The kind you cook on the stovetop—no shortcuts, just pure magic.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for greasing pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Grease an 8×8 inch pan with butter and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, salt, and milk. Stir to combine.
- Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Stop stirring and let it boil without touching it until it reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer (this is the “soft ball” stage).
- Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla, but do not stir. Let it sit undisturbed until the mixture cools to about 110°F (43°C).
- Now beat the fudge (with a wooden spoon or electric mixer) until it thickens and loses its gloss—this takes about 5–10 minutes.
- Quickly pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let it cool completely at room temp before cutting into squares.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans 🌰
- Marshmallows
- Swirl in some peanut butter or caramel for a fun twist
