Daddy'S Rich Fudge
Rich, creamy fudge with the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter an 8-inch or 9-inch dish.
- In a heavy, large saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt.
- Stir in milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Boil without stirring until soft ball stage (forms a soft ball when dropped into very cold water).
- Remove from heat.
- Add butter and vanilla.
- Do not stir.
- If adding peanut butter, do so now.
- Cool for about 10 minutes.
- Beat by hand until it thickens and begins to lose some of the gloss.
- Spread into a buttered dish.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect fudge consistency, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for the soft ball stage at around 234°F (112°C). If you prefer a nutty flavor, you can substitute half of the peanut butter with almond butter. For a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for serving, and consider dusting them with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This rich fudge pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee, making it a delightful treat for gatherings. For a full dessert experience, serve alongside an Apricot Meringue Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to three weeks. When ready to enjoy, allow the fudge to come to room temperature before serving, as this will help soften it for easier cutting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Daddy'S Rich Fudge contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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 dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa?
Yes, using dark chocolate cocoa powder will give your fudge a deeper chocolate flavor. Just be aware that it may also make the fudge a bit richer, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
What should I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge hasn't set, it may be due to not reaching the correct temperature. You can try reheating the mixture and cooking it again to the soft ball stage. Alternatively, you can pour it into a saucepan and add a bit more sugar, cooking until it thickens.
Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even chocolate chips after removing the mixture from heat. Just remember not to stir once you add the butter and vanilla to maintain the glossy finish.
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).