Description
Mackinac Island Fudge embodies Michigan’s sweet heritage, blending creamy richness with nostalgic charm. Chocolate lovers will delight in this indulgent treat that melts smoothly and satisfies deeply.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup (70 g) cocoa powder
Secondary Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Measurement Notes:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅔ cup (70 g) cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a workspace by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for easy removal.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, blend sugar, cream, butter, cocoa powder, and salt until ingredients are uniformly mixed.
- Apply medium heat, continuously stirring until sugar completely dissolves and mixture begins to bubble with gentle intensity.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, discontinue stirring, and allow mixture to simmer undisturbed until candy thermometer registers precisely 234°F, representing the soft-ball stage.
- Carefully remove saucepan from heat source, permitting mixture to cool naturally without agitation until temperature drops to 110°F.
- Introduce vanilla extract into cooled mixture, then vigorously whip using a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed until texture transforms from glossy to matte and substantially thickens.
- Swiftly transfer fudge into prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
- Allow fudge to stabilize at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours, ensuring complete solidification.
- Once fully set, elevate fudge from pan using parchment paper edges and slice into precise, uniform squares for serving.
Notes
- Precision matters when cooking fudge, so using a reliable candy thermometer ensures perfect texture every single time.
- Avoid stirring the mixture while it boils to prevent sugar crystallization, which can make the fudge grainy and less smooth.
- For a gluten-free version, double-check all ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free, especially the vanilla extract.
- Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, sea salt, or a swirl of caramel to create your own signature fudge variation and add exciting flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg