I don’t know whether I should rip into some yo mama jokes, flip a table, or pull the fire alarm, or just stop and shove aaaalll of the fudge into my face.
This fudge makes me feel aggressive. Like I should beat my chest with pride. Like I should… maybe I should stop talking.
The thing is… I feel like I made candy. I’m pretty sure I made candy. Yup, I definitely made candy. This fudge is the real deal. No microwave. No sweetened condensed milk. We’re using a real pot, a real candy thermometer, real cream, and we’re twerking sugar and chocolate into fudge.
Why would be so excited about doing something the hard way? Well… I think it’s important to know how to do things the old-school way before learning the quick tricks. You know… like long division in mathematics. (Do people do long division anymore? That was always a special kind of torture.) Maybe long division isn’t the right analogy. Fudge is way better than long division.
Here’s what we’re going to need: granulated sugar and brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, half-and-half, salt, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, and just because: marshmallows, peppermint candy, and pretzels. Turnt up.
Into a heavy bottom saucepan with the sugars, corn syrup, butter, cream, and salt.
Stir until over medium heat until the mixture is bubbling sugar lava.
Don’t worry. It’s cool.
Stir in the chocolate pieces. Stir and stir over medium-low heat until melted.
This is where we clip a candy thermometer to the edge of the simmering chocolate mixture and let it cook away. We’re going to bring the mixture to 234 degrees F.
Yes. This is essential and super official. We’re creating a smooth and creamy fudge.
I greased the pan, threw in parchment paper, and greased the parchment paper. There’s no way this fudge is sticking.
In the bottom of the pan with marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and pretzel pieces.
The warm fudge mixture is poured over the bottom layer of toppings then a mega-ton of marshmallows, mint, and pretzels are pressed into the top of the warm fudge.
Cooling time in the refrigerator will allow the fudge to harden and set.
Slice into small squares and wrap. Set aside a few cubes for yourself. They’re the sweet, salty, minty bites are impossible to resist.
We really should talk about food gift packaging, don’t you think? I like these white rectangle boxes for fudge and cooking packing.
Make some fudge and happy holidays! xo
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment paper. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with 1 cup of mini marshmallows, half of the peppermint candy, and half of the pretzel pieces.
- In a medium, heavy-bottom saucepan stir together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, halt and half, and sea salt over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer for three minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and combined. The mixture will still be simmering as you stir in the chocolate so be careful!
- Clip a candy thermometer to the edge of the pot and watch as the mixture comes to 234 degrees F. There's no need to stir the mixture as it comes up to temperature.
- Once the mixture reaches 234 degrees F, remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows to the still warm chocolate fudge. Using electric hand beaters, beat the mixture together until marshmallows are completely melted and combined, about 3 minutes.
- While the mixture is still warm, pour it over the marshmallows, peppermint, and pretzels in the prepared pan. Immediately sprinkle the top of the fudge with the remaining marshmallows, peppermint, and pretzels. Press in just slightly while the fudge is still warm.
- Cover the pan in plastic wrap or foil and allow to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until solid through.
- Once cooled, remove from the pan and slice into small cubes.
- Wrap individually and share with everyone!
knightanddayevents
I just want to frame that second picture. Amazing!
Ella
I JUST bought a candy thermometer in the hopes of making maple butter- can’t wait to put it to work making fudge! :D
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Meghan B. (@cakenknife)
Well I know what I’ll be making this weekend – this fudge and ONLY this fudge! Love it!
Elizabeth
My daughter is struggling through long division now in school. This would be a special treat for her indeed.
ileana
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS.
Gail Doyle
Wow, your fudge looks amazing! All the flavors and textures I love together. Salty, sweet, gooey. Mmmmm.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
Ohhh no you didn’t! I would go for not doing math and just shoving my face into this, cool?
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Cheers to old school, to real-deal fudge, and to all things salty-sweet, forever and ever amen.
Girl Named Allyn
Long division is of the devil. It was right up there with diagramming sentences in terms of sheer torture. OH THE PAIN.
This fudge, however… yes please.
I really appreciate that you posted it right after that salad recipe. I do love a well balanced diet.
Bethany
I hate you…this will be all I will think of all day
Julia
How in the world will I survive without making these right now? They look amazing!
dc
Love the mint/mallow/pretzel thing, but having lost more than one pot and candy thermometer to destruction I’ll stick to marshmallow fluff or sweetened condensed milk fudge. lol Thanks for sharing this!
Tori@Gringalicious.com
How ironic that I posted fudge today too. I’m loving this recipe Joy! There is just so much going on and so many yummy flavors! Pinned!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
This looks incredible and your images make me want to break off a big piece – so pretty and clear and perfect! Pinned :)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I just love how festive this is joy! Delicious!