Ah, Thanksgiving fudge! There’s something so special about making this rich and creamy treat during the holiday season. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, the sweet scent of chocolate enveloping us as we gathered around the stovetop, eagerly waiting for that first taste. It was always a delightful chaos, with laughter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar everywhere! This fudge isn’t just dessert; it’s a cherished tradition that brings family together. The way it melts in your mouth and leaves that chocolatey goodness lingering is pure bliss. Trust me, once you whip up this fudge, it’ll become a beloved part of your Thanksgiving celebration, just like it has in my family!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Fudge
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, but highly recommended for a delightful crunch!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Fudge
Making Thanksgiving fudge is a delightful adventure, and I can’t wait to share the step-by-step process with you! Just follow along, and you’ll have a smooth, creamy fudge that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir these together until everything is blended well.
- Next, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up. You want to keep an eye on it because we’re looking for it to come to a boil. This part is so exciting!
- Once it starts boiling, let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. Don’t stir during this boiling time; it’s essential for that perfect texture!
- After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, add in 1/4 cup of butter (cut it into small pieces to help it melt quickly) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until it’s completely smooth and shiny.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts at this point. They add such a wonderful crunch!
- Now, pour the fudge mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool at room temperature until it sets. This usually takes around 2 hours, but if you’re impatient (like me!), you can pop it in the fridge to speed things up!
- Once it’s all set, cut it into squares and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Fudge
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this fudge up in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute dessert needs.
- Creamy Texture: With each bite, you’ll experience that rich, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that makes fudge so irresistible.
- Festive Appeal: This fudge is not just a treat; it’s a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving spread, adding a touch of sweetness to your holiday table.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast!
- Make-Ahead: It stores well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and have one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Fudge
Getting that perfect fudge consistency is all about the details, so here are my best tips to ensure your Thanksgiving fudge turns out fabulous every time!
- Use a Candy Thermometer: For the best results, aim for a temperature of around 234°F (112°C) when boiling. This ensures that your fudge sets properly.
- Don’t Stir While Boiling: It might be tempting, but stirring during the boil can cause your fudge to become grainy. Just let it bubble away!
- Cool Gradually: Allow your fudge to cool at room temperature before cutting. This helps it to set evenly and keeps that lovely creamy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of espresso for a flavor twist! Just remember to keep it balanced.
- Check for Set: If you’re unsure if it’s set, just give it a little poke! It should feel firm yet slightly soft when ready.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have fudgy perfection that’s sure to impress everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious Thanksgiving fudge, you’ll want to store it properly to keep that rich, creamy texture intact. I recommend placing the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long, of course! Just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, as it can start to soften.
If you find yourself with leftover fudge (which is rare but happens!), you can also freeze it. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating necessary—just enjoy that perfect, creamy fudge cold!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each piece of Thanksgiving fudge (about 1 piece):
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy indulging in this sweet treat, and remember, it’s all about balance!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Fudge
Got questions about making the perfect Thanksgiving fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! Sweetened condensed milk can add a lovely creaminess, but it might make the fudge a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
If your fudge is still soft after cooling, it might need a little more cooking time next time. You can also pop it back on the heat and boil it for a few more minutes to help it firm up.
Can I add flavorings to my fudge?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with flavors like peppermint extract or almond extract. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go!
How do I cut my fudge neatly?
To cut your fudge into perfect squares, use a sharp knife and lightly warm it under hot water for easy slicing. This helps prevent sticking!
Is this Thanksgiving fudge suitable for gifting?
Definitely! It makes a fantastic homemade gift. Just package it in a nice box or tin, and you’ll have a delightful present!
Thanksgiving fudge: 7 Steps to Blissful Indulgence
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy fudge perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine sugar, heavy cream, and cocoa powder in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla extract.
- Stir until smooth and add nuts if desired.
- Pour into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Allow to cool and set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container.
- Fudge can be made ahead of time and stored for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving fudge
