Description
This creamy, rich Hershey Fudge recipe from 1950 brings sweet nostalgia. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for quick family desserts or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400g) Granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) Hershey’s cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) Whole milk
- ¼ cup (57g) Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang. Lightly butter the paper/foil for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the whole milk and unsalted butter.
- Boil and Stir: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes. It will start to thicken. (Aim for 234-238°F / soft-ball stage with a candy thermometer, or use the cold water test).
- Remove and Cool: Take the saucepan off the heat and let the fudge cool slightly without stirring for about 5 minutes.
- Beat to Perfection: Add the vanilla extract. Beat vigorously by hand or with an electric mixer until the mixture loses its glossy sheen and starts to thicken (5-7 minutes).
- Pour and Set: Quickly pour the thickened fudge into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Chill Out: Let it set at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or chill it in the fridge for 1 hour for a quicker set.
- Cut and Enjoy: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into classic old-fashioned squares and serve!
Notes
Substitutions: For a plant-based option, use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk, and vegan butter sticks instead of unsalted butter. Note that texture might vary slightly.
Variations: Stir in about 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), mini marshmallows, or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before pouring. For a holiday twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract.
Tip: Using a stand mixer for the beating step will save arm strength!
Nutritional Information: The nutritional values provided are estimates, as they were not included in the original recipe article.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Hershey Fudge, Old-Fashioned Fudge, Chocolate Fudge, Easy Fudge, Dessert, American Dessert