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Dad's Old Fashioned Fudge recipe
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Dad's Old Fashioned Fudge

Dad's Old Fashioned Fudge recipe has been in my family since about 1975 and is an absolute must-make every Christmas and Easter. With just 5 ingredients, it turns out rich, creamy and a complete crowd pleaser! We served this homemade fudge at my Dad's funeral reception and the plate was wiped clean in minutes.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Old Fashioned Fudge, Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 90 pieces
Calories 163kcal
Author Heather

Ingredients

  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 1 tbsp half & half or whole milk
  • 2 tbsp + 2 tsp pure vanilla
  • 7 oz unsalted butter 1 cube + 3/4 cube
  • 16 oz semi sweet chocolate chips (or bars) 16 oz = 2 & 2/3 cups chocolate chips, *See Note #1 below
  • 2-3 cups walnut halves

Instructions

  • Lightly grease a 8x10 or 9x13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper making sure parchment overlaps sides for easy removal later. Set aside. 
  • In a 8 quart pot combine sugar, evaporated milk, half & half and vanilla. Place pan over medium heat stirring constantly for approximately 6 1/2 mins. Mixture should come to a rapid boil for a full 2 mins. Once it comes to a rapid boil, start your timer for 2 minutes and continue stirring consistently.(IMPORTANT See Note #2 below)
  • Take off heat. Add butter and continue stirring while adding in chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is completely smooth. Stir in walnuts.
  • Pour chocolate mixture evenly into lined pan. Chill for at least 2 hours. 
  • Once chilled gently run butter knife along sides of pan to loosen. Carefully remove fudge and loosen parchment from sides. With a large sharp knife carefully cut into small pieces. Keep refrigerated for a longer shelf life of up to 1 month. 

Notes

Recipe Notes
Note #1- Opt for chocolate brands with a good reputation for flavor and quality, such as Valrhona, Guittard, Ghirardelli, or Callebaut. If using chocolate bars, chops into smaller pieces. 
Note #2- Depending on the type of 8 quart pot you use, the total amount of time may vary. However, once the mixture comes to a boil set your timer for 2 minutes. 
Enameled cast iron Dutch Ovens will take longer to come to heat and so the time will be much longer where as a thin metal pan will come to a boil much quicker. The average time is 6 1/2 mins but regardless of the type of pot used, the mixture should come to a rapid boil while stirring constantly for a full 2 minutes. 
Note #3- 92 calories per piece is with walnuts. 80 calories per piece without walnuts. 

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 1mg