Fudge FAQs | Old Danish Fudge Kitchen (2024)

Fudge FAQs | Old Danish Fudge Kitchen (1)

Why does our fudge not melt?

There are two main reasons. First, we use ingredients not prone to melting. Specifically, we use heavy cream instead of butter. Second, we slice our fudge while still warm so that each slice forms a firm outer shell. The shell protects the softer, creamy interior. Thus, as long as you do not cut or break into the slice, we guarantee the fudge will not melt under “reasonable” circ*mstances. “Reasonable” does not include microwaving or leaving on a sun drenched dashboard!

What makes our fudge different?

Unlike other producers of fudge, we do not use trans fats (i.e., partially hydrogenated oils) or similar ingredients to preserve our fudge. We use only all natural ingredients. The bad news is that our fudge won’t last into the next century like those other fudges. The good news is that our fudge is far healthier for you. When you consider the antioxidant powers of cocoa and its scientifically proven benefits to vascular health, our fudge is “practically” health food! It is our humble medical opinion that you should eat a slice a day!

Is our fudge fresh?

Our fudge is ALWAYS fresh. We make our fudge most days of the week, starting in the early morning for best results.

How long does our fudge stay fresh?

It is usually best to eat our fudge within 10 to 14 days. Although our fudge can remain edible for some time after that, if you wait too long to eat it, you can always retain a slice for use as a paperweight or doorstop.

What is the best way to take care of our fudge?

It is generally best to keep our fudge at room temperature as packaged, and to “cut as you go”, using a sharp knife. DO NOT REFRIGERATE OUR FUDGE since that tends to dry it out faster. Wrapping a slice in plastic is risky since that can lessen the effectiveness of the hardened shell, but can also extend its freshness. Our fudge can be frozen should you wish to keep it for an extended period of time. If you do so, wrap the fudge very tightly (e.g., saran wrap, then foil and finally place in an airtight freezer bag).

Does weather affect the texture of our fudge?

Absolutely! Weather greatly affects our fudge. Cold weather and/or low humidity makes the harder outer shell more pronounced and the fudge less moist. Hot and/or humid weather makes the shell less effective and the interior of the fudge more creamy. Since our weather in Solvang fluctuates greatly (sometimes even during a given day), you will find the texture of our fudge similarly fluctuates. Some flavors are affected more dramatically than others. Come visit us or order online throughout the year to see for yourself! Do so for the sake of science to lessen the guilt!

Fudge FAQs | Old Danish Fudge Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

How do you fix fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

What consistency should fudge be before setting? ›

Remove the ball from the water and check its consistency with your fingers. For perfect fudge, the syrup should form a soft ball that can be picked up, but easily flattened.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

Another key part of a successful fudge texture is when you stir the mixture. Stirring the sugar and milk during the initial stages of cooking allows the sugar to dissolve. However, once the mixture comes to a boil, it's time to put the spoon down.

What happens if you don't beat fudge long enough? ›

It might be that you haven't dissolved all the sugar before boiling the fudge mixture. It could be that there just wasn't enough fluid or fat to enable the sugar to dissolve or it might even be that the fudge wasn't beaten long enough or hard enough. All of these factors could be the cause of grainy fudge.

Can you overbeat fudge? ›

Beating the cooled batter is one of the crucial steps of fudge-making, but overbeating can turn fudge hard as a rock. Pay close attention to the change in appearance and only beat the fudge until it loses its glossy sheen.

How to revive old fudge? ›

To fix soft fudge or hard fudge, simply follow these easy steps: Scrape the fudge back into a large saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir the fudge over low heat until it dissolves. Carefully taste the mixture, as the water probably diluted the flavor.

What happens if you don't stir fudge? ›

By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals. Stirring would help sucrose molecules "find" one another and start forming crystals. Stirring also introduces air, dust, and small dried bits from the walls of the saucepan—all potential seeds for crystal formation.

Was fudge made by mistake? ›

That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.

Why is some fudge hard and some soft? ›

If you don't heat your fudge to a high enough temperature, you'll end up with a soft product. And if you heat the mixture too much, your fudge may be harder than you'd like.

How long does it take for fudge to fully set? ›

Proper fudge will set after sitting at room temperature for about 4 hours. Understand that cooking the fudge properly is the skirmish before the war. The real test of your mettle will occur when you beat the fudge, and learn to master the fine art of turning and pouring. And if it doesn't work out it's okay!

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

Tiny microcrystals in fudge are what give it its firm texture. The crystals are small enough, however, that they don't feel grainy on your tongue, but smooth. While you ultimately want crystals to form, it's important that they don't form too early.

Why isn t my peanut butter fudge setting? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

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