Bess' Never Fail Fudge
Creamy, rich fudge with chocolate, walnuts, and vanilla, offering a sweet, buttery flavor perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, marshmallow fluff, and salt in a 4-quart saucepan.
- Stir over low heat until blended.
- Bring to a boil over moderate heat, being careful not to mistake escaping air bubbles for boiling.
- Boil slowly, stirring constantly for 5 minutes (to soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and vanilla until chocolate is melted.
- Pour into two buttered 9 x 9-inch pans and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure you stir continuously during the boiling stage to prevent the fudge from burning. If you want a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
This fudge makes an excellent gift during the holidays or as a sweet treat for a gathering. Serve it alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Lea'S Pound Cake for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer your fudge chilled, it can also be refrigerated for up to two weeks. For easy serving, cut into squares while still at room temperature and then refrigerate if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bess' Never Fail Fudge contains roughly 36 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate in this fudge recipe?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Just ensure that the total amount of chocolate remains the same for consistency in texture and sweetness.
What should I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge is too soft, it might not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. You can try reheating it and boiling for a few more minutes until it reaches the soft ball stage. Pour it back into the pan and let it cool again.
Is it possible to make this fudge vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using coconut or almond milk instead of evaporated milk. Also, look for dairy-free chocolate to keep it completely vegan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).