old timey fudge

Valley Head, AL
Updated on Nov 4, 2025

My mother always made fudge from the recipe on the Hershey's can. Over the years I have played with that recipe and this is my version. You may use any kind of nut you like (or none at all). Every Christmas my parents and children request this fudge and I am happy to make it for them. I'm sure you and your family will love it, too!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This old timey fudge is a classic! Rich and creamy, it will make a great addition to any dessert platter or gift basket.

prep time 5 Min
cook time 40 Min
method Stove Top
yield 40 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

How To Make old timey fudge

  • Set up a work area with water in the sink and a towel on the counter.
    Step 1
    Set up a work area for tempering the fudge. I run about 3 inches of cold water in the sink and lay out a dish towel next to it. The water will be to quickly cool the chocolate and then you set the pot on the towel and stir. The towel also keeps you from dripping water when you pour the chocolate.
  • Grease a baking dish.
    Step 2
    Coat an 8x12 pan or 9x13 with butter and set next to the towel.
  • Butter cut into pieces.
    Step 3
    Cut remaining butter and set aside.
  • Add cocoa, sugar, and salt to a pot.
    Step 4
    In a 6 quart pot add sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. DO NOT TURN ON THE HEAT YET!
  • Stir the cocoa mixture.
    Step 5
    Using the flat side of a spatula mix well. You do not want clumps.
  • Add the milk and stir.
    Step 6
    Add both milks and stir til well mixed and there are no lumps. Turn heat on to medium-high and bring to a boil. Notice how it looks like there is not much in the pot. Stir CONSTANTLY.
  • Heat until bubbling.
    Step 7
    As the mixture heats up it will bubble up.
  • Fudge mixture as it begins to shine.
    Step 8
    When it reaches a certain temperature it will start to go back down. It will start to really shine.
  • Do a water test to check when it becomes a soft ball stage.
    Step 9
    Every now and then do a water test. To do this, fill a glass with cold water and drop some fudge mixture into it. When it reaches the softball stage remove from heat. Soft ball stage is 240 degrees. The soft ball stage is when you can roll the drop into a soft ball.
  • Add vanilla extract and stir.
    Step 10
    Add vanilla extract and stir. it will bubble up some as it burns off the alcohol.
  • Add butter and stir.
    Step 11
    Add butter and stir.
  • Dip the pot into the water in the sink.
    Step 12
    Now dip pot into water in sink for 4-5 seconds then place on towel and stir. Repeat several times.
  • Put it on a towel and stir. Repeat process.
    Step 13
    The mixture will begin to thicken.
  • Add nuts and stir.
    Step 14
    Add nuts and stir.
  • Pour into the buttered baking dish.
    Step 15
    The mixture will start to look a little dull. Hurry and pour into the buttered pan.
  • Sprinkle more nuts.
    Step 16
    Sprinkle a little nuts on top if you want.
  • Cut into pieces and let completely cool.
    Step 17
    Let set up for 20 minutes then cut with a smooth-bladed knife. Let cool completely before putting it in a bag or tin. Otherwise, it will sweat and not look so pretty.
  • https://youtu.be/XHZES_40zLA?si=aL7Ij3kOHO7kuril

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 145kcal, carbohydrates: 27g, cholesterol: 9mg, fat: 4g, fiber: 1g, protein: 1g, saturated fat: 2g, sodium: 45mg, sugar: 26g, unsaturated fat: 2g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Candies
Category: Chocolate
Keyword: #fudge
Keyword: #cocoa
Keyword: #pecans
Collection: No-Bake Desserts
Collection: Gifts to Give
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top
Ingredient: Sugar

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