Special Fudge
Rich and creamy fudge with chocolate and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch glass pan.
- In a large bowl, combine chocolate chips, margarine, and Marshmallow Creme; set aside.
- In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and evaporated milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches soft ball stage (238°), about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour mixture in a slow stream into the chocolate chip mixture.
- Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the fudge loses its gloss.
- Stir in vanilla and nuts.
- Spread in the prepared pan and cool for several hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or pecans and replace them with a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade fudge with store-bought options but nothing beats homemade. This recipe is similar to Grandma's Penuche, so feel free to explore variations.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for a perfect sweet treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making it ideal for cold weather gatherings. Consider serving it alongside Foolproof Fresh Apple Cake for a delightful dessert spread that guests will love. This fudge also makes a great gift when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which can extend its freshness up to two weeks. If the fudge hardens, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and serving, ensuring it remains soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Fudge contains roughly 686 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe without any issues. Just keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor to the fudge. Be sure to use unsalted butter to avoid altering the sweetness of the fudge.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a small amount of heavy cream. For every cup of evaporated milk, combine 2/3 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of cream. This will help achieve a similar consistency and richness in your fudge.
Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your fudge by adding ingredients such as dried fruits, crushed candies, or even toffee bits. Just ensure that the total amount of mix-ins does not exceed the original nut measurement to maintain the right texture and consistency.
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).