How to Make Gourmet Fudge Recipes

Anyone can learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes. Good fudge should never be sugary. It should be smooth, creamy, soft and pliable. Fudge is made with a sugar syrup and is enriched with milk, light cream or heavy cream. This basic syrup can be flavored with various chocolates, extracts such as vanilla, honey, etc.


With so many chocolate recipes it is easy to learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes using melted chocolate (White, dark and sweet) and cocoa powder. There are also many delicious “so called” fudge recipes which are not chocolate. They could be flavored with ingredients like peanut butter or brown sugar.  

How to Make Gourmet Fudge RecipesHow to Make Gourmet Fudge Recipes

When you learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes you will probably want to add from a selection of other ingredients. Many of these ingredients not only add to the flavor but also the texture. Personally, I prefer my fudge to be more crunchy than smooth. I almost always add all kinds of nuts or coconut to accomplish this.


Texture of good fudge can also be changed by the preparation. If you like a firm grainy chocolate fudge, beating the syrup while hot will encourage the formation of large crystals. For smoother fudge let the syrup cool before beating allowing the formation of smaller crystals.


NOTE: If you are just learning how to make gourmet fudge recipes this is generally how I do it. For all fudge and other candy recipes read the recipe over thoroughly. Unless the recipe specifies otherwise this is my procedure for stove top cooking. Combine listed ingredients (Instructed in recipe) in a heavy saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until mixture begins to bubble. This dissolves the sugar. Cook over medium heat until thermometer reaches temperature or “stage” recipe instructs; usually 234F to 238F degrees. Although some recipes instruct you to STIR until temperature is reached, I generally DO NOT STIR after the mixture begins to boil. I have found that the fudge becomes more grainy or sugary.


If recipe instructs you to cool and beat the fudge, set the pan off the heat.  (I place it on a cooling rack on the counter. Make sure the hot pan is not directly on the counter top). Do not stir the mixture. Usually the cooling is cooled to room temperature about 50 to 60 minutes. After cooling, other ingredients like vanilla and butter might be added. Sometimes the mixture is to be beaten until it stiffens and then it is to be spooned into the prepared pan.


Many of you may be happy to know that you can learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes by various heat methods. My common way of cooking fudge is on the stove top. There are many recipes which also instruct you to use a microwave, electric skillet or the oven. One of these methods might be more convenient than others for some of you.


In my opinion when you make homemade fudge, it is always so much better than store bought. If you learn how to make gourmet fudge in your kitchen you will also have the lingering fragrance from the cooking, especially chocolate fudge. That alone is well worth the effort!

BASIC CHOCOLATE FUDGE RECIPE

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with this basic chocolate recipe. Special options for added flavor and texture are listed below the recipe.

  • 2 ½ Squares (2 ½ ounces) unsweetened chocolate
  • 2 ½ Cups sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Cup light cream
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Break chocolate into small pieces in saucepan; add sugar, salt. Cream and corn syrup.

Place pan over low heat; stir until mixture comes to a boil.

Cook mixture to a soft ball stage (236F degrees); stir frequently to prevent scorching.

Remove pan from heat; stir in butter.

With a damp towel wipe sugar crystals from the pouring side of the pan.

Pour mixture onto a marble slab or a clean pan; cool to warm (110F degrees) WITHOUT stirring.

Add the vanilla; beat until mixture thickens and begins to firm.

Spread in a buttered pan or plate; SEE OPTIONS BELOW.


Coconut Fudge: Stir ½ cup shredded coconut into beaten fudge before pouring.

Fruit Fudge: Stir ½ cup of chopped dried or candied fruit into beaten fudge before pouring.

Mocha Fudge: Decrease cream to 1/3 cup and add 2/3 cup of strong coffee.

Marshmallow Fudge: Cut 12 marshmallows into small pieces and stir into the fudge just at the end of beating.

Nut Fudge: Sprinkle a layer of nuts in the pan; press beaten fudge in pan over the nuts and press more nuts over top of fudge.

BAKED FUDGE RECIPE

Baked Fudge RecipeBaked Fudge Recipe

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes in the oven. Personally, I think this recipe which includes a little flour is like small rich brownies but still is very delicious. There is nothing wrong with rick moist brownies!

  • 1 cup melted butter (Cool to warm)
  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 Beaten eggs
  • ½ Cup cocoa powder
  • ½ Cup flour
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Beat sugar, melted butter and vanilla; beat in eggs.

Add cocoa powder, flour and salt; add pecans and mix well.

Pour into 11X7 inch metal pan; place in another pan with boiling water.

Place in oven for 45 minutes until set like custard (Do not over bake).

Cool and cut in squares.

Cutting Baked Fudge RecipeCutting Baked Fudge Recipe

LOUISIANA CREAM FUDGE RECIPE

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with this Louisiana recipe. I usually do not think of fudge (or candies) containing flour but many do have it in the recipe.

  • 3 Cups sugar
  • 2 Cups evaporated milk
  • ½ Cup flour
  • 1 Cup light corn syrup
  • ½ Cup butter
  • 2 Cups coconut (or pecans)

Combine sugar, milk and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan; blend well.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Cook until mixture reaches soft ball stage about 235F degrees.

Remove mixture from heat and cool 5 minutes.

Blend in butter and flour; beat until creamy and thickened.

Stir in the coconut (or pecans); turn into a buttered pan.

Cool completely; refrigerate overnight.

Cut in small squares and wrap in wax paper.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE IN ELECTRIC SKILLET

Chocolate Fudge in an Electric SkilletChocolate Fudge in an Electric Skillet

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes in the electric skillet. This is easy with no thermometer.

  • 5 Cups sugar
  • 1  1/3 Sticks butter
  • 1 Can evaporated milk
  • 1 Package (12 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
  • 2 Teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 Cups chopped walnuts

Set skillet at 350F degrees; combine sugar, butter and milk in skillet.

Bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly; boil 6 minutes stirring constantly.

Turn skillet OFF; add vanilla, nuts and marshmallow cream.

Blend mixture well; pour into buttered dish or pan.

Cool completely and cut into squares.

Chocolate Fudge in an Electric SkilletChocolate Fudge in an Electric Skillet

ELECTRIC SKILLET PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with marshmallows and peanut butter.

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Cup evaporated milk
  • 1 Cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 Jar (12 ounces) peanut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Combine sugar, butter and milk in electric skillet; set heat on 230F degrees.

Bring mixture to a boil; boil mixture 5 minutes stirring constantly.

Turn OFF; add marshmallows, peanut butter and vanilla stirring until melted and blended.

Pour fudge into a buttered 8 inch square pan; set until cooled and cut into squares.

 HOW TO MAKE GOURMET FUDGE RECIPES with MINT

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with the refreshing flavor of peppermint.

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • Pinch salt
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ Teaspoon peppermint extract

Topping

  • 1 Cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 3 to 4 Teaspoons milk
  • 3 Drops peppermint extract
  • 1 to 2 Drops green food coloring

Combine sugar, cocoa, salt, milk and corn syrup in heavy saucepan.

Over medium heat bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly.

Cover and boil mixture for 3 minutes.

Remove lid from pan; continue cooking until thermometer reaches 234F degrees.

Remove pan from heat and cool 10 minutes; add butter and ¼ teaspoon peppermint.

Beat mixture until it thickens and begins to lose the gloss.

Pour fudge into 8 inch buttered pan; cool and cut into squares.

Place fudge squares ½ inch apart on wax paper lined sheet; set aside.

TO MAKE TOPPING combine powdered sugar and remaining ingredient stirring to blend.

Place mixture in a heavy duty zip top bag plastic bag; seal.

Snip a tiny hole in one corner of bag; drizzle over the fudge squares.

Makes 1 ½ pounds.

MACADAMIA FUDGE RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 2/3 Cup half and half
  • 2 Ounces unsweetened chocolate (Chopped)
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Cup macadamia nuts (Toast and chop)

Line loaf pan (8X5 inches) with foil allowing foil to extend over the sides 2 inches.

Butter foil and set pan aside.

Combine sugar, half and half, chocolate, corn syrup and salt in a medium saucepan.

Stir occasionally over medium heat until sugar dissolves and chocolate melts.

Cook without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 234F degrees.

Remove mixture from heat; add butter and vanilla (DO NOT STIR).

Let mixture stand until thermometer drops to 110F degrees (About 50 minutes)

Stir until mixture is thick, smooth and no longer glossy; spread in prepared pan.

Sprinkle with the nuts pressing them into the fudge; cool until set.

Using the excess foil handles lift the fudge out of pan to a cutting board.

Cut fudge into 1 inch squares; store in airtight container in cool place up to 5 days.

BUTTERMILK FUDGE RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 1 Cup buttermilk
  • ½ Cup butter PLUS for pans
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • ¾ Cup toasted nuts

Combine sugar, buttermilk, ½ cup butter, soda and corn syrup in a buttered Dutch oven.

Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until temperature reaches 234F degrees.

Remove from heat and cool to 180F degrees; stir in the vanilla.

Beat on high speed of mixer until fudge thickens and begins to lose the gloss.

Stir in nuts; pour into buttered 8 inch square pan and cool.

Makes 1 ¼ pounds.

WHITE CHERRY NUT FUDGE RECIPE

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with fruits and nuts.

  • 2 ¼ Cups sugar
  • ½ Cup dairy sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 2 Teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 Cup coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 Cups candied cherries (Cut in quarters)

Combine sugar, sour cream, milk, butter, corn syrup and salt in heavy saucepan.

Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil.

Boil over medium heat until thermometer reaches 238F degrees (9-10 minutes to soft ball stage).

Remove mixture from heat; let stand until thermometer drops to 110F degrees (About 1 hour).

Add vanilla; beat until mixture thickens and loses the gloss.

Quickly stir in cherries and nuts; turn into buttered 8 inch square pan.

Cool and cut into squares; makes 1 ½ pounds.

WHITE CHOCOLATE BLACK WALNUT FUDGE (NO cook)

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes made with cream cheese and without cooking.

  • 2 Packages (3 ounces each) softened cream cheese
  • 1 Package (16 ounces) sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Bar (12 ounces) white chocolate (Melted)
  • 1 Cup chopped black walnuts

Beat cream cheese on medium speed; gradually beat in the sugar.

Add the vanilla and melted white chocolate to the cream cheese mixture stirring to blend.

Stir in black walnuts; spread into a buttered 8 inch square pan.

Refrigerate until firm and cut into squares; cover and store in refrigerator.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FUDGE RECIPE

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 Cup evaporated milk
  • 1 ½ Cups sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 2 Cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 ½ Cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ Cup chopped nuts PLUS some for top
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Line 8 inch square pan with foil; butter lightly and set aside.

Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in heavy medium size saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.

Boil 4 to 5 minutes stirring constantly; remove from heat.

Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts and vanilla.

Pour fudge into prepared pan; sprinkle with extra nuts.

Chill fudge until firm and cut in squares; makes about 2 pounds.

OPTIONAL SUBSTITUTE CHOICES:

*Substitute 2 cups milk chocolate chips for the semi sweet chocolate chips.

*Substitute 2 cups butterscotch chips for the semi sweet chocolate chips.

*Substitute 1 ½ cups mint chocolate chips for the semi sweet chocolate chips.

SOUR CREAM FUDGE RECIPE

Learn how to make gourmet fudge recipes with sour cream.

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 Carton (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons butter PLUS for pans
  • ½ Cup toasted chopped pecans

Combine sugar, salt and sour cream in a heavy buttered saucepan.

Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture reaches soft ball stage (235F degrees)

Remove from heat and cool; stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.

Beat on high speed of electric mixer until thickened and begins to lose gloss (4-5 minutes)

Stir in pecans; pour into buttered 8 inch square pan.

Cover fudge and chill until firm; cut in squares and place in airtight container.

Store in cool dry place; makes 1 ¼ pounds.

DREAMY PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE RECIPE  

Dreamy Peanut Butter Fudge RecipeDreamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
  • 1 Cup sugar
  • 1 Cup brown sugar
  • 1 Cup milk
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 Cup miniature marshmallows
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • ¼ Pound peanut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Combine both sugars, milk and salt in heavy saucepan; cook to soft ball stage (About 237F degrees)

Blend in marshmallows, butter and peanut butter; remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Add vanilla and beat until thickened; pour into buttered 8 inch pan.