🍫 Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge 🍬

 

🍫 Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge 🍬

The legendary old-fashioned fudge that melts in your mouth – ultra-creamy, never grainy, and made with the secret family trick! Perfect for holidays or gifting.

Basic Information 🍽️ Servings: 36 pieces (9x9 pan) ⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes active + 2–3 hours chill time 🔥 Skill Level: Easy (Beginner-friendly)

🛒 Ingredients

• 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (1¾ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup (160ml) evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed)
• 12 oz (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 2 cups chopped good-quality chocolate)
• 1 jar (7 oz / 200g) marshmallow creme (Fluff)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly butter or spray. 2️⃣ In a heavy-bottomed 3–4 quart saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. 3️⃣ Once boiling, continue cooking for exactly 4½–5 minutes (start timing when bubbles cover the entire surface), still stirring constantly. Use a candy thermometer if you have one – aim for 234–236°F (soft-ball stage). 4️⃣ Remove from heat immediately. Add chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and smooth. 5️⃣ Quickly add marshmallow creme, vanilla, and salt. Stir vigorously until fully combined and glossy (about 1–2 minutes). 6️⃣ Fold in nuts if using. 7️⃣ Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. 8️⃣ Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate 2–3 hours until firm. 9️⃣ Lift out using parchment, cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts for clean edges).

💡 Notes, Tips & Benefits

• The secret to creaminess: Marshmallow creme + precise boiling time prevents grainy texture!
• Healthier twist: Dark chocolate (70%+) gives antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. Evaporated milk adds calcium & vitamin D.
• Extra Tips: • Use a heavy pot to prevent scorching. • Don’t scrape the sides when pouring – sugar crystals can make it grainy. • For peanut butter swirl: drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl with a knife before chilling.
• Storage: Keeps 2 weeks at room temp in airtight container, 4 weeks in fridge, or 3 months frozen (separate layers with wax paper).
• Variations: Add peppermint extract + crushed candy canes, swirl in white chocolate, or top with sea salt.

❓ FAQs

Q: Why is my fudge grainy? A: Usually from sugar crystals on the sides or overcooking. Stir constantly and don’t scrape the pot when pouring.

Q: Can I make this fudge without marshmallow creme? A: Yes, but texture changes. Use the classic cooked-fudge method with a thermometer to 238°F instead.

Q: Can you freeze Aunt Teen’s fudge? A: Absolutely! Freeze up to 3 months in airtight container with wax paper between layers.

Q: How long does homemade chocolate fudge last? A: 2 weeks room temp, 4 weeks refrigerated.

Q: Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk? A: No! Condensed is sweetened. Using it will make fudge way too sweet and soft.