Classic Old-Fashioned Penuche Fudge
Make smooth, creamy Penuche fudge using only brown sugar, butter, and milk for a distinct, old-fashioned sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 270 min
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- Combine the brown sugar, milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
- Stop stirring once boiling begins. Insert a candy thermometer.
- Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 234 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage). This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Let the mixture cool undisturbed until it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not rush this cooling step.
- Once cooled, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on medium speed until the fudge loses its gloss and thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quickly press the fudge into the prepared pan.
- Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for several hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a nutty version, gently fold in 1 cup of toasted pecans or peanuts just before pressing the fudge into the pan.
- If you do not have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test: drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; if it forms a soft, pliable ball, it is ready.
- If the fudge becomes grainy, you likely stirred it while it was boiling. Next time, do not stir after it begins to boil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 12
