Chocolate Walnut Fudge: A Decadent Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Chocolate Walnut Fudge is a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any gathering. As I prepare this rich and creamy confection, I can’t help but think of the countless family celebrations where this indulgent dessert has taken center stage. Originating from the United States in the late 19th century, fudge has evolved into a beloved classic, often associated with holiday festivities and special occasions.

What makes Chocolate Walnut Fudge so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of smooth, velvety chocolate combined with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, creating a texture that is both luxurious and comforting. People adore this dish not only for its rich flavor but also for its convenience; it’s a simple recipe that can be whipped up in no time, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we dive into the world of Chocolate Walnut Fudge and discover how to create this delectable treat that is sure to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for added texture)
• Parchment paper (for lining the pan)

Preparing the Fudge Mixture

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything at hand before you begin cooking. This way, you won’t have to scramble around looking for something while your chocolate is melting!
2. Next, line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides; this will help you lift the fudge out later. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the chocolate from burning. This step is crucial, as we want a smooth and creamy fudge.
4. As the chocolate begins to melt, you’ll notice it starts to combine with the butter and condensed milk. Keep stirring until everything is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient; the result will be worth it!
5. Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness of the fudge.
6. If you’re using mini marshmallows, fold them into the mixture now. They add a delightful chewy texture to the fudge, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a more traditional fudge.
7. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. If you’re a fan of nuts, you can add more than a cup for an extra crunch!

Setting the Fudge

8. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and smooth the top. This will help ensure that every piece of fudge is uniform in thickness.
9. Once the fudge is spread out, gently tap the baking dish on the counter a few times. This helps to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed in the mixture.
10. Now, it’s time to let the fudge set. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s firm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid freezing.

Cutting and Serving the Fudge

11. Once the fudge has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board.
12. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I like to cut mine into 1-inch squares for bite-sized treats, but you can make them larger if you prefer.
13. As you cut, you may notice some crumbs. Don’t worry! These can be snacked on or used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
14. Once cut, you can serve the fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container. If you’re storing it, make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The fudge can be kept at room temperature for about a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
15. If you want to get creative, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top of the fudge before it sets, or sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for a decorative touch.

Tips and Variations

16. If you

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Chocolate Walnut Fudge recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a rich, decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering, treat yourself after a long day, or whip up a thoughtful gift for a friend, this fudge is the perfect solution. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your fudge with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast, or even incorporating other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in some caramel or peanut butter for an extra layer of deliciousness. I encourage you to give this Chocolate Walnut Fudge recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your fudge-making success together. Happy cooking! Print
    

    Chocolate Walnut Fudge: A Decadent Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

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    • Author: Dottie
    • Total Time: 145 minutes
    • Yield: 16 squares 1x

    Print Recipe

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    Description

    This rich and creamy chocolate fudge is made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or sharing with friends. Enjoy the delightful combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy walnuts, with optional mini marshmallows for added texture.

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    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)
    • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for added texture)
    • Parchment paper (for lining the pan)

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    Instructions

    1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything at hand before you begin cooking.
    2. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the fudge out later.
    3. In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over low heat.
    4. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the chocolate from burning.
    5. As the chocolate begins to melt, keep stirring until everything is completely melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
    6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
    7. If using mini marshmallows, fold them into the mixture now.
    8. Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
    9. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
    10. Gently tap the baking dish on the counter a few times to eliminate any air bubbles.
    11. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
    12. Once set, lift the fudge out of the baking dish using the overhanging parchment paper and place it on a cutting board.
    13. Cut the fudge into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
    14. Enjoy the crumbs as a snack or use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
    15. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
    16. For a creative touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle extra chopped walnuts before it sets.

    Notes

    • Feel free to customize the nuts or add other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chunks.
    • For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes