Ozark Fudge
Rich, creamy fudge with cocoa and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends or family during special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in an iron skillet.
- Add cocoa and salt, stirring well.
- Add sugar and milk, stirring constantly.
- Let mixture come to a rolling boil after each addition of milk.
- Stir until soft ball stage is reached.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
- Stir in nuts.
- Pour into a buttered pan and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure you beat the fudge until it loses its gloss after adding the vanilla. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with mini marshmallows for added sweetness. To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Ozark Fudge makes a delightful treat on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of Hot Mint Chocolate for a cozy evening. For added flair, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ozark Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply allow it to come to room temperature, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds for a soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ozark Fudge contains roughly 974 calories, with 20g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and potassium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1771mg 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 substitute for corn syrup in this recipe?
You can substitute corn syrup with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Both alternatives will add a unique flavor to the fudge, while maintaining the smooth texture needed for this recipe.
How do I know when the fudge has reached the soft ball stage?
To test for the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that can be easily flattened, it’s ready to be removed from the heat. This typically occurs around 234°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer.
Can I add other flavors to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist, or even some peppermint extract for a fresh taste. Experimenting with different extracts or flavored nuts can create a unique spin on this classic recipe.
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).