Grandma Cannon'S Fudge
A rich, creamy fudge with cocoa and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir and cook the sugar, cocoa, shortening, Karo syrup, and cream until soft ball stage.
- Add a pinch of salt and vanilla, then remove from heat.
- Let the mixture set until warm.
- Beat with a mixer until the fudge loses its shine.
- Add the nuts and pour into a buttered pan.
- Refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect fudge consistency, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the nuts with mini marshmallows for a different texture. Keep in mind that using high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor significantly. Remember to beat the mixture until it loses its shine for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares and serve as a sweet treat after meals or as a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or as an addition to a dessert platter with other treats like Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and consistency. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture and taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Cannon'S Fudge contains roughly 769 calories, with 14g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1769mg per serving (77% 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
What can I use if I don't have Crisco shortening?
If you don't have Crisco shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This will alter the texture slightly but will still yield a delicious fudge. Just be sure to melt it before mixing with the other ingredients for a smooth consistency.
Can I make this fudge vegan?
To make this fudge vegan, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Use a plant-based shortening instead of Crisco. Ensure that the vanilla extract is alcohol-free, and choose dairy-free chocolate cocoa powder for a completely vegan treat.
How can I ensure my fudge sets properly?
To ensure your fudge sets properly, cook the mixture to the soft ball stage, which is around 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer. Allow it to cool slightly before beating, as this helps create a smooth texture. If it doesn’t set, you can reheat it gently and add a bit more cream to adjust the 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).