Burnt Sugar Fudge

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Burnt Sugar Fudge offers rich caramel flavors with a hint of nuttiness, creating a smooth, buttery treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. hot water
  • 2 c. light cream
  • 2 Tbsp. corn syrup
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. In a heavy saucepan, melt and brown 1/2 cup sugar until it forms a dark golden syrup.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.
  3. Add hot water to the caramelized sugar.
  4. Very slowly stir in the remaining sugar, cream, corn syrup, and salt.
  5. Cook without stirring to soft ball stage (238° on candy thermometer).
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. Add butter, vanilla, and nuts; cool slightly.
  8. Beat until mixture thickens and begins to lose its gloss.
  9. Pour into an 8 x 8-inch buttered pan.
  10. Let stand until firm, then cut into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

When making Burnt Sugar Fudge, ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent burning. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can replace the chopped nuts with mini chocolate chips for added sweetness. Monitor the temperature closely after adding the cream to avoid a grainy texture. If your fudge doesn't set, try reheating it gently and adding a bit more cream to smooth it out.

Serving Suggestions

Cut your Burnt Sugar Fudge into small squares and serve it on a platter for a delightful dessert table. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for an afternoon gathering. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Burnt Sugar Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its freshness. If you prefer warm fudge, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Burnt Sugar Fudge contains roughly 99 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

99 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 18.5g 7% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 443.2mg 19% DV
Potassium 167mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 19.1mg 21% DV
Calcium 39.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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

Why does my fudge not set properly?

If your Burnt Sugar Fudge doesn't set, it may be due to not reaching the soft ball stage (238°F). Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy. If it's too soft, you can reheat the mixture and cook it a bit longer until it reaches the correct temperature.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

While you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor, it may alter the texture of the fudge. Combining brown sugar with white sugar can give you a deeper taste while still achieving the right consistency for Burnt Sugar Fudge.

What can I substitute for the cream?

For a lighter option, you can use evaporated milk or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may change the creaminess and overall flavor of the Burnt Sugar Fudge.

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).

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