This recipe creates a rich, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate fudge. It’s a classic treat that’s perfect for gifts or indulging yourself.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan: Grease and line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Combine Sugar, Cream, Butter, and Salt: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil to Soft-Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until it reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F/112-115°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft ball that flattens when you remove it from the water.
- Remove from Heat and Add Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the milk chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Beat Until Thickened: Using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer, beat the fudge mixture until it starts to thicken and lose its glossy sheen. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Pour into Pan: Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Cool and Set: Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut it into squares and serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Substitute half of the milk chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the fudge after beating.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Stir in marshmallow fluff after beating for a fluffier fudge.
- Double Chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or orange.
- Swirls: Drizzle melted white chocolate or another flavor of chocolate over the fudge before it sets for a swirl effect.
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious Milk Chocolate Fudge!