)
- 16 oz semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup toasted walnuts (coarsely chopped)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lining it with heavy-duty foil, allowing extra foil to overhang the sides for easy removal. Spray the foil with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a medium-sized heat-proof bowl, combine the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk.
- Boil 2 cups of water in a 4-quart saucepan. Place the heatproof bowl over the saucepan (creating a double boiler) and stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the saucepan and stir in the toasted walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Once set, use the foil overhang to lift the fudge from the pan.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or replace them with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
- Flavored Fudge: Add a few drops of mint or almond extract for a unique twist.
- Layered Fudge: Divide the mixture and add a layer of white chocolate or peanut butter fudge on top.
- Festive Add-Ins: Mix in crushed candy canes or sprinkles for a holiday-themed treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Fudge doesn’t require reheating. If slightly firm from refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Yes, but the fudge may be sweeter, so you might reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
2. How do I toast walnuts?
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the chocolate and condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives designed for baking.
4. Is it necessary to use a double boiler?
Yes, a double boiler ensures gentle melting and prevents the chocolate from burning.
5. What size should I cut the fudge squares?
You can cut them into 1-2 inch squares, depending on your preference.
6. Why is my fudge crumbly?
Overcooking the chocolate can cause it to seize, resulting in a crumbly texture. Stir gently and heat only until melted.
7. Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold mini marshmallows into the melted mixture before setting.
8. How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with foil and spraying it with nonstick spray ensures easy removal.
9. Can I make this fudge without nuts?
Yes, simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
10. What’s the best way to gift this fudge?
Place fudge squares in decorative tins or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a festive presentation.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned fudge is the ultimate combination of simplicity and decadence. Its rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture make it a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and endless variations, this recipe is a must-try for chocolate lovers everywhere. Enjoy every bite!
PrintOld Fashioned Fudge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2-3 hours (includes cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of old-fashioned fudge—a perfect combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy walnuts. This easy-to-make dessert is a timeless treat for every occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 16 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with heavy-duty foil, leaving extra foil to overhang for easy lifting. Spray with nonstick spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine unsweetened and semisweet chocolates, salt, and baking soda. Stir in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk.
- Melt Chocolate: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan. Place the heatproof bowl over the saucepan (double boiler method) and stir until chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Walnuts: Remove from heat, stir in toasted walnuts, and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Set & Cut: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Lift the fudge out using the foil overhang, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Customizable: Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely for a smooth texture.
- Gifting: Wrap individual squares in wax paper for a perfect homemade gift.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 185 kcal
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