Colorado Fudge
A rich, caramel-infused fudge with crunchy black walnuts, offering a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small pan, caramelize 2 cups of white sugar.
- In a large kettle, mix 4 cups of white sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.
- Let this mixture come to a boil, stirring constantly while the sugar is caramelizing.
- Pour the caramelized sugar into the boiling mixture and stir well.
- Cook to the hard ball stage (hard boil stage).
- Remove from heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Beat in thoroughly and let set for 20 minutes.
- Add black walnuts and pecan halves.
- Beat until thick enough to spread.
- Cool and cut into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect hard ball stage, use a candy thermometer and cook the mixture to 250°F (121°C). If you don't have black walnuts, regular walnuts or pecans can be used as a substitute. For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt before it sets.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for a delightful treat, perfect for sharing at parties or holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Easy Butterscotch Pralines for a sweet platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Colorado fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature for easier cutting. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colorado Fudge contains roughly 2359 calories, with 18g protein, 275g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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 sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in this recipe?
Using sweetened condensed milk will alter the sweetness and texture of the fudge. If you prefer a sweeter fudge, you can try it, but you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar to prevent it from becoming overly sweet.
How can I tell when the fudge is done cooking?
The fudge is done when it reaches the hard ball stage, which is around 250°F (121°C). You can also test by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a firm ball, it's ready. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
What if my fudge didn't set properly?
If your fudge didn't set, it may not have reached the hard ball stage. You can reheat the fudge mixture gently and cook it to the correct temperature, then let it cool and set again. Alternatively, you can pour it into a dessert dish and serve as a sauce.
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).