Aunt Teen’s Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge: An Irresistible Family Recipe
Fudge. The word itself evokes images of rich, decadent sweetness. And when it comes to fudge, few recipes can compete with the legendary Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge from my Aunt Teen. This isn’t just any fudge; it’s a family heirloom, passed down through generations, each batch imbued with love, memories, and a secret ingredient or two (that I’m about to share with you!). This recipe is so easy, even a teenager can master it (hence the ‘Teen’ in the name, although Aunt Teen herself was well past her teenage years when she perfected it!).
This fudge is unbelievably smooth, melts in your mouth, and has that perfect balance of chocolate intensity and creamy sweetness. It’s perfect for holiday gifts, potlucks, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let’s make some magic happen!
## Why This Fudge Recipe Is So Special
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this fudge so incredibly delicious:
* **The Texture:** The key to this fudge is its unbelievably smooth and creamy texture. No grainy bits here! This is achieved through a combination of careful cooking, high-quality ingredients, and a special mixing technique.
* **The Flavor:** The chocolate flavor is rich and intense, but not overpowering. The sweetness is perfectly balanced, making it irresistible without being cloying.
* **The Simplicity:** Despite its complex flavor and texture, this fudge is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe uses readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions.
* **The Nostalgia:** For my family, this fudge is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of holidays, family gatherings, and cherished memories. Making it brings us all a little closer.
## Aunt Teen’s Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Alright, here’s the recipe you’ve been waiting for! Gather your ingredients and let’s get started.
**Yields:** Approximately 2 pounds of fudge
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes
**Cooling time:** 2-3 hours (or overnight)
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 2/3 cup evaporated milk
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
**Equipment:**
* Heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan
* Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
* 8×8 inch square baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful)
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**
Line the 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out later. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the fudge releases cleanly.
**Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, Milk, and Salt**
In the heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cubed butter, evaporated milk, and salt. The heavy-bottomed pan is crucial to prevent scorching.
**Step 3: Cook to a Soft Ball Stage**
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the butter is melted. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil. A ‘full rolling boil’ means the mixture is bubbling vigorously across the entire surface and the bubbles don’t stop when you stir.
Now, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for approximately 12-15 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly. This is where a candy thermometer comes in handy. You want to cook the mixture to the ‘soft ball stage,’ which is 235-240°F (113-116°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test for the soft ball stage by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens when you remove it from the water, it’s ready.
**Important Note:** Stirring constantly is absolutely essential during this step. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth, creamy fudge.
**Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Chocolate Chips**
Once the mixture has reached the soft ball stage (or has cooked for approximately 12-15 minutes), remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the entire package of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot mixture. Do not stir yet!
**Step 5: Let Chocolate Melt**
Let the chocolate chips sit in the hot mixture for about 1 minute, allowing them to soften and melt slightly. This will make it easier to incorporate them smoothly.
**Step 6: Stir in Chocolate, Marshmallow Creme, and Vanilla**
Now, gently stir the mixture until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the fudge is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the fudge to become grainy. Once the chocolate is melted, add the entire jar of marshmallow creme and the vanilla extract. Stir until the marshmallow creme is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
**Step 7: Add Nuts (Optional)**
If you’re using nuts, add them to the fudge mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout. I personally love the addition of chopped walnuts or pecans, but you can use any type of nut you prefer, or omit them altogether if you’re not a nut fan.
**Step 8: Pour into Prepared Pan**
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the fudge evenly into all corners of the pan.
**Step 9: Cool and Set**
Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the fudge to set properly and develop its full flavor and texture. Resist the urge to cut into it before it’s fully set!
**Step 10: Cut and Serve**
Once the fudge is completely set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you – I usually cut them into 1-inch or 1.5-inch squares.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fudge
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of the fudge. Use good quality chocolate chips, fresh butter, and pure vanilla extract.
* **Don’t Skip the Salt:** A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the fudge and enhances the chocolate flavor.
* **Stir Constantly:** As mentioned earlier, stirring constantly during the cooking process is crucial to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan:** A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and prevents the fudge from scorching.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the fudge can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the soft ball stage, but don’t go beyond that.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the fudge after adding the chocolate chips and marshmallow creme can cause it to become grainy.
* **Let it Set Completely:** Be patient and allow the fudge to cool and set completely before cutting into it. This will prevent it from being too soft and sticky.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Try using different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white), adding extracts like peppermint or almond, or incorporating other ingredients like dried fruit, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
## Variations on Aunt Teen’s Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge
Here are a few fun variations you can try to personalize this recipe:
* **Peppermint Fudge:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the fudge mixture along with the vanilla extract. You can also crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top of the fudge after pouring it into the pan.
* **Peanut Butter Fudge:** Swirl 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the fudge mixture after adding the marshmallow creme.
* **Oreo Fudge:** Crush about 1 cup of Oreo cookies and stir them into the fudge mixture along with the nuts (or in place of them).
* **White Chocolate Fudge:** Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can also add some dried cranberries or chopped macadamia nuts for a festive touch.
* **Rocky Road Fudge:** Add miniature marshmallows and chopped walnuts or almonds to the fudge mixture.
## Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The contrast of the warm fudge and cold ice cream is heavenly.
* **Crumble it over brownies or cookies:** Add a touch of fudgey goodness to your favorite baked goods.
* **Include it in a dessert charcuterie board:** Create a beautiful and decadent dessert spread with fudge, fruits, cheeses, and other treats.
* **Wrap it as a gift:** Package the fudge in a pretty box or tin and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?**
A: Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness of the fudge will change depending on the type of chocolate you use.
**Q: Can I make this fudge without marshmallow creme?**
A: While the marshmallow creme contributes to the fudge’s smooth and creamy texture, you can omit it if you prefer. However, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or evaporated milk to achieve the desired consistency.
**Q: My fudge turned out grainy. What did I do wrong?**
A: Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystals forming during the cooking process. This can happen if you don’t stir the mixture constantly or if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve before it comes to a boil. Make sure to stir constantly and use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching.
**Q: How long does the fudge last?**
A: The fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).
**Q: Can I use a microwave to make this fudge?**
A: While it’s possible to make fudge in the microwave, I don’t recommend it for this particular recipe. It’s difficult to control the temperature and ensure even cooking, which can result in a grainy or unevenly cooked fudge. The stovetop method is much more reliable for achieving the perfect creamy texture.
## Aunt Teen’s Legacy
More than just a recipe, this fudge connects me to family, love, and tradition. Every bite is a sweet reminder of cherished memories and the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) Aunt Teen’s Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge as much as my family and I do. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll create some new sweet memories of your own along the way. Happy fudging!