Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe – Simple, Cozy Chocolate That Feels Like Home

Introduction

The kitchen smells like warm cocoa and butter, and suddenly the house feels like Sunday afternoons. When I stir this Old Fashioned Fudge, memories of my grandmother’s laugh and a well-worn wooden spoon come rushing back. Also, the first bite is a little piece of nostalgia — fudgy, slightly grainy in the best way, and deeply chocolatey. If you love comforting treats, then this is one you’ll return to again and again. For another cozy dessert that pairs beautifully with tea, try this Grandma’s Bread Pudding.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can bake it between errands.
• Comforting homemade flavor that tastes like family.
• Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Great for any occasion — from school treats to holiday plates.
• Always a crowd-pleaser and easy to wrap as a gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa
• 1 stick salted butter — use salted for a little savory balance, or swap to unsalted if you prefer to control the salt.
• 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk — whole evaporated milk gives a richer texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) — walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.

Also, if you’ve been baking donuts or other old-fashioned treats, these simple pantry staples likely already live in your cupboard like in this old-fashioned cake donuts.

How to Make It

1. First, combine the 2 cups sugar and 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa in a medium saucepan. Stir until the mixture looks even and chocolatey.
2. Next, add 1 stick salted butter and the 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk. Stir to blend; the butter will start to melt into glossy streaks.
3. Then, heat over medium. When you hear a soft sizzle and see small bubbles, that’s your cue. Stir continuously so the bottom doesn’t scorch.
4. Because the recipe asks for a steady boil, keep stirring and cook for 7 full minutes at that steady boil. The scent will deepen into a rich, toasted chocolate aroma.
5. After 7 minutes, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup chopped nuts if you like. The mixture will thicken a bit as you stir.
6. Finally, pour into a buttered baking dish and smooth the top. Let cool completely until the fudge sets. Then cut into squares and enjoy that first soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

While you work, this method pairs well with savory mains like a classic old-fashioned chicken pot pie for a full comfort-food evening.

Kitchen Tips

• For a time-saving trick, warm the evaporated milk slightly before adding; then the mixture comes to boil faster.
• If the fudge crystalizes or becomes grainy, gently reheat with a splash of evaporated milk and stir briskly to smooth it out.
• For a twist, fold in a spoonful of peanut butter or swirl in caramel for a marbled effect — it turns the Old Fashioned Fudge into something playful and new.

Serving Ideas

Serve this fudge at family dinners, bake sales, or cozy nights in. Also, dress it up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra chopped nuts on top right before it sets. For holidays, wrap pieces in wax paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift. Moreover, it makes a delightful bite alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.

If you want another warm, comforting pudding-style dessert, consider our favorite rice pudding.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• To freeze, wrap squares in wax paper and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Leftover idea: chop fudge and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day once flavors meld.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — this recipe is forgiving. For example, try darker cocoa or a different nut.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan is lovely, but chilled pieces are firmer and cut more neatly. Try warming one slightly for a gooey treat.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for a steady boil during the 7-minute cook and that wonderful toasted chocolate smell — that’s your sign that your Old Fashioned Fudge has set up beautifully.

Also, if you love old-fashioned sweets, you might enjoy this classic old-fashioned rice pudding.

Final Thoughts

I make this Old Fashioned Fudge whenever I want a little comfort in sugar form. Because it’s simple and honest, it reminds me of family dinners and small, sticky-fingered moments that matter most. So please try it, adapt it, and share a piece with someone you love — that’s the best part of making Old Fashioned Fudge.

Conclusion

If you want to compare variations or explore similar classic recipes, check out this take on an Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Recipe – An Italian in my Kitchen, and also this tried-and-true version on Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Recipe – Food.com.

Old Fashioned Fudge

A quick and easy recipe for rich and creamy old fashioned fudge that brings back sweet memories of home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa
• 1 stick salted butter Use unsalted if you prefer to control the salt.
• 1 can (5-oz) evaporated milk Whole evaporated milk gives a richer texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the 2 cups sugar and 4 tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa in a medium saucepan. Stir until the mixture looks even and chocolatey.
2. Add the 1 stick salted butter and the 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk. Stir to blend; the butter will start to melt into glossy streaks.
3. Heat over medium. When you hear a soft sizzle and see small bubbles, stir continuously to prevent scorching.
4. Once at a steady boil, cook for 7 full minutes while stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired. The mixture will thicken.
6. Pour into a buttered baking dish and smooth the top. Let cool completely until the fudge sets.
7. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

For an easier cooking process, warm the evaporated milk slightly before adding. If the fudge crystallizes, gently reheat with a splash of evaporated milk and stir to smooth it. Adding peanut butter or caramel can create a fun twist on the traditional recipe.