Grandma Lori's Old Fashioned Fudge

Indulge in the classic, melt-in-your-mouth decadence of *Grandma Lori's Old Fashioned Fudge*. This timeless recipe combines simple pantry staples like rich unsweetened cocoa powder, creamy whole milk, and pure vanilla extract to create a velvety, chocolatey treat that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible. Perfectly cooked to the soft-ball stage and hand-beaten for that signature smooth-yet-firm texture, this fudge is a testament to old-fashioned candy-making techniques. With just 10 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have 16 pieces of homemade chocolate bliss ready to share—or savor on your own. Whether for holiday gifting or an everyday indulgence, this recipe is a must-try for fudge lovers and anyone wanting a taste of tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Prepare an 8x8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.

Step 3

Gradually stir in the milk, making sure to dissolve the dry ingredients completely.

Step 4

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to boil, stop stirring to prevent crystallization and allow the fudge to cook undisturbed.

Step 5

Cook the mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage (approximately 234°F to 240°F). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6

Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla extract without stirring, and let the mixture cool undisturbed for about 10 minutes or until the bottom of the pan is lukewarm.

Step 7

Using a wooden spoon, beat the fudge mixture vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens and loses its glossy appearance. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge texture.

Step 8

Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Work quickly as the fudge will start to set.

Step 9

Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

Step 10

Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.

Step 11

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1056.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3079.5

Total Fat 56.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 91.3mg	0%
Sodium 687.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 722.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 64.3g	0%
Total Sugars 615.3g
Protein 43.9g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 520.4mg	0%
Iron 28.6mg	0%
Potassium 3088.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.3%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 80.8%