Irresistible Homemade Blond Fudge: Easy 24-Minute Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for creating delicious homemade confections that bring joy and nostalgia to your loved ones. Today, we explore a sweet, creamy, and irresistibly simple treat: Blond Fudge. This luscious fudge is characterized by its buttery, vanilla-infused flavor profile, offering a delightful alternative to traditional chocolate fudge. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a perfect dessert for sharing during holidays, gifting, or just indulging in a cozy moment. Crafted with minimal ingredients, this recipe emphasizes ease and flavor, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks alike. The process involves precise temperature control and careful mixing to achieve the ideal consistency, ensuring your fudge turns out perfectly every time. As with all recipes on Love With Recipes, this Blond Fudge is designed to be straightforward yet satisfying, allowing you to bring a homemade touch to your sweet repertoire.

Time

• Preparation Time: 4 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepot or saucepan
• Candy thermometer (digital or analog)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• 9 x 7-inch baking pan or similar size
• Butter for greasing the pan
• Knife or fudge cutter for scoring and slicing
• Cooling rack or surface for cooling
• Optional: rubber spatula for folding in add-ins

Tags

• Candy
• Sweet Treat
• Homemade Fudge
• Vanilla
• Easy Dessert
• Holiday Confection
• Gift Idea

Serving Size

Approximately 1 piece (about 1.5 inches square) per serving, yielding 24 pieces in total.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — requires careful temperature monitoring and timing, but straightforward with detailed instructions.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans due to the inclusion of dairy products.

Course

Dessert / Candy

Cuisine

American / Homestyle

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pan

Begin by preparing your baking pan. Lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9 x 7-inch heavy-bottomed saucepot or a similar size baking dish. This step ensures easy removal of the fudge once set and prevents sticking. Use a soft brush or paper towel to evenly coat the surfaces. For added non-stick assurance, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients

In the prepared saucepot, add the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and salt. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to stir the ingredients thoroughly. The goal is to ensure the sugar is evenly dispersed and the mixture is homogeneous before heating. Proper mixing at this stage prevents crystallization and promotes a smooth fudge texture. Be cautious to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to incorporate any sugar crystals that may stick.

Step 3: Cooking the Mixture

Place the saucepot over medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, cease stirring to allow the mixture to come to a boil. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom but is submerged in the mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining steady heat. Do not stir during this phase, as agitation can cause crystallization and affect the final texture.

Step 4: Monitoring Temperature

Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed until the candy thermometer registers 238°F (114°C). This temperature corresponds to the soft-ball stage in candy making, crucial for achieving the right fudge consistency. Keep a close eye on the thermometer, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent boiling over or burning. If the temperature rises too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Patience is key here; maintaining a steady temperature ensures a smooth, creamy fudge.

Step 5: Removing from Heat

Once the correct temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepot from the heat source. Place the pan on a heat-resistant surface or cooling pad. Do not attempt to cool the mixture rapidly; allow it to cool naturally to lukewarm. This step is critical for the successful incorporation of butter and vanilla, which will be added next.

Step 6: Cooling and Mixing

Let the mixture cool until it is lukewarm—approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During this cooling phase, the fudge is still fluid but will thicken slightly. This temperature window is ideal for adding your butter and vanilla. Stir gently to distribute the flavors evenly. The mixture should be creamy and smooth but not hot enough to cause melting or separation.

Step 7: Adding Final Ingredients

Stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Use your spoon or spatula to mix until the butter is fully melted and the vanilla is evenly incorporated. This step enhances the richness and depth of flavor in your fudge. Ensure thorough mixing for a consistent taste and texture throughout.

Step 8: Beating the Fudge

Begin beating the mixture vigorously with your spoon or a handheld electric mixer. The goal is to incorporate air and encourage the fudge to thicken slightly, developing a glossy sheen. Continue for about 2 to 3 minutes, but be careful not to overbeat. Overmixing can lead to a crumbly texture or graininess, which is undesirable for smooth fudge.

Step 9: Adding Optional Cherries

If you wish to add chopped cherries, gently fold them into the fudge mixture at this stage. Use a rubber spatula to incorporate the cherries evenly without deflating the mixture. This addition adds a burst of fruity flavor and a vibrant visual appeal, making your fudge more festive and appealing.

Step 10: Pouring and Setting

Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepared, buttered pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. While the fudge is still warm, lightly score the surface with a sharp knife into squares—this aids in clean cuts once the fudge has set. Do not press too hard; just make shallow lines to guide your slicing.

Step 11: Cooling and Cutting

Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 2 hours. For faster setting, you can refrigerate the fudge for about 30 minutes, but this is not necessary. Once cooled and firm, use the scored lines to cut into individual squares. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper for freshness.

Preparation Tips

• Use a high-quality candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
• Stir continuously during the initial cooking phase to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
• Do not stir during boiling once the mixture has come to temperature; this helps maintain a smooth texture.
• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.
• For a more colorful presentation, consider adding food coloring or decorative sprinkles before setting.
• Experiment with flavor add-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a splash of bourbon for unique variations.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots that can cause uneven cooking or burning.
• Consistently monitor the temperature for perfect fudge texture—skip this, and your fudge might be too soft or too hard.
• For a smoother finish, you can pass the mixture through a fine sieve before pouring into the pan.
• Adding a pinch of salt enhances the vanilla flavor and balances sweetness.
• For glossy fudge, avoid overbeating once the mixture starts to thicken.
• Chopping cherries or other add-ins should be done uniformly for even distribution.
• Refrigerating the fudge short-term can help with slicing, but long-term refrigeration may cause it to become too firm.

Add-ons

• Chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks
• Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins
• Swirls of caramel or peanut butter
• Food coloring for themed treats (e.g., red and green for holidays)

Side Dishes

While fudge is a standalone treat, it pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh berries for a tart contrast
• Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
• Warm caramel sauce drizzled over for added richness
• Crushed cookies or graham crackers for texture

Improvements

• Incorporate a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced variation.
• Use different extracts like almond, maple, or bourbon for unique flavor profiles.
• Experiment with different toppings, such as coconut flakes or crushed candy canes.
• Make layered fudge by adding a chocolate layer or marbled effect.
• For dairy-free options, substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk in place of evaporated milk.

Save and Store

Proper storage extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of your fudge. Once cooled and cut into pieces, store your Blond Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in wax paper and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. To preserve freshness and prevent moisture absorption, avoid stacking fudge pieces directly on top of each other without separation. For gifting or presentation, wrapping pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon adds a charming touch.

FAQ

Can I make this fudge vegan?

To make this fudge vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as coconut oil or vegan butter and coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. Be sure to use vanilla extract that is free from animal products.

What if the fudge doesn’t set properly?

If your fudge remains soft or sticky, it may have been cooked to the wrong temperature or not cooled sufficiently. Reheat the mixture gently and cook to the correct temperature again, or refrigerate to help it firm up. For future batches, ensure temperature accuracy and avoid over-stirring during cooling.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely. Experiment with flavorings like coffee extract, citrus zest, or spices. Add-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or candies can be folded in after the initial beating stage for personalized variations.

Is this recipe suitable for gift-giving?

Yes. Wrap individual pieces in decorative paper or cellophane bags, tie with ribbons, and include a personalized note. Homemade fudge makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

Conclusion

This Blond Fudge recipe from Love With Recipes exemplifies the beauty of simple ingredients and precise technique to create a decadent, creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich vanilla flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a perennial favorite, whether served at family gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Remember, the key to perfect fudge lies in temperature control, patience during cooling, and gentle handling during mixing. With a little practice, you’ll master this delightful confection and impress friends and family with your homemade sweetness. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps diligently, and indulge in the satisfying reward of your own handcrafted blond fudge.

References

• King Arthur Baking – Soft and Chewy Fudge
• Food Network – Basic Fudge Recipe