This Old Fashioned Fudge is a true stovetop classic, crafted without marshmallows or sweetened condensed milk. By carefully boiling sugar, cocoa, and milk to the “soft ball” stage and then beating it as it cools, you achieve a dense, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with rich, nostalgic chocolate flavor.

 

Ingredients

The Base

• White sugar: 2 cups
• Whole milk: 1 cup
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup

The Finish

• Unsalted butter, sliced & softened: 4 tbsp
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

 

How to Make Old Fashioned Fudge

Step 1: Prep & Mix
Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together sugar and cocoa powder. Gradually add the milk, stirring until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Heat over medium-high, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and stop stirring once it reaches a boil.

Step 3: Reach the Soft Ball Stage
Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and let the mixture simmer undisturbed until it reaches 238°F.

No thermometer? Drop a small spoonful of syrup into ice-cold water. If it forms a soft ball that flattens when placed on a plate, it’s ready.

Step 4: Cool Without Stirring
Remove from heat immediately and let sit undisturbed for 50–70 minutes, until the temperature drops to about 110°F. Patience here ensures smooth, non-grainy fudge.

Step 5: Beat the Fudge
Stir in the softened butter and vanilla. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, beat vigorously. The mixture will start glossy, then thicken and become matte as it reaches the perfect fudge texture.

Step 6: Set & Slice
Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Let it cool completely at room temperature (or refrigerate for quicker setting) before cutting into 1-inch squares.

 

Why You’ll Love This

• Classic Flavor: Pure chocolatey richness without marshmallows or sweetened condensed milk.
• Velvety Texture: Proper boiling and beating create smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
• Nostalgic: Reminds you of old-fashioned candy made the traditional way.
• Simple Ingredients: Just sugar, cocoa, milk, butter, and vanilla—nothing fancy needed.
• Perfect Gift or Treat: Cut into squares for sharing or for a sweet indulgence at home.

 

Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
• Stir constantly while bringing to a boil to avoid burning the sugar.
• Be patient during the cooling stage—this ensures smooth, non-grainy fudge.
• Beat vigorously at the end until the fudge goes from glossy to matte.
• Grease the pan well or line with parchment for easy removal.

 

Variations

• Nutty Fudge: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Chocolate Mint: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract with vanilla.
• Coffee Kick: Stir in 1–2 tsp instant espresso powder for mocha flavor.
• Swirled Fudge: Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter or caramel and swirl with a knife before setting.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use dark or milk cocoa powder?
   Yes, but adjust sugar slightly if using sweetened cocoa.
2. Do I really need a candy thermometer?
   It helps, but you can test the soft ball stage with cold water as described.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Substitute plant-based milk and butter, though texture may be slightly different.
4. How long does fudge keep?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
5. Can I freeze fudge?
   Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
6. Why did my fudge turn grainy?
   Likely due to stirring while boiling or insufficient cooling before beating.
7. Can I add flavors or extracts?
   Yes—vanilla is standard, but almond, mint, or coffee extracts work too.
8. Do I need to beat by hand?
   Yes, a wooden spoon works best for traditional texture.
9. Can I cut fudge while still warm?
   It’s best to wait until fully set to keep clean edges.
10. What pan size works best?
    An 8-inch square pan is ideal; adjust cooking time slightly for different sizes.

 

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Fudge is a timeless treat that brings rich chocolate flavor and a velvety texture to every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and careful attention to the soft ball stage, you’ll create a candy that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring at home. Patience and tradition make all the difference—once you taste it, you’ll understand why fudge has been a beloved classic for generations.