This Is The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Fudge

With the cooking hacks and shortcuts that social media boasts today, it's no surprise that there are tons of recipes out there claiming to result in perfect fudge in just a few steps and even fewer ingredients. While these recipes can be great in a pinch, they can't compare to the finished fudge made using the old-school method. This recipe is a bit more finicky though — a labor of love, if you will. In both methods, there's one critical tip that will make or break your fudge. Preston Stewart, Director of Chocolate at Onyx Coffee Lab and Project Manager for Terroir Chocolate, let us in on it, saying, "Using the wrong chocolate is a HUGE deal."

If you haven't given much thought to the different types of chocolate other than which you like best, Stewart explains that they differ in ingredients, fat content, and sugar content, which can all affect how your fudge turns out. Chocolate chips, named milk and semi-sweet, have a "low fat content and a high sugar and milk powder content," he says. This can cause your fudge to crystallize, which Stewart names "one of the biggest challenges when making fudge the traditional and old school way." So what should you use for the best results? "Since fudge making involves lots of sugar, using a chocolate with a lower sugar content is very helpful," the master chocolatier suggests. Doing so will ensure your fudge is not sickeningly sweet and has the right creamy but structured texture.

Using the right chocolate will start your fudge-making off on the right foot. Opt for good-quality baking chocolate; semi-sweet or dark is best. Baking chocolate usually comes in discs or bars (as Stewart said, stay away from the chips). From there, use this stirring tip when making your fudge to ensure it won't crystallize: As soon as the sugar fully dissolves into the other ingredients in the sauce pan, stop stirring the mixture until after you remove it from the heat. It's equally important to choose the best pan for homemade fudge. Copper or aluminum will ensure even heating.

Once you've nailed the technique, the toppings or mix-ins are up to you. Dried raspberries add a tart twist to rich fudge. Dark chocolate peppermint fudge is especially festive. Fancy isn't always best, though, and you can't go wrong with a simple classic fudge recipe. Or, skip the chocolate altogether and use the old-fashioned technique to make peanut butter fudge.