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There’s something undeniably magical about a piece of perfectly creamy, rich vanilla fudge that melts in your mouth. It’s a timeless treat that brings back nostalgic memories of candy shops and holiday gatherings. And the best part? Making it at home is much simpler than you might think! With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can create fudge that tastes like it came straight out of a confectionery case.
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Buy Now → Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Vanilla Fudge is:
- Velvety Smooth and Creamy: Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Quick to Make: Prep and cook in under 45 minutes!
- Customizable: Once you’ve mastered the base, the possibilities for add-ins are endless.
What Does Classic Vanilla Fudge Taste Like?
The flavor is a perfect harmony of rich vanilla with buttery undertones. It’s not overly sweet but has enough depth to satisfy any dessert lover. This fudge delivers the ultimate indulgent experience with every bite.
Ingredients for Classic Vanilla Fudge
To make this mouthwatering fudge, you’ll need:
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools ensures your fudge turns out perfectly smooth and creamy:
- 2-quart saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Whisk
- Hand mixer
- Buttered or parchment-lined dish
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Buy Now → How to Make Classic Vanilla Fudge
1. Combine and Heat
In a 2-quart saucepan, mix the sugar, salt, half-and-half, and corn syrup. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring it to a gentle boil.
2. Cook the Mixture
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan to monitor the temperature. Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 240°F. Once it does, promptly remove it from the heat.
3. Add Butter and Vanilla
Allow the mixture to stop bubbling, then add the butter and vanilla on top without stirring. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or until the sides of the pan are warm but not hot to the touch.
4. Beat the Fudge
Using a hand mixer on medium to low speed, beat the fudge for 1–3 minutes until it thickens and loses its shine. Avoid overbeating, as this can make the fudge too firm.
5. Pour, Cool, and Cut
Quickly pour the fudge into a buttered dish, smoothing it if necessary. Let it set at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cutting it into one-inch squares.
Topping and Flavor Ideas
Once you’ve perfected this classic fudge, consider customizing it! Sprinkle crushed nuts, drizzle caramel, or add a pinch of sea salt for an elevated treat.
What to Serve with Vanilla Fudge
Vanilla fudge pairs beautifully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea.
- A creamy scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
- Other festive treats like Homemade Gumdrops or Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Fudge
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Brush down sugar crystals on the saucepan sides with a damp pastry brush to avoid grainy fudge.
- Allow proper cooling before beating to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Always pour the fudge into a well-buttered or parchment-lined dish for easy removal.
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Buy Now → Storage Instructions
Store your vanilla fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this fudge without a candy thermometer?
While it’s possible, a candy thermometer ensures accuracy. Without one, you can test the soft-ball stage by dropping a bit of the mixture into cold water to see if it forms a soft ball.
What’s the best substitute for half-and-half?
You can substitute with equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this classic vanilla fudge, you’ll adore these other sweet recipes:
Explore even more sweet treats on our Pinterest page!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 81mg
Making homemade fudge is more than just preparing a dessert—it’s creating a moment of joy to share with family and friends. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos with us on Pinterest!
Classic Vanilla Fudge: A Rich, Homemade Candy Shop Delight
- Total Time: 42 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 42 minutes (includes cooling time) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, smooth, and rich, this classic vanilla fudge recipe is perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a timeless treat that melts in your mouth and tastes just like it came from a candy shop.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, salt, half-and-half, and corn syrup. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Place over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 240°F. Remove from heat immediately.
- Let the mixture cool until bubbling stops, then add butter and vanilla on top without stirring. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Using a hand mixer on medium to low speed, beat the mixture for 1–3 minutes until it thickens and loses its shine.
- Quickly pour the fudge into a buttered or parchment-lined dish, smoothing it if necessary. Let it set for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality butter and half-and-half for the smoothest texture.
- Brush sugar crystals off the pan’s sides with a damp pastry brush to prevent grainy fudge.
- Cool the fudge on a countertop instead of a warm stove for even setting.
- Customize by adding nuts, caramel swirls, or a pinch of sea salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 81mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
