How to Make Vanilla Fudge

Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you prefer homemade treats to store-bought goodies? This simple recipe will guide you step by step through how to make tasty vanilla fudge. It's easy to make, and you'll love the flavor. It is also a creamy treat that's wonderful for parties.

Ingredients

Basic and Easy Vanilla Fudge

3 3/4 cup icing sugar
6 tbsp. butter or margarine
3 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt

Dairy-Free Vanilla Fudge

2 cups caster sugar
2/3 cup dairy-free milk or dairy-free cream
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons dairy-free margarine
2 tsp vanilla paste

Creamy Vanilla Fudge

1¾ cup white sugar
3 tbsp. corn syrup
⅛ cup light cream
1½ tbsp. butter
Pinch of salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Making Basic and Easy Vanilla Fudge

1
Prepare your work area. You will want to have a clear, level space with everything laid out, ready to work in. Get out a 9 x 5 inch pan, saucepan, measuring cups, bowls, and spoons and clear some fridge space to chill your finished fudge. Having a clear work area makes it easier to make the fudge.
2
Grease the pan. Use vegetable oil, butter, margarine, or canola oil and then set them aside. Make sure you always grease your pan when making fudge. If you do not, then your fudge will stick to the pan.
3
Mix the icing sugar and butter together in a saucepan. Stir until creamy and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps before moving onto the next step. This is very important because if you have lumps, your fudge will not be smooth.
4
Turn your stove on to a low heat temperature. Place your saucepan on the stove. If you are using a gas burner, turn it onto the lowest setting as the pots can get too hot very easily.
5
Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the pot. Stir the ingredients together. Make sure the mixture is a little bit thick before moving onto the next step.
6
Continue to stir on low heat and then add the remaining ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, pour it quickly into the greased pan.
7
Put it into the fridge when it is cool to touch. It usually takes five hours for the fudge to set or you can place it in the fridge overnight.
8
Cut the fudge into squares when it has set. Place it on a plate or platter and enjoy!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Making Dairy-Free Vanilla Fudge

1
Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil. Make sure you get all the corners in. You can also grease your pan with vegetable spray oil.
2
Mix sugar, dairy-free milk, corn syrup, and salt in a pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. It should be bubbling by now. Make sure that all the ingredients are smooth.
3
Simmer to correct temperature. If you have a candy thermometer then continue cooking until it reaches 235 °F (113 °C), or until it forms a soft ball when you drop a small amount into a glass of cold water. This is called the soft ball stage.
4
Take it off the heat. Add the margarine and leave to cool for an hour or two.
- Don't stir the margarine in. Instead, drop it in gently.
5
Cool the candy. When the candy is 120 °F (49 °C) on the candy thermometer or the bottom of the pan is just warm to the touch (about 10 minutes), it is considered cool.
6
Add in the vanilla paste. Stir with a wooden spoon until the fudge gets thick and is no longer glossy (approximately five to seven minutes). Make sure that your fudge has not been over-boiled.
- Do not over-mix this; if you do, it will begin to set in the pan.
7
Pour the mixture into the buttered pan. Place the pan into the fridge in order to let it cool. The fudge will set within five to seven hours. Never put the fudge in the freezer, even if you would like it to be ready sooner. If you place it there, it won't turn out the best.
8
Cut into squares and place in a platter or plate. Enjoy!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Making Creamy Vanilla Fudge

1
Get out a pot and place it on a stove.
2
Mix sugar, corn syrup, and light cream and bring it to a boil. Stir the ingredients when it is boiling to ensure that there are no lumps.
3
Slowly add in the butter and salt. Let this boil on high for 5 minutes.
4
Add in the vanilla and mix well. Place in the greased pan and put it in a cooler or fridge in order to let it set. It takes about three to four hours to set.
5
Try serving them on a platter. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

My fudge always is a little runny. Should I add more icing sugar?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Yes, add icing (powdered) sugar until it is at the right consistency. Be sure to mix well.
Question

Can fudge become freezer burned?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Yes, fudge can get freezer burn. Avoid this by storing it in an airtight container.
Question

Can I use dairy substitutes in this recipe?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

Isn't all fudge supposed to have vanilla in it?

Community Answer

Most plain fudge recipes do call for vanilla. This fudge doesn't have cocoa in it, so it isn't chocolate, it's vanilla.
Question

Can I put a little bit of milk if it is dry?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Yes, you can add a bit of milk to the fudge if it is too dry. You can also put in water as a substitute for milk.
Question

Can I put in a vanilla bean to help add vanilla flavor?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Yes, you can put in vanilla beans. They will help bring out the vanilla flavor in your fudge.
Question

How long does method one take to make?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Method One takes about 30-45 minuets to make. Then it takes a few hours or overnight to chill.
Question

Can I use goat milk?

Lily

Top Answerer

Yes, it doesn't really matter what type of milk you use, unless it's really fatty.
Question

For the dairy-free fudge, can I use rice milk?

Lily

Top Answerer

Yes, you can use rice milk, soy milk or almond milk instead of the dairy-free milk. You may have to adjust the amounts based on the texture/wateriness of the milk alternative.
Question

Can I eat this with chocolate?

Lily

Top Answerer

Yes, vanilla fudge goes well with chocolate sauce or melted chocolate.

Warnings

Always grease your pan. If you do not, the fudge will not come out of the pan.

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Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Do not make a double batch. If you do, it could easily be the wrong consistency. If you want two batches, make each separately.

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Do not boil or overheat the fudge.

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Since fudge has quite a bit of sugar in it, it can easily burn. Always watch your fudge carefully when it is on the stove.

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