Details
64 servings
15 minutes
30 minutes
70
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins (+ 3 hrs chilling) | Serves: 64 (1-inch squares)
Imagine a slab of fudge so glossy it reflects the light, cut into perfect squares that reveal a creamy, velvety interior studded with toasted nuts. The aroma is pure indulgence-rich cocoa, caramelized sugar, and a hint of vanilla-that clings to the air like a promise. Each bite melts on the tongue, a balance of bitter-sweet chocolate and buttery sweetness, punctuated by the crunch of pecans or walnuts. This isn’t just candy; it’s nostalgia in confection form, reminiscent of holiday tins and grandmother’s kitchen.
Key Elements
- Sugar Alchemy: Boiling sugar, evaporated milk, and butter to the soft-ball stage (235–240°F) ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture. The 5-minute rolling boil is critical-don’t shortcut the timer!
- Chocolate Duo: Milk chocolate chips add creamy sweetness; semisweet chips balance with depth. Melting them off-heat prevents seizing.
- Nutty Contrast: Toasted nuts (optional but recommended) add texture and earthy richness.
- Silky Finish: Vanilla extract stirred in last enhances flavor without evaporating.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Elegance: Arrange on a vintage platter with espresso or bourbon for a grown-up treat.
- Gift-Worthy: Package in decorative boxes with parchment layers—holiday crowds will swoon.
🎁 Pair With
- Packaged in festive tins with parchment layers for holiday gifts
- Espresso, bourbon, or spiced cider for adults
- Crumbled over vanilla ice cream or hot cocoa for next-level decadence
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Foolproof Method: No candy thermometer? The 5-minute boil ensures silky texture.
✅ Customizable: Swap nuts for sea salt, dried fruit, or swirl in peanut butter.
✅ Make-Ahead Magic: Stores for weeks in the fridge or freezer.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing: Yields 64 bites-ideal for gifts, parties, or cookie swaps.
This fudge isn’t just a recipe-it’s a tiny edible luxury, a bite-sized testament to patience and precision. Slice, share, and watch eyes light up as the first piece disappears. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or justifying a midday chocolate emergency. 🎁🔥
Decadent Chocolate Fudge: Silky, Nutty, & Unfailingly Smooth 🍫✨
Course: Cookies u0026amp; Bars64
servings10
minutes30
minutes70
kcalCreamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with toasted nuts and a glossy chocolate finish
Ingredients
- Fudge Base
1½ cups white sugar
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme (e.g., Fluff)
⅔ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ tsp salt
- Chocolate and add-ins
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prep the Pan
- Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil.
- Cook the Base
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil. Boil for 5 minutes (set a timer!), stirring nonstop to prevent scorching.
- Melt the Chocolate
- Remove from heat and immediately add milk chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips. Stir vigorously until fully melted and glossy.
- Add Final Touches
- Stir in chopped nuts and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Chill & Set
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Slice & Serve
- Lift the fudge out using the foil overhang. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife (dip the blade in hot water for cleaner cuts).
Notes
- Pro Tips
Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts or replace with dried cranberries, toasted coconut, or mini marshmallows.
Chocolate Swap: Use all semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Candy Thermometer Hack: For precise results, boil the sugar mixture to 234–240°F (soft-ball stage).
Storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temp for 1 week or freeze for 3 months (layer with parchment paper).
This fudge is velvety, rich, and studded with crunch-a timeless treat for cookie swaps, parties, or satisfying a midnight chocolate craving. 🎁☕
