Description
This Old-Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is a classic American dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and nostalgic flavor. Made from simple ingredients like sugar, whole milk, butter, and vanilla, it features the crunchy addition of chopped black walnuts for a delightful contrast. Perfect for holiday treats or gifting, this vintage candy is easy to make using traditional stovetop methods and requires patience during cooling and setting for the ideal soft-ball fudge consistency.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or butter it generously to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, whole milk, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and continue to cook without stirring until the candy thermometer reads 234°F (soft-ball stage).
- Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool undisturbed to approximately 110°F.
- Add Vanilla & Beat: Stir in vanilla extract, then beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its glossy sheen, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Walnuts: Fold in the chopped black walnuts evenly into the fudge mixture.
- Set the Fudge: Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Let it set at room temperature for several hours until firm.
- Serve: Cut the set fudge into 36 small squares and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a few tablespoons of marshmallow creme or substituting evaporated milk for whole milk.
- Stirring too early or stirring too much during the cooling phase can cause premature crystallization; patience is key for the perfect fudge texture.
