Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe

Foolproof Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Treat in Just 15 Minutes

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a rich, creamy piece of chocolate fudge? This classic dessert is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s indulgent, sweet, and satisfies any chocolate craving. One of the best versions of this treat is the chocolate walnut fudge from Cook’s Illustrated. Known for their foolproof recipes, Cook’s Illustrated has perfected this dessert, making it not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Best of all, this fudge comes together in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delectable treat.

Ingredients

16 ounces semisweet chocolate: Opt for a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli for the best results. The quality of the chocolate greatly impacts the taste and texture of the fudge.
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate: Adds depth and intensity to the chocolate flavor.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps stabilize the chocolate during melting, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess, creating the perfect fudge consistency.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor that complements the chocolate.
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the fudge.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line the Dish: Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure to push the foil neatly into the corners and up the sides of the pan. Using two pieces of foil to ensure that the foil overlaps all edges will help with the removal of the fudge from the pan later on. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, baking soda, and salt. Toss until the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Set Up a Double Boiler: Place the heatproof bowl over a 4-quart saucepan containing 2 cups of simmering water. Ensure that the bowl does not touch the water directly. This setup helps to gently melt the chocolate without burning it.
Melt the Mixture: Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is almost fully melted, with just a few small pieces remaining. This process should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Be sure to remove the bowl from the heat before the chocolate is completely melted to avoid separation and greasiness.
Finish Melting Off Heat: Continue stirring the mixture off the heat until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, which should take about 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Add Walnuts and Set the Fudge

Incorporate Walnuts: Stir in the coarsely chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring that it reaches all corners of the pan.
Chill: Refrigerate the fudge until it is set, which should take about 2 hours.

Step 5: Cut and Store

Remove from Pan: Use the foil overhang to lift the fudge out of the baking dish.
Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares.
Store Properly: Store the fudge tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in a cool place for up to 2 weeks.

Optional: Double Batch Instructions

For a larger batch, line a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients. Use a larger heatproof bowl and a Dutch oven containing 4 cups of simmering water to melt the fudge mixture.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions

The fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow ample time for the fudge to reach room temperature before cutting. Note that the texture may become drier the longer it is frozen.

Tips for Success

Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chocolate and fresh walnuts will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your fudge.
Proper Melting: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Melting it slowly and removing it from heat before fully melted prevents separation and ensures a smooth consistency.
Chill Time: Ensure the fudge is fully chilled before cutting to get clean, neat squares.

Variations

Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for different flavors and textures.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Festive Additions: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a festive touch.

Health Benefits

While this chocolate walnut fudge is undoubtedly an indulgent treat, dark chocolate provides several health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Additionally, dark chocolate contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. The recipe also uses walnuts, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.

Making chocolate walnut fudge is an enjoyable process that not only yields a delicious result but also brings a sense of accomplishment. This particular recipe emphasizes simplicity and quality, combining classic fudge ingredients like rich chocolates and sweetened condensed milk with the crunchy texture of walnuts, creating a treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Serving and Presentation

When serving this chocolate walnut fudge, consider the occasion. If it’s for a casual gathering, simple squares on a platter may suffice. For more formal settings, you can enhance its presentation by dusting the squares with a bit of cocoa powder or drizzling them with a contrasting white chocolate for an elegant touch. Pairing the fudge with a good coffee or a glass of red wine can elevate the tasting experience, making the flavors stand out more prominently.

Creative Variations

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the base recipe:

Spice it Up: Introduce spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, especially delightful during the winter months.
Go Nuts: Mix in different nuts like pecans or almonds for varied textures and flavors.
Swirls and Layers: Add layers or swirls of caramel or peanut butter for an extra decadent version of the fudge.

Nutritional Considerations

While indulging in this rich dessert, it’s also worth considering its nutritional aspects. Chocolate is beneficial in moderation, offering antioxidants and potential heart health benefits due to its cocoa content. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Storing Tips

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and texture of your fudge:

Short-term: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a few days.
Long-term: For longer storage, refrigerate your fudge. This is particularly helpful in warm climates or during hot weather to prevent melting.

Conclusion

Creating your batch of chocolate walnut fudge from this Cook’s Illustrated recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of sweetness into your life. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a hit for any occasion. As a versatile recipe, it allows for various tweaks and adjustments to suit your taste or the specific preferences of those you’re sharing it with. Whether as a gift, party treat, or personal indulgence, this fudge is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Embark on this culinary adventure with confidence, knowing each step brings you closer to mastering the art of fudge-making. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!