Pistachio Cranberry Dark Chocolate Fudge | Kitchenstagram
Indulge your sweet tooth with the rich, creamy and utterly delightful world of chocolate fudge! This super easy 3-ingredient chocolate fudge is a chocoholic’s dream, offering a burst of chocolatey goodness that requires just 15 minutes of effort. Whether you are craving a holiday treat or the perfect gift for a loved one, this fudge recipe is your go -to solution.
What is Fudge?
The term “Fudge” originated in 17th century from the verb “Fadge”, meaning “to fit together in a clumsy manner”. Fudge, a confection made from crystallized sugar, has its roots in 19th century United States, particularly in women’s colleges. Fudge comes in various flavors, ranging from fruit and nut to chocolate and caramel. It doesn’t necessarily have to be flavoured with cocoa powder, alternatives like peanut butter, vanilla or other extracts can be used. The versatility of fudge lies in its ability to accommodate various flavours and mix-ins, ensuring a delightful and personalized treat.
Why you will love this recipe:
Three simple ingredients: This recipe keeps it wonderfully uncomplicated. With just three main ingredients, you are all set to embark on a chocolatey adventure. Feel free to explore bonus ingredients for added flair, but the magic happens with the basics.
No candy thermometer needed: Unlike old-fashion fudge recipes, no candy thermometer is required. This recipe eliminates the need for a candy thermometer, boiling concerns or fretting over the fudge setting up in humid conditions. The simplicity ensures a stress-free and foolproof cooking experience.
Super Quick: In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up the fudge mixture. While it requires some patience in the fridge to set, the initial preparation is lightning-fast. Once set, you have the flexibility to store it in the fridge for a chilled treat or at room temperature for immediate gratification.
Versatile: This fudge recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Explore variety of toppings, add-ins and chocolate variations to tailor the fudge to your preferences.
Delicious: Even the toughest critics, like kids, prefer this fudge over the traditional old-version. The texture and flavour, while not identical to the classic, are undeniably incredible. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey that might just redefine your love for fudge.
Make ahead convenience: Prepare weeks in advance and relish the convenience of having fudge readily available in the fridge or freezer. Consider making generous batches to share the joy with friends and neighbours, adding a sweet touch to any occasion.
Ingredients and Substitute:
Baking Chocolate: Baking chocolate, often synonymous with cooking chocolate, forms the foundation of many indulgent desserts. For a velvety texture, consider opting for couverture chocolate, enrich with a higher cocoa butter content. Tailor your creation to taste by selecting from an array of options like white, milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
Sweetened Condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk, a luscious addition, lends sweetness to various recipes. Ensure its sweetness quotient by choosing your preferred brand or venture into the vegan realm for a plant-based alternative.
Butter: Butter play a crucial role, both salted and unsalted varieties are suitable. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
Add-ins: Toasted nuts, crushed peppermints or candy canes, peanut butter chips, tiny marshmallows, chopped cookies, dried berries altogether. These toppings provide a delightful variety to your creations, allowing you to customize your baked goods based on personal preferences and occasions.
Should I add Cocoa powder?
No need to add cocoa powder for the old-fashioned cocoa flavour, use dark, milk and semi-sweet chocolate chocolate chips with salt to balance flavours. It doesn’t need refrigeration, but it can extend shelf life, at room temp, it lasts about a week and in the fridge, about 2 weeks.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you can make easy chocolate fudge in the microwave by heating chocolate with sweetened condensed milk on half power for short intervals. Stir thoroughly before reheating. Stovetop method produces perfect consistency.
Can I make this fudge in the microwave?
Yes you can make chocolate fudge in microwave. Heat the chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk on half power for short intervals, 30 seconds and stir way more than you think you need to before putting it back to the microwave.
How to cut fudge into perfect squares?
Run a knife under hot water, dry it thoroughly and cut through the fudge for perfect edges.
Storage and packaging instructions:
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freezing: Cut into squares, wrap individually and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Gifting: Package in clear treat bags and tie with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift.
Ingredients
350 gm Dark Chocolate chips
400 gm Condensed milk
2 tbsp Butter (salted)
1 tbsp Instant Coffee (optional)
1/4 cup + extra Pistachio, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup + extraDried Cranberry, chopped (optional)
Preparation
- Step 1: Fully line an 6×6-inch square baking dish with aluminium foil or parchment paper so the bottom and sides are covered and excess hangs over the sides of the pan. Grease the foil or parchment to help it peel off later. Set this aside.
- Step 2: Place a saucepan filled with water on the stove and let the water come to a boil.
- Step 3: Place a heatproof bowl with chocolate chips over the saucepan, make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water and add the butter.
- Step 4: Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Once the chocolate is almost melted add condensed milk and combine everything properly, until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- Step 6: Then add instant coffee, as the coffee enhances the chocolate flavour and mix everything properly.
- Step 7: Once the chocolate mixture reached to the thick consistency, add chopped pistachio and chopped dried cranberry and mix everything very well.
- Step 8: Pour in the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it with a spatula or back of the spoon.
- Step 9: Sprinkle some chopped pistachio and chopped dried cranberry and set aside to cool completely and set. Refrigerate for 2-3 hour or until completely set.
- Step 10: When the fudge has set, remove the slab from the baking dish and peel off the foil or parchment. Then cut the fudge into squares with a sharp knife.
- Step 11: You can enjoy the fudge immediately or wrap it in parchment or wax paper and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips :
Prioritize lining your pan or tray with parchment paper or foil. Extend the lining beyond the edges to facilitate easy lifting once the fudge sets, ensuring a hassle-free removal.
Achieving a smooth and glossy texture requires proper chocolate tempering. Employ the double boiler method for melting chocolate, allowing it to cool and develop a stable crystalline structure, resulting in a velvety finish every time.
Elevate the flavour of your fudge by adding toasted nuts, like pistachios, almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts etc.
For neat squares or cubes, refrigerate the fudge until completely set. This contributes to its overall texture.
Customize the recipe to your needs by easily halving or doubling the ingredients. This flexibility allows you to adapt the fudge to different occasions or preferences.
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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