*Mary E.'S Chocolate Fudge
Creamy, rich chocolate fudge with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings. Its deep cocoa flavor is complemented by vanilla and butter, making it a classic treat suitable for chocolate lovers of all ages. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the white sugar, milk or light cream, cocoa, Karo syrup, and salt to soft ball stage in a skillet. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat in the butter and vanilla. Continue beating until the fudge is quite cool and holds its shape.
- Pour into a buttered pan and let harden. Once set, cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect soft ball stage, use a candy thermometer or drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water to check its consistency. If you prefer a richer flavor, try substituting half of the white sugar with brown sugar. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the fudge once it has cooled slightly. This fudge recipe is a classic among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Best Chocolate Pie for a dessert spread. For a festive touch, consider packaging the fudge in decorative boxes as gifts during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating it to maintain its texture. To enjoy it later, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of *Mary E.'S Chocolate Fudge contains roughly 698 calories, with 1g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 736mg per serving (32% 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 instead of regular cocoa powder?
Yes, using dark cocoa will give the fudge a deeper chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the sweetness, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly if you prefer a sweeter fudge.
What can I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge doesn't set, it may not have reached the soft ball stage during cooking. You can reheat it gently, adding a bit more sugar and cooking it again until it reaches the desired consistency before cooling it again.
How can I make this fudge gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. However, ensure that your cocoa powder and any mix-ins, like nuts, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).