This is the best easy Old Fashioned Fudge recipe you are going to find! The perfect balance of chocolate with the creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture you want from homemade Old Fashioned chocolate fudge.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Every year for Christmas my grandmother would make chocolate fudge. It was unlike any other fudge I have even hard. The homemade fudge was so smooth and so creamy it basically melted in your mouth.

My grandmother has gotten older, and now no longer makes her fudge. I was given the challenge to recreate it so that we could all have the Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe we loved. My grandmother never wrote down her recipes so that was a bit tricky. But finally, after many attempts, I got her Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe perfect! My whole family was super happy that they got to enjoy their favorite homemade chocolate fudge and my grandmother was happy that I figured it out.

If you are looking for the fudge you get at a fair or bass pro shop then this isn’t the recipe you are looking for. But if you are looking for Old Fashion Chocolate Fudge like you would have found in an old-school candy shop this is it!

Easy Fudge Recipes

Stack of Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge on a platter

Tips for Making Homemade Fudge

Use high-quality cocoa powder. To ensure a rich and flavorful chocolate fudge it is a must to use a high-quality cocoa powder.

Use a Candy Thermometer. A candy thermometer is essential for accurately measuring the temperature of your fudge mixture. Fudge success often hinges on reaching the correct temperature.

Measure Ingredients Accurately. Use precise measuring cups and spoons to measure your ingredients. Slight variations can affect the final outcome.

Control the Heat. Start with medium heat to melt the ingredients, and then reduce the heat to low once everything is fully melted. This helps prevent overheating and burning.

Stir Gently. Stir the fudge mixture gently and consistently to prevent sticking or scorching. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for best results.

Test for the Soft Ball Stage. To determine when your fudge is ready, use a candy thermometer to check for the soft ball stage (typically around 235-240°F or 113-116°C). Alternatively, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into a cup of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that you can squish with your fingers, it’s ready.

Allow Proper Cooling. Let your fudge cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into squares. This helps it set properly and develop the right texture.

Work Quickly. Once your fudge mixture reaches the desired temperature and is ready to be poured into the pan, work quickly to spread it evenly before it begins to set.

What Can I add to Homemade fudge?

Old-fashioned chocolate fudge is a classic treat loved by many. While it’s delicious on its own, you can add various ingredients to customize and enhance its flavor and texture. With this easy chocolate fudge recipe, you add anything into the fudge. If you want to add addins you can mix them in or then you can sprinkle them on top. Here are some ideas:

Nuts. Chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds are a traditional addition to chocolate fudge.

Marshmallows. Mini marshmallows can be folded into the fudge mixture just before pouring it into the pan. They will melt slightly, creating a gooey, marshmallowy texture.

Dried Fruit. Dried fruits like cherries, apricots, or cranberries can add a burst of sweetness and tanginess to your fudge. Chop them finely and fold them into the mixture.

Sea Salt. Sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top of the fudge before it sets to create a sweet and salty contrast that’s popular in gourmet fudges.

What is the Soft Ball Stage when making Fudge?

When making homemade fudge, reaching the soft ball stage is a key step because it indicates that the sugar syrup has reached the proper consistency for the fudge to set properly. When you drop a small amount of the fudge mixture into a cup of cold water at this stage, it should form a soft, malleable ball that you can easily squish between your fingers. This ball should hold its shape but should still be soft and pliable.

Using a candy thermometer is the most reliable way to determine when your sugar syrup has reached the soft ball stage when you are making this old fashioned fudge recipe. This ensures precision and consistency in your fudge-making process.

How to Store Old Fashion Chocolate Fudge

Store any remaining fudge by placing it in an airtight container. It will stay good at room temperature for up to one week and in the refrigerator for a month.

Can you freeze Old Fashion Chocolate Fudge?

Yes you can freeze homemade fudge Fudge will keep fresh in the freezer for as long as six months, however it’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

If you’ve frozen your fudge, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before indulging in its deliciousness once more!

How to Freeze Homemade Fudge

Make sure the old-fashioned chocolate fudge has cooled and set completely at room temperature. It should be firm and no longer sticky to the touch. You can freeze it as a whole block of fudge or cut the fudge into individual pieces or squares of your preferred size before freezing.

Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent moisture from getting in and to avoid freezer burn. Alternatively, you can use wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Place the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the container or bag to maintain the fudge’s quality.

Put the airtight container or bag in the freezer. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain its quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen fudge, remove the desired number of pieces from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Thawing in the refrigerator is gentler and helps maintain the fudge’s texture. It may take a few hours to overnight to thaw, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.

Old Fashion Chocolate Fudge Ingredients

5 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 1/2 cup half and half
10 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Old Fashioned Homemade Chocolate Fudge

Grease an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper if you do not want to grease it. Set the baking dish aside.

In a small saucepan, add the sugar, cocoa powder, and half and half. Using a whisk mix everything together until it is well mixed.

Turn the stove to medium heat and place the saucepan on the stove. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer. Do not stir again.

Place a candy thermometer in the pan and heat until the temperature reaches soft ball stage at 238 degrees F.

Remove from heat.

Add butter and vanilla into the chocolate mixture and stir well.

Using your hand mixer on medium speed, beat with your mixer until it loses its sheen.

Pour into the prepared pan and let cool.

Cut into 1-inch squares.

Dessert Recipes