Old-Fashioned Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pan
Lightly butter an 8×8-inch square pan and set aside. - Cook the sugar mixture
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and milk.
Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. - Boil
Stop stirring and let it boil for 5–7 minutes, until it reaches soft-ball stage (about 234–238°F / 112–114°C).
(If you don’t have a thermometer: a drop in cold water should form a soft ball.) - Add butter & vanilla
Remove from heat. Add butter, vanilla, and salt.
Do not stir—let it cool for about 5 minutes. - Beat the fudge
Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the fudge thickens and loses its shine. - Add nuts (optional)
Fold in chopped nuts if using. - Set
Pour into prepared pan, smooth the top, and let cool completely. - Cut & serve
Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy
Tips
- Don’t rush the boiling step—this is key to perfect texture.
- Over-beating can make fudge crumbly, so stop once it thickens.
