Description
This Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is a rich, creamy homemade candy featuring the deep, earthy flavor of black walnuts. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa, sugar, and milk, this classic American dessert is cooked to the perfect soft-ball stage on the stovetop, then beaten to a smooth, glossy finish before setting into delicious squares.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch square pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the fudge does not stick after cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, whole milk, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil.
- Boil to Soft-Ball Stage: Once boiling, stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook undisturbed. Continue boiling until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, around 234–240°F (112–115°C) on a candy thermometer, which takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and quickly add the unsalted butter pieces and vanilla extract without stirring them in.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mixture rest undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the bottom of the pan feels just warm to the touch. This cooling step prepares the fudge for beating.
- Beat the Mixture: Using a wooden spoon, beat the fudge vigorously for 5–8 minutes until it thickens, loses its glossy sheen, and begins to hold shape, indicating it is ready to set.
- Add Walnuts: Stir in the chopped black walnuts quickly and thoroughly to evenly distribute them through the fudge.
- Set the Fudge: Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or spoon. Let it set completely at room temperature before cutting into approximately 25 small squares.
Notes
- Do not stir the fudge while it is boiling to prevent crystallization and grainy texture.
- Black walnuts can be substituted with regular walnuts, but black walnuts impart a richer and earthier flavor.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Beating the fudge properly is critical to achieving a smooth texture and glossy appearance.
