Esther'S Chocolate Fudge
Rich, creamy chocolate fudge with crunchy pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings. Smooth, decadent, and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the sugar, milk, corn syrup, salt, and chocolate (or cocoa) to boiling, stirring frequently.
- Carefully set a candy thermometer in place and cook, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 238°F (soft ball stage). This takes about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately add butter and vanilla.
- Do not stir.
- Cool the mixture, without stirring, to 110°F or until outside of the saucepan is lukewarm.
- When the mixture is cool, beat with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick and begins to lose its gloss.
- Quickly stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the fudge into a buttered 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Cool the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut into 1 1/4-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect fudge consistency, ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated correctly and avoid stirring once it reaches the soft ball stage. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans. For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened chocolate instead of cocoa.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into 1 1/4-inch squares and serve as a sweet treat at gatherings or as a homemade gift. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa. For a delightful dessert experience, consider serving it alongside slices of Creamy Apple Pie or Juanice'S Blueberry Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to three weeks. Allow the fudge to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Esther'S Chocolate Fudge contains roughly 739 calories, with 5g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1825mg per serving (79% 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 milk chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?
While you can use milk chocolate, it will alter the sweetness and texture of the fudge. If you prefer a sweeter fudge, reduce the sugar slightly. For a more intense chocolate flavor, stick with unsweetened chocolate.
What should I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge doesn't set, it may not have reached the correct temperature. You can reheat it gently, bringing it back to the soft ball stage and then rebeating until thickened. Alternatively, you can pour it into a pan and refrigerate until firm.
Can I add other ingredients to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like dried fruit, mini marshmallows, or even a splash of bourbon for added flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the fudge's consistency.
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).