Are you craving a rich, decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Martha Stewart Fudge recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Forget store-bought – this homemade fudge is unbelievably smooth, intensely chocolatey, and delivers that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dessert recipe. It's one of the best recipes for easy homemade cooking, and a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas, especially for those nights craving something sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 (12-ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite!), mini marshmallows, sea salt for topping
Instructions:
Get started: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out later. This is a crucial step for easy removal and clean-up!
Melt the chocolate and butter: In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water), melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring occasionally until completely smooth and melted. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Combine ingredients: Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where your delicious homemade fudge really starts to come together.
Pour and set: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Chill and cut: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it's firm enough to cut. Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small squares.
Tips for the Best Fudge:
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the fudge!
- Don't overheat the mixture: Overheating can cause the fudge to become grainy.
- Chill completely: Allowing the fudge to chill thoroughly ensures a firm, easy-to-cut texture.
- Get creative with toppings: Add nuts, marshmallows, sea salt, or even sprinkles for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir in ½ cup creamy peanut butter along with the vanilla extract.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla.
- White Chocolate Fudge: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, may vary based on ingredients used):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This easy fudge recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. It's a wonderful treat for any occasion – holidays, birthdays, or just a simple weeknight indulgence. Enjoy! This recipe falls perfectly into the category of easy recipes and healthy meals, as you can control the ingredients used. It's a fantastic example of what homemade cooking can achieve.