Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of our Cappuccino Fudge, a delightful treat that marries the robust flavors of coffee with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this fudge promises to deliver a luxurious experience with every bite. The subtle hint of cinnamon and the crunch of mixed nuts elevate this classic dessert to a sophisticated level, making it a favorite among friends and family alike.
🍽️ Quick Facts
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen squares
🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- 2-quart saucepan
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing utensils (spoons or whisks)
🏷️ Tags
- Dessert
- Fudge
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- No-Bake
- Easy
- Holiday Treat
- Snack
- Party Dessert
🍴 Serving Size
Makes about 36 squares of fudge.
🥄 Difficulty Level
Easy
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
⚠️ Allergen Information
- Contains: Dairy (milk, butter), Nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts), Soy (in some chocolate chips)
- May Contain Traces Of: Gluten (if cross-contaminated)
🌱 Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No
- Gluten-Free: Yes (ensure chocolate chips are gluten-free)
- Nut-Free: No (contains hazelnuts and walnuts)
🍽️ Course
Dessert
Perfect for ending a meal on a sweet note or serving as a delightful snack.
🌍 Cuisine
American
A classic American fudge recipe with a unique twist of coffee flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Marshmallow cream | 1 jar (7 ounces) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 2/3 cup |
| Margarine or butter | 1/4 cup |
| Instant coffee powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Chopped hazelnuts | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped walnuts | 1/4 cup |
📝 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil. Ensure that the foil extends beyond the edges of the pan to create an overhang, which will make it easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the following ingredients:
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
3. Bring to Boil
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning or sticking. Continue heating until the mixture begins to boil.
4. Boil
Once boiling, maintain the boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency and texture for your fudge.
5. Remove from Heat
After the mixture has boiled for 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat source.
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips into the hot mixture. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips have fully melted, resulting in a smooth and glossy mixture.
7. Incorporate Nuts
Once the chocolate is completely integrated, add 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the mixture. Stir until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
8. Transfer to Pan
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a uniform thickness.
9. Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and develop its rich flavor.
10. Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is thoroughly chilled and set, use the foil overhang to lift it out of the pan and place it onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into 36 squares or your desired size.
11. Enjoy
Serve the delicious cappuccino fudge squares to family and friends. Savor each creamy, coffee-infused bite!
💡 Preparation Tips
- Foil Overhang: Ensure ample overhang when lining the baking dish with foil. This makes lifting the fudge out of the pan effortless.
- Constant Stirring: While boiling, constant stirring prevents the mixture from burning and ensures a smooth texture.
- Instant Coffee Powder: For a more intense coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder instead of regular instant coffee.
- Chocolate Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) to suit your taste preferences.
- Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies, substitute hazelnuts and walnuts with pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 square) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| – Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 80 mg |
🔧 Tips and Tricks
- Prevent Crystal Formation: Ensure the mixture boils for the full 5 minutes to prevent grainy texture caused by sugar crystallization.
- Smooth Texture: Stir vigorously while adding chocolate chips to achieve a glossy, smooth finish.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Storage: Fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.
➕ Add-ons
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the fudge before chilling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the set fudge for an elegant presentation.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Espresso Beans: Top the fudge with crushed espresso beans for added texture and coffee flavor.
🥘 Side Dishes
While fudge is typically enjoyed on its own, pairing it with certain items can elevate the experience:
- Coffee or Espresso: Complement your fudge with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the coffee notes in the fudge.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich fudge.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh berries or sliced bananas can provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or creamy brie, pairs surprisingly well with chocolate fudge.
🔧 Improvements
- Enhanced Coffee Flavor: For a more pronounced coffee taste, increase the instant coffee powder to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Variety of Nuts: Experiment with different nuts such as pecans, almonds, or pistachios for varied textures and flavors.
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the fudge vegan-friendly.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a healthier version, consider reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that this may affect the texture.
🗄️ Save and Store
- Room Temperature: While refrigeration is recommended for the best texture, you can store the fudge at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: Fudge freezes well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid Moisture: Ensure the container is dry to prevent the fudge from becoming sticky or developing a white film (sugar bloom).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this fudge without using a stovetop?
A: While the stovetop method ensures the right consistency, you can explore using a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. However, results may vary, and attention to the mixture’s texture is crucial.
Q2: What if I don’t have instant coffee powder?
A: You can substitute instant coffee with espresso powder for a more intense flavor. Alternatively, dissolve 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee beans in a small amount of hot water as a substitute.
Q3: How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
A: Using aluminum foil with ample overhang and greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray before pouring in the mixture helps prevent sticking.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Keep in mind that different chocolates may alter the sweetness and texture slightly.
Q5: How long does the fudge last?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge can last up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months for extended freshness.
Q6: Can I add other flavors to the fudge?
A: Yes! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a splash of bourbon can introduce new flavor dimensions to your fudge.
🏁 Conclusion
Our Cappuccino Fudge recipe is a testament to the delightful harmony between coffee and chocolate. Its creamy texture, enriched with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of mixed nuts, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or enjoying it as a personal indulgence, this fudge is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and luxurious mouthfeel. Easy to make and versatile in its variations, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert repertoire.
📚 References
While this recipe is a beloved classic adapted for Love With Recipes, inspiration was drawn from traditional fudge-making techniques and modern twists incorporating coffee flavors. For more delightful recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Love With Recipes.
Enjoy crafting and savoring this delectable Cappuccino Fudge!
