Five Pounds Of Chocolate Fudge
Rich, velvety chocolate fudge with crunchy pecans, perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions, appealing to chocoholics and sweet tooths alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine semi-sweet chocolate morsels, butter or margarine, and marshmallow cream in a large bowl; set aside.
- Combine sugar and evaporated milk in a buttered Dutch oven.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches a soft ball stage or candy thermometer registers 234°F.
- Pour the hot mixture over the chocolate morsel mixture.
- Beat at high speed with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until mixture thickens and begins to lose its gloss.
- Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, ensure your chocolate morsels are at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a nutty flavor, chopped walnuts or almonds can substitute for pecans. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. To prevent sticking, line your pan with parchment paper. For a fun twist, consider mixing in crushed peppermint candies for a seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Great Banana Pudding for a sweet spread. Serve it at gatherings or as gifts during the holidays for a thoughtful treat. You can also top it with a drizzle of caramel or sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the fudge, which will keep it fresh for up to a month. To reheat, simply place a piece in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warmed, making it easier to cut.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five Pounds Of Chocolate Fudge contains roughly 333 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% 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 instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can absolutely use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level will decrease, so you may want to adjust the sugar slightly to taste. Dark chocolate can give the fudge a more sophisticated taste, perfect for chocolate lovers.
What should I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge remains too soft, it may not have reached the soft ball stage during cooking. You can try re-cooking it by bringing it back to heat and monitoring the temperature closely. Alternatively, you can pour it into a larger pan and refrigerate it to help it firm up more quickly.
Is it possible to make this fudge dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this fudge dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate morsels and substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure that your marshmallow cream is also dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat while accommodating dietary restrictions.
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).