Hershey Cocoa Fudge
Rich, creamy chocolate fudge with peanut butter and vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, cocoa, salt, and milk in a large saucepan on medium heat.
- Cook the mixture for 26 minutes.
- Test by dropping a small ball into a glass of water.
- It is done when a soft ball forms in the water.
- Then add remaining ingredients: vanilla, peanut butter, butter.
- Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Pour into a greased pan and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh cocoa powder and ensure your butter is at room temperature. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can substitute peanut butter with sunbutter or omit it entirely. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder or using a combination of cocoa and melted chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fudge as a delightful dessert on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. It also makes a great topping for brownies or can be crumbled over yogurt. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with melted chocolate or adding chopped nuts, which pairs beautifully with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for longer preservation. To reheat, cut into pieces and microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting completely. You can also serve it chilled for a different taste experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hershey Cocoa 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 cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa?
Yes, using dark cocoa powder will give your fudge a deeper chocolate flavor. However, it may alter the sweetness slightly, so you might want to adjust the sugar to taste.
What can I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge is too soft, it's likely that it didn't reach the right temperature during cooking. You can try reheating the mixture gently, ensuring it reaches the soft ball stage again before pouring it back into the pan to cool.
Can I add other flavors to this fudge?
Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like peppermint extract for a minty twist, or add crushed nuts, or even swirl in some caramel for added flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment!
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).