Karo Fudge
Rich, fudgy Karo Fudge features a smooth chocolate flavor with crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet.
- Add cocoa to the melted butter and stir well.
- Add sugar, Karo syrup, and canned milk to the mixture.
- Cook slowly, stirring often, until the mixture reaches soft ball stage in cold water.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla extract and nuts to the mixture.
- Heat briefly until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Pour into a buttered pan and mark into squares before cooling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened chocolate instead of cocoa powder. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds. Make sure to keep an eye on the mixture while cooking, as sugar can burn quickly. Using a candy thermometer can help achieve the perfect soft ball stage.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares and serve as a delightful treat during gatherings or with coffee. It pairs beautifully with Betty'S Strawberry Ice Cream for a decadent dessert option. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor contrast, or serve alongside a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Karo Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain the smooth texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karo Fudge contains roughly 224 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 is the soft ball stage in candy making?
The soft ball stage is when the candy mixture reaches 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 115°C) and can form a soft ball when dropped into cold water. This stage is crucial for achieving the right texture in your fudge, so use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder in this recipe. Just melt about 4 ounces of dark chocolate along with the butter, and adjust the sugar slightly since dark chocolate is less sweet than cocoa powder. This will give your fudge a richer flavor.
How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?
To avoid grainy fudge, make sure to stir the mixture continuously as it cooks to dissolve the sugar completely. Additionally, use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching. Avoid stirring after the fudge has reached the soft ball stage until it's time to add the vanilla and nuts.
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).