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Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe: A Timeless Sweet Treat
Few desserts are as beloved as fudge. Its rich, creamy texture and indulgent sweetness make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert, bringing a sweet gift for a friend, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, a classic old-fashioned fudge recipe is always a winner. With its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and deep flavor, this homemade fudge will bring nostalgia to your taste buds and leave you reaching for more.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the decadent old-fashioned fudge that will delight your family and friends. The best part? It’s simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Fudge:
- Creamy & Rich: The combination of chocolate and sweetened condensed milk creates a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Classic Flavors: With just a handful of ingredients, this fudge gives you the perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey goodness, reminiscent of old-fashioned candy shops.
- Perfect for Gifting: This fudge makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap it up in cellophane or a decorative box, and you have a thoughtful treat to share with friends and family.
- Quick & Easy: While fudge can seem like a complicated dessert, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require a candy thermometer!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred type of chocolate)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional, but enhances the flavor)
- Chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set. You can also lightly grease the pan if you prefer.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. Be patient, as it can take a few minutes for the mixture to melt and come together. Keep stirring to avoid burning the chocolate and to ensure it melts evenly.
Once everything is melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if using) to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Nuts (Optional)
If you love a bit of crunch in your fudge, fold in your choice of chopped nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds work wonderfully in this recipe. This step is optional, but it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy fudge.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture into the Pan
Pour the melted fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the fudge evenly into the pan. Smooth the top so that it’s level and looks nice and neat.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Now comes the hard part—waiting! Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set. The fudge should be firm to the touch but smooth and creamy when you cut into it.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge has set, remove it from the pan usi