Hershey Fudge

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Rich, velvety Hershey fudge offers a perfect blend of deep cocoa flavor and sweet creaminess, making it an ideal treat for chocolate lovers and special occasions. Its smooth texture and luscious taste appeal to all ages, providing a nostalgic indulgence that melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup cocoa
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine cocoa, sugar, salt, and milk in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 232°F or soft-ball stage.
  2. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.
  3. Let the mixture cool until the temperature drops to 110°F.
  4. Stir and beat the candy until it begins to lose its gloss.
  5. Pour into a buttered dish.
  6. Let the fudge harden before cutting into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother fudge, ensure all ingredients are well combined before cooking. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the cocoa with dark chocolate. Remember to stir constantly to prevent burning, and use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings. If it doesn't set properly, you can reheat it and add a bit more sugar to restore the texture.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and serve as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. It also pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, consider presenting it on a platter with other homemade treats like Lena Culp'S Cocoa Drop Cookie Sandwiches.

Storage & Reheating

Once your fudge has set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a month. To enjoy it warm, simply microwave a piece for about 10 seconds or until soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hershey Fudge contains roughly 1266 calories, with 2g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1141mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

1266 kcal 63% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 74.7g 96% DV
Carbs 44g 16% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 29.7g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1140.9mg 50% DV
Potassium 435.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 16.8mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 94.7mg 7% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk

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

Why did my fudge turn out grainy?

Graininess can occur if the sugar didn't dissolve completely during cooking. Make sure to stir constantly and allow the mixture to reach the soft-ball stage without rushing the process. If it does turn grainy, you can try reheating it gently to remelt the sugar.

Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. It may enhance the flavor and richness of your fudge. Just ensure your butter is at room temperature to mix well with the other ingredients.

How can I add flavors or mix-ins to my fudge?

You can enhance your fudge by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or flavored extracts such as peppermint or almond after it cools to 110°F. Be careful not to add too many mix-ins, as they can affect the texture.

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).

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