Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration
I absolutely love making Chocolate Walnut Fudge, especially for special occasions. The rich combination of chocolate and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whenever I prepare this fudge, I like to share it with friends and family, and it never fails to impress them. The smoothness of the chocolate paired with the nuttiness of the walnuts makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that I find myself making it more often than I planned!
When I first tried making fudge, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it turned out! I experimented with various flavor combinations, and it was the addition of walnuts that truly elevated the chocolate flavor. By toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them to the mix, it enhances their crunchiness and adds depth to the dish.
One tip I’ve learned is to use high-quality chocolate. It makes a significant difference in taste and texture, ensuring that every piece of fudge melts in your mouth. The allure of this fudge is not only in its creamy goodness but also in how it combines flawlessly with the nuttiness of walnuts!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy walnuts
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
Key Techniques for Perfect Fudge
Achieving the perfect texture for your Chocolate Walnut Fudge starts with melting your chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk slowly. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to evenly distribute the heat and prevent burning. Stir continuously to ensure that the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, which indicates that the chocolate is fully melted. If the mixture starts to thicken too much or clump, reducing the heat will help it regain its silky texture.
It’s essential to incorporate your add-ins, like walnuts and cocoa powder, off the heat. This prevents the mixture from seizing and ensures a uniform distribution of ingredients. You want to mix these in quickly and thoroughly; otherwise, the chocolate can cool too much and solidify before you have a chance to pour it into the baking dish.
Storing and Serving Tips
After chilling, your fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate, where it can last for up to three weeks. If you want to freeze your fudge, cut it into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. This way, you can defrost only what you need without compromising the rest.
For serving, consider pairing your fudge with different toppings. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, while a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a nice contrast. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or slices of orange, for an enjoyable flavor pairing that balances the richness of the fudge.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this decadent fudge:
Ingredients
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Now that you have everything, let’s move on to making the fudge!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Walnut Fudge:
Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Add Ingredients
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well mixed.
Spread and Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.
Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Your delicious Chocolate Walnut Fudge is ready to devour!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the fudge before chilling. It adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor!
Ingredient Insights
The star of your fudge is undoubtedly the semisweet chocolate chips. Choosing high-quality chocolate will deeply impact the flavor, making it richer and more decadent. If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, you can substitute half of the semisweet chips for dark chocolate chips without compromising the fudge’s consistency.
Sweetened condensed milk is the binding agent that gives this fudge its creamy texture. It’s essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth result. Be cautious not to use evaporated milk, as it will lead to a dry texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use a coconut or almond milk sweetened condensed milk, which works surprisingly well.
Common Troubleshooting
If your fudge turns out grainy, it's often due to overheating the chocolate. Always melt the chocolate on low heat and stir continuously until smooth. In case it becomes grainy, you can try to rescue it by adding a teaspoon of hot water and mixing vigorously to bring it back together.
Overmixing the fudge once you've added the walnuts or cocoa powder can lead to a tough texture. Make sure to mix just until everything is incorporated. If you notice that the fudge isn’t setting properly after refrigeration, it’s likely due to insufficient cooling time; give it another hour or so in the fridge until it firms up completely.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds.
→ How should I store the fudge?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
→ Can I freeze the fudge?
Yes, the fudge can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure it's well-wrapped.
→ What's the best way to cut the fudge?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for cleaner cuts when slicing the fudge.
Chocolate Walnut Fudge
I absolutely love making Chocolate Walnut Fudge, especially for special occasions. The rich combination of chocolate and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whenever I prepare this fudge, I like to share it with friends and family, and it never fails to impress them. The smoothness of the chocolate paired with the nuttiness of the walnuts makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that I find myself making it more often than I planned!
Created by: Victoria Hall
Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Inspiration
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 16 pieces
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
How-To Steps
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well mixed.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the fudge before chilling. It adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g