Go Back
- 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup evaporated milk - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup Hershey's chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) - You can use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different taste. - Dark cocoa powder works well if you want a richer flavor. - For a non-dairy option, use almond or soy milk instead of evaporated milk. - Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best taste. Look for brands with high cocoa content. - Always use fresh ingredients. This makes a big difference in flavor and texture. 1. Combining dry ingredients: Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk them together until they blend well. Make sure there are no lumps. 2. Heating the mixture correctly: Next, add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the dry mix. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up. You want it to bubble gently and fully dissolve the sugar and cocoa. 3. Boiling and achieving the right texture: When the mixture bubbles, keep stirring and let it boil for exactly 5 minutes. This boiling time is key for getting that perfect fudgy texture. After 5 minutes, take the saucepan off the heat. - Accurate measuring techniques: Use dry measuring cups for the sugar and cocoa powder. Fill them up and level them off with a knife for accuracy. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup. Always check the measurement at eye level. - Tools for effective ingredient blending: A whisk is great for mixing dry ingredients. A heat-safe spatula works best for stirring the mixture. This will help prevent burning and sticking. - Overheating the mixture: If you heat it too much, the fudge may become too hard. Keep the heat medium and watch carefully. - Not stirring enough during the process: Stirring is vital! If you don’t stir, the mixture can burn on the bottom. Keep that spatula moving to ensure even heat. To get that smooth fudge, stir gently yet thoroughly. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the pan. This helps mix the sugar and cocoa well. For even melting of chocolate, add the Hershey's chocolate chips after removing the pan from heat. The heat from the mix will melt the chips nicely. Stir until smooth, and your fudge will be creamy and rich. Want to switch things up? Try adding mint or espresso for a fun twist. Just add a few drops of mint extract or espresso powder while mixing in the chocolate chips. If you love nuts, feel free to throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a great crunch and extra flavor to your fudge. Make your fudge look special by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top. It adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance. For a gift, wrap each fudge square in parchment paper. Tie it with a ribbon for a lovely presentation. It’s a perfect treat for friends and family! {{image_4}} You can change up your Hershey's chocolate fudge in fun ways. One yummy option is peanut butter fudge. To make it, just mix in a cup of creamy peanut butter after you melt the chocolate chips. This adds a rich, nutty flavor. You’ll love the creamy texture and sweet taste. Another great twist is mint chocolate fudge. Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to your fudge mix for a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle crushed mint candies on top. This gives your fudge a nice crunch and a burst of minty flavor. If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy Hershey's fudge. Replace the butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk. You can also swap regular chocolate chips for vegan chocolate chips. This keeps the fudge rich and creamy without dairy. For those watching sugar intake, try a sugar-free fudge option. Use sugar substitutes that measure like sugar, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. This allows you to enjoy the fudge without added sugar. You can make your fudge match the seasons too! For the holidays, add festive colors. Swirl in red and green food coloring for a fun look. You can also mix in holiday-themed candies like crushed candy canes for a seasonal twist. For special occasions, consider customizing your fudge. Add nuts, dried fruits, or even sprinkles to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries. You can make it unique for every event! Feel free to explore these variations. They can keep your fudge exciting and fun. Check out the Full Recipe for the base that you can customize! To keep your Hershey’s chocolate fudge fresh, store it at room temperature. The best place is in a cool, dark spot, away from sunlight. This helps maintain its texture and flavor. Use an airtight container to block moisture. Wrapping the fudge in plastic wrap works too, but a container is better for keeping it soft and tasty. You can freeze fudge to make it last longer. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fudge in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick fix, you can also microwave it for 10-15 seconds. This helps it regain its soft texture. Check for changes in color or texture. If the fudge looks dry or crumbly, it may not taste good. Also, if you see any mold, throw it away. Always use your nose; if it smells off, don't eat it. When in doubt, it's best to be safe and discard it. You can tell when your fudge is done by observing the boiling mixture. Look for thick bubbles that form on the surface. The mixture should have a glossy look. When it reaches this stage, it's time to start your timer! This means the sugar has melted just right. Yes, you can make this fudge ahead of time! Store the fudge in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, put it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool completely first. You can find pre-made Hershey’s chocolate fudge at many local stores. Check the candy aisle or the dessert section. Online retailers like Amazon also offer a variety of options. This is great if you want to enjoy fudge without the fuss of making it. Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Hershey’s fudge! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter. For the evaporated milk, use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty treat! Making fudge is fun and easy. We covered the key ingredients, substitutions, and tips. Accurate measurements and proper heating are vital for the perfect texture. Don’t forget to try variations like peanut butter or mint chocolate fudge. Proper storage keeps it fresh longer. With these tips, you can create tasty treats for yourself or as gifts. Enjoy your fudge-making journey!

Hershey’s Chocolate Fudge

Indulge in the rich goodness of Decadent Hershey’s Chocolate Fudge with this easy recipe! Made with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Discover the step-by-step instructions and tips for a perfect finish that impresses. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your dessert game with this delightful chocolate fudge!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Hershey's chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk together until they are thoroughly mixed and free of lumps.

    Heat Mixture: Add the evaporated milk and unsalted butter to the saucepan with the dry ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture heats up and begins to bubble, ensuring that the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved.

      Boil and Time: Once the mixture reaches a full boil, continue stirring for exactly 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fudgy texture.

        Remove from Heat: After 5 minutes of boiling, take the saucepan off the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and the Hershey's chocolate chips. Keep stirring until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is velvety smooth.

          Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them into the fudge mixture at this point. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile.

            Prepare to Set: Pour the fudge mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out, ensuring a uniform depth.

              Cooling Process: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has completely set. For quicker results, place the dish in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.

                Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your serving preference.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Servings: About 16 squares

                    - Presentation Tips: To elevate your fudge for a gourmet flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the squares or sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Arrange the fudge on a decorative platter or wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for an elegant gift presentation!