Perfect Chocolate Fudge

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

64 pieces

Updated: Oct. 14, 2022
This rich chocolate fudge is sure to delight someone you love. —Dorothy Anderson, Ottawa, Kansas
Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Line an 8-in. square pan with foil and grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in the milk until smooth; bring to a rapid boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 234° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat; add vanilla and remaining butter (do not stir).
  2. Cool to 110° (about 5 minutes). Beat with a spoon until fudge thickens and just begins to lose its gloss. Immediately spread into prepared pan. Cool. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Discard foil; cut fudge into 1-in. squares.

Chocolate Fudge Tips

What is the secret to making creamy fudge?

The secret for how to make fudge super creamy is the cooling step. This step is crucial because it is when your fudge crystallizes (in this case crystallization is a good thing!) and forms its creamy consistency.

What kind of chocolate is in fudge?

You can make fudge with different types of chocolate. Traditional fudge recipes, like this one, use baking cocoa instead of chocolate bars or chips. Check out our other fudge recipes for more ideas.

How long does chocolate fudge last?

Chocolate fudge lasts for up to two weeks when wrapped in aluminum foil or parchment paper and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you'd like to keep it for even longer, place the wrapped fudge in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 50 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.