There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and comforting about a bite of Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge. This rich, creamy confection is an American classic that brings back sweet memories of holidays, hand-written recipe cards, and gatherings with loved ones. The deep, slightly woodsy flavor of black walnuts infuses every square, while the smooth chocolate and luscious marshmallow create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s pure bliss. Whether you’re whipping up a holiday platter or indulging in a little treat for yourself, this fudge is packed with tradition and delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is all about simple ingredients coming together to create a timeless favorite. Each item in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor, Walnut crunch, and supremely creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (3 cups): The foundation of any good fudge, sugar gives structure and familiar sweetness to the candy.
- Unsweetened Evaporated Milk (¾ cup): Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel, creating a fudge that’s neither too dry nor too wet.
- Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces (¾ cup): Brings buttery luxury and helps everything meld together perfectly.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Give the fudge its deep chocolatey base, perfectly balancing the sweetness from the sugar.
- Marshmallow Creme (1 jar, 7 ounces): The secret to creamy, smooth fudge—no graininess here!
- Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons): A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth, elevating all the flavors.
- Chopped Black Walnuts (1 cup): The heart and soul of this recipe, black walnuts add a uniquely bold, earthy crunch that sets this fudge apart from all the rest.
How to Make Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Before you start cooking, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This little bit of prep ensures that when your fudge cools, it’ll lift out in one satisfyingly smooth slab, ready for slicing. Trust me—no one wants to wrestle sticky fudge out of the pan!
Step 2: Boil the Sugar, Milk, and Butter
Grab your best heavy-bottomed saucepan and add the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Set the pan over medium heat and stir constantly as everything melts together. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, keep stirring and let it bubble away for about five minutes, or until it hits 234°F on a candy thermometer (the classic “soft ball stage”). This step is the magic that sets up the perfect fudge texture—stir with love!
Step 3: Melt in the Chocolate
Take the saucepan off the heat the moment you reach the right temperature. Immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, working quickly so the residual heat melts them into a glossy pool. This is where the real chocolate fudge flavor comes alive!
Step 4: Add Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla
Next, dollop in that fluffy marshmallow creme and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is perfectly blended and irresistibly smooth. This step is what gives Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge its signature silkiness—no grainy bits, just pure chocolatey velvet.
Step 5: Fold in the Black Walnuts
Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Fold in the chopped black walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the fudge. Their strong, earthy flavor will make every piece memorable and special.
Step 6: Set the Fudge
Pour your fudgy masterpiece into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for a few hours, or pop it in the fridge if you’re feeling impatient. Once it’s firmed up, use the parchment sling to lift out the slab, then cut into small, decadent squares that practically beg to be shared—or hoarded!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! For a classic look, sprinkle a few extra chopped black walnuts on top before the fudge fully sets. You can even dust with a touch of cocoa powder or a pinch of flaky sea salt for an upscale spin that brings out the depth of flavor in each heavenly bite.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with robust coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk. For dessert platters, serve alongside fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the (candy) box! Arrange fudge squares in pretty gift tins, layer them between sheets of wax paper, or use festive wrappers for party favors. For holiday gatherings, a towering stack of fudge on a vintage cake stand creates an eye-catching centerpiece that invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week—though in my house, it rarely lasts that long! If your kitchen runs warm or you prefer firmer fudge, you can refrigerate it to extend its freshness.
Freezing
Want to stock up for a rainy day (or next holiday)? This fudge freezes like a dream. Wrap individual squares or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Fudge will stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw on the counter before serving.
Reheating
Fudge is meant to be soft and creamy at room temperature, so you typically won’t need to reheat it. If it’s a bit too firm from chilling, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving—the texture will return to its melt-in-your-mouth best.
FAQs
Can I substitute English walnuts for black walnuts?
Absolutely! While the bold, almost smoky flavor of black walnuts makes Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge taste unique, you can definitely swap in English walnuts or even pecans for a milder nutty note.
Do I really need a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is your best friend for perfectly set fudge, especially if you’re new to candy-making. It ensures you cook to the exact soft ball stage, so your fudge is smooth instead of grainy or too soft.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. Just be sure to use a very large saucepan to prevent spillovers as the mixture boils.
What if I can’t find marshmallow creme?
If marshmallow creme isn’t available, you can substitute mini marshmallows—use about 3 cups. They’ll melt smooth in the hot fudge base, giving you the same wonderful texture.
Why did my fudge turn out grainy?
Grainy texture is often caused by overcooking or not stirring enough once the sugar mixture starts boiling. Make sure to stay attentive, stir constantly, and use that candy thermometer to hit the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to share a piece of genuine nostalgia or simply want a fudge that melts on your tongue and lingers in your memory, Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge is the answer. Its timeless appeal and irresistible flavor are sure to win over anyone lucky enough to try it—so grab your saucepan, gather your loved ones, and make a sweet tradition of your own!
Print
Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavor of Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge. This decadent treat combines creamy chocolate, gooey marshmallow creme, and crunchy black walnuts for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened evaporated milk
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Fudge Mixture:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease lightly and set aside.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer.
- Add Ingredients: Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Add marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and black walnuts, stirring until smooth.
- Set Fudge: Pour mixture into pan, spread evenly. Cool at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best results.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Adjust black walnut quantity to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
