What is the secret to making fudge
The trick to good homemade fudge is to cook the ingredients to the right temperature to form a sugar syrup, and cool the mixture properly so the texture of the fudge turns out smooth and firm, but soft enough to cut.
Here’s how to make fudge on your stovetop and in your microwave..
Why is my fudge not hardening
Under- or overcooking the sugar The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won’t evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.
Can I beat fudge with electric mixer
Beat the Fudge While beating by hand is the traditional method, you can use an electric mixer if you have one. Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment and turn it on medium. Beat it just until it starts to thicken and lose its gloss.
How long does it take for Fudge to reach soft ball stage
about 10 minutesSoft ball stage is 112-115c (234-240c). You can also test for soft ball stage by using a glass of cold water. When the fudge has boiled for about 10 minutes start to test by dropping a little of the mixture into a glass of cold water.
Why do you add vanilla to fudge
Why do I add vanilla? Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.
How do you thicken fudge
Fixing Fudge Fudge usually behaves this way when it’s not cooked to a high enough temperature (due to oversight or a. Scrape the fudge back into a large saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir the fudge over low heat until it dissolves.
Can I Reboil fudge that didn’t set
What Should You Do If Your Fudge Didn’t Set? … Let the fudge completely dissolve within the water on medium heat before bringing it up to a boil. Bring the fudge back to boiling temperature (212 F). Cook at the temperature specified at the recipe again and then take it off the heat.
What size should I cut fudge
Cutting Time Aim for pieces that are 1 to 1-1/2 inches square, but perfection isn’t necessary. Cut all the slices in one direction, then make the perpendicular cuts. If your fudge doesn’t include nuts or other hard pieces, you can use a disposable plastic knife for cutting.
What can you do with old fudge
For an even easier use of leftover fudge… Fudge Brownies! Make a batch of your favorite boxed brownies… and then top with chopped fudge before baking! Bake as directed on the package… and have a huge glass of cold milk ready when these babies come out!
Should I stir fudge
Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. … The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112 to 114 °C (234 to 237 °F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water. Let the mixture cool before beating.
What should the texture of fudge be like
The desirable quality characteristics for fudge are:Appearance: chocolate color, not muddy or gray.Consistency: firm, not soft or syrupy, not hard, brittle, or crumbly.Texture: smooth, not grainy, not lumpy.Flavor: well-blended chocolate, not too sweet, not strong.
What happens if you don’t beat fudge
Remember that beating doesn’t harden the fudge (this occurs during cooling); beating begins the process of crystallization. If this occurs throughout the mixture at the same time, the desirable small crystals will form. One of the most difficult steps in making fudge is knowing when to stop beating.
Why did my fudge turn into taffy
If you start while the fudge is too warm, it will become grainy. If you don’t beat it enough, it will remain soft and slightly chewy. It takes a long time to produce the correct temperature, often up to 20 minutes of beating, which will tax the sturdiest of arms.
How long should you cook fudge
Boil until the mixture reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer. Stir gently throughout the entire boiling time. Note: If you do not have a candy thermometer, allow the mixture to boil for 7 or 8 minutes but do not exceed 9 minutes.
What causes grainy fudge
A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals. … The more you stir, the more crystal seeds you get. But instead of getting a few huge crystals (and grainy candy), you get lots and lots of tiny crystals, which make for thick, smooth candy.
How do you know when Fudge is done without a thermometer
Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it’s pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.
Can I freeze fudge to make it set
Do not freeze the fudge to set it. Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge. If your fudge hasn’t set, then you’ve gone wrong somewhere else. Make sure to use the parchment paper to line your pan otherwise it might be quite tricky to remove the fudge.
How do you make fudge shiny
When you begin beating fudge or praline mixtures, they will be very glossy. When the candy begins to thicken and lose its gloss, quickly pour it into your prepared pan. Cool the fudge to 110 degrees F, then beat vigorously and continuously.
Why is my fudge like caramel
Fudge often turns into a chewy caramel-like texture because incorrect temperatures were reached. The ideal temperature for the fudge to cook at is 232-234°F (111-112°C). Anything more or less will change the texture completely.
How long do you let fudge cool before cutting
Cool the fudge for 50 to 70 minutes until the temperature registers 110 degrees on the candy thermometer and the bottom of the pot feels lukewarm to the touch. Do not disturb the fudge during the cooling process.
What does butter do in fudge
Butter plays a similar role, controlling the sucrose molecules and keeping them from forming crystals. Another factor is temperature. Allowing the fudge mixture to cool too quickly – or letting the mixture become agitated during cooling – and crystals can begin forming.
Do you put fudge in the fridge to set
Foolproof fudge needs a resting time before cooling. Allow the finished fudge to cool at room temperature for a while to set. … I don’t recommend putting fudge in the fridge or freezer to get it to set.
Should fudge be refrigerated
Fudge will keep at room temperature just fine. It does not need to be refrigerated. You can keep it in the refrigerator if you feel that you like it cold–and some people prefer it that way. In this case, just make sure it is air tight, as cold air will surely dry out your fudge quicker.
Why does fudge cost so much
The cost of fudge is going to depend on the flavor, the company creating it, and the amount needed. On average, plan on spending at least $1 to $2 per ounce. … Some of their flavors, according to the website, include chocolate, peanut butter, chocolate walnut, maple walnut, chocolate coconut and sugar-free chocolate.