Making delicious fudge at home is easier than you might think. The keys to success are using high quality ingredients, carefully controlling the temperature, and beating the fudge vigorously as it cools. With a little practice, you’ll be turning out creamy, flavorful fudge in no time.
To get started, gather the necessary equipment: a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a wooden spoon, a candy thermometer, and an electric mixer. For the ingredients, you’ll need sugar, butter or cream, milk or cream, and flavorings such as chocolate, peanut butter, or mint extract. Use the freshest dairy ingredients you can find for maximum flavor.
Combine the sugar, butter or cream, and milk or cream in the saucepan. For chocolate fudge, add chocolate chips or cocoa powder. For peanut butter fudge, add peanut butter. For mint fudge, add a few drops of peppermint extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently with the wooden spoon.
Once the mixture comes to a gentle boil, attach the candy thermometer. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as the soft ball stage. Be very careful, as the boiling sugar mixture can cause severe burns.
When the fudge reaches 240 degrees, remove from heat immediately. Pour into a heatproof bowl or stand mixer bowl. Allow to cool slightly, until the bottom of the bowl is warm but not hot to the touch.
With an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the fudge on high speed until it becomes thick and creamy. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Initially, the fudge will be quite liquid, then it will become grainy. Keep beating until it becomes smooth and creamy again.
To test if the fudge is ready, drop a spoonful onto a plate. If it holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still runny, keep beating for a few more minutes. Pour the fudge into an 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Allow the fudge to set for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. This allows the fudge to firm up as it cools. Enjoy your delicious fudge! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container. Properly stored, most fudge can last up to 1 week.
