Fudge. For me, this easy homemade fudge is synonymous with the holidays. Why? Well, every sing year at Christmas pan after pan after pan of fudge lined every available surface in my Grandma’s house.
She had a big family and she always made enough fudge for everyone to have a tin for themselves. And them some!
I always enjoyed being at her house, we always had the best time. Being over at her house at Christmas time was just a little sweeter. You know Augusts Gloop in Willy Wonka? The kid that adored all things chocolate? I would sneak a piece of fudge here and there, by the end of the season I felt like Augustus Gloop.
My Grandma has been gone for a while and I still miss her tons. One those days I want to feel a little closer to her I turn to my kitchen. I dig out her old recipe box, peruse the cards and find the recipe that speaks to me the most.
At Christmas there are a few recipes that remind me of her. The one that reminds me of her the most is, hands down, this easy homemade fudge.
This was a first!
When I was younger, I was always by her side when she made fudge. I think this is the first year I’ve flown solo making her fudge. Making homemade gifts and goodies is always a favorite of mine, and this year my Grandma’s fudge was calling my name.
What other choice did I have? I just had to whip up a batch…or 12!
I pulled out her recipes and started gathering the ingredients for her fudge. This recipe is a simple recipe, but it’s truly delicious.
Because this recipe is so special, I didn’t stray too far from her original recipe but I did make a few tweaks.
The end results were just as I remembered. Rich, smooth, silky, chocolaty fudge adorned with crunchy walnuts. I was instantly transported back to my childhood and to her house at Christmas.
The few tweaks I did make were combining dark and semi sweet chocolate and dusting the tops with coarse sea salt. This combination still allows for that rich, chocolate fudge I recall when I was younger but it also balance the flavors and helps produce a fudge that isn’t overly sweet. Then there’s the salt. A little dusting of course seas salt just adds so much to the flavor and looks like shiny little diamonds!
If you’ve never made homemade fudge or if you’re looking for a delicious treat for your neighbors or office party this is it. It truly is a cinch to assemble and so impressive packaged in a festive Christmas tin.
Easy Homemade Fudge
Rich, decadent, silky fudge studded with beautifly, crunchy walnuts and dusted with coarse sea salt. The perfect homemade Christmas gift!
Ingredients
- 3 Cups sugar
- 3/4 Cup (1 1/2 Sticks) unsalted butter
- 2/3 Cup evaporated milk ( 5 1/3 oz can)
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*
- 1 Cup dark chocolate chips*
- 2 Cups mini marshmallows
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 Tsp salt
- 1 Cup chopped walnuts*
- Coarse sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk in a heavy 2 1/2 quart sauepan. Place over high heat and bring to a rolling boil, being sure to stir continuously. Reduce heat slightly, allow mixture to boil for 5 minutes, stirring to ensure no burning.
- Remove the mixture from heat, add chocolate, and stir until smooth.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until melted and combined.
- Add the salt, nuts (if using) and vanilla and stir to combine.
- Pour in the prepared baking dish and smooth. Top with coarse sea salt and finely chopped nuts, if desired.
- Allow to cool and set. (at least 1 hour)
- Cut into squares and store in airtight containers.
Notes
1. Use good quality chocolate. It's the star, so don't skimp!
2. I use walnuts, but pecans and even almonds would be a great addition.
3. Sea salt is a great addition, in my opinion. However, if the fudge sits for a day or longer the salt with create divets in the top. It's still delicious but doesn't have a smooth surface like it did when first made.
4. IF YOUR FUDGE ISN'T SMOOTH AND SILKY AFTER ADDING ALL THE INGREDIENTS...DO NOT FRET.
*Keep the mixture in the pan. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and stir.
Return to low heat, if needed. Once the mixture comes back together and
is smooth, transfer to the prepared pan.
Another one of my favorite treats, especially this time of year is this chocolate peppermint biscotti. It’s perfect with your morning cup of coffee, a steamy mug of hot cocoa or even makes terrific gifts. Looking for more ideas, check out this round-up for amazing, edible gifts.
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