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Rich Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge with Walnuts and Vanilla

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A classic, rich old-fashioned chocolate fudge recipe featuring toasted walnuts and pure vanilla extract for a creamy, nutty, and comforting treat that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (800g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly buttered foil. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let cool.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
  4. Add whole milk and softened butter to the dry mix. Place pan over medium heat.
  5. Stir constantly as sugar dissolves and mixture heats. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Cook until mixture reaches 234–240°F (112–115°C) or soft-ball stage, about 8–10 minutes.
  6. To test without thermometer, drop a spoonful into cold water; if it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens, it’s ready.
  7. Remove pan from heat and let cool without stirring for about 10 minutes until warm to touch.
  8. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in toasted walnuts gently but thoroughly.
  9. Beat mixture with wooden spoon or hand mixer on low until thickened and loses glossy sheen, about 5–7 minutes.
  10. Pour fudge into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula. Let cool completely at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
  11. Lift fudge from pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning. Do not stir vigorously while hot to avoid grainy texture. Use the cold water test if no candy thermometer is available. Toast walnuts to enhance flavor. Beat fudge until thick and no longer glossy for best texture. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week, refrigerate up to 3 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate fudge, old-fashioned fudge, homemade fudge, walnuts, vanilla, easy fudge recipe, classic fudge, holiday fudge, chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/rich-old-fashioned-chocolate-fudge-with-walnuts-and-vanilla-easy-homemade-recipe/