Virginia Fudge Recipe
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of Virginia Fudge, a timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. This easy-to-follow recipe from lovewithrecipes.com ensures a batch of delectable fudge that will melt in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this fudge is bound to be a hit.
Quick Recipe Overview:
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
15 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour |
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 🥛
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 🧈
- 2 cups light corn syrup 🌽
- 2 cups brown sugar 🍬
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 2 cups chopped pecans 🌰
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
106.9 | 5.5g | 1.8g | 6.8mg | 24.3mg | 14.5g | 0.4g | 12.9g | 0.9g |
Servings
- Recipe serves: 50 pieces
Instructions
Step-by-Step Directions:
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, combine 1 can of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of light corn syrup, 2 cups of brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. This mixture forms the sweet, creamy base of your fudge. 🥄
-
Heat and Stir:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes to a boil. This step ensures that the sugars dissolve completely and the ingredients blend together smoothly. 🍲
-
Manage Sugar Crystals:
- If you notice any sugar crystals forming on the sides of the saucepan, cover the pan with a lid for about 2 minutes. The steam will help dissolve these crystals. 🔥
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Attach Candy Thermometer:
- Remove the lid and clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. This is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge texture. 🍬
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Cook to Soft-Ball Stage:
- Continue cooking the mixture, without stirring, until the thermometer reaches 234°F (112°C), known as the soft-ball stage. This step is essential for achieving the right consistency. 🌡️
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Cool the Mixture:
- Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool to lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). This cooling period helps the fudge set properly. 🌬️
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Add Vanilla:
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your fudge. 🍦
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Stir Until Thickened:
- Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its glossy appearance. This can take several minutes, so be patient. 💪
-
Add Pecans:
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, add 2 cups of chopped pecans. Continue stirring until the nuts are evenly distributed and the fudge is firm. 🌰
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Shape the Fudge:
- Scrape the fudge out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat it into a loaf shape, approximately 9×3 inches. This will make it easy to slice later. 🍞
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Slice and Serve:
- Once the fudge is set, slice it into pieces. You can serve it immediately or wrap the individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for several weeks. 🍽️
Tips and Tricks:
- Consistency is Key: Ensure you cook the fudge to the exact temperature for the best texture.
- Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
- Variations: You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
Enjoy this delightful Virginia Fudge, a sweet treat that’s sure to impress everyone with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for gifting or indulging, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Happy cooking! 🍫✨