By Bring Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 24 squares (approximately)
2 cups sugar
4 Tablespoons Hershey’s cocoa
1 stick of salted butter
5 ounce can of Carnation Evaporated Milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Nuts (optional, but they add a delightful crunch!)
How To Make Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
Set the Stage: Before you start, line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make the removal of your fudge pieces a breeze.
Sweet Beginnings: In a heavy saucepan, combine the 2 cups of sugar with the 4 tablespoons of Hershey’s cocoa. Whisk them together until they’re well integrated.
Buttery Delight: Add the stick of salted butter and the 5 ounces of Carnation Evaporated Milk to your sugar and cocoa mixture. This is where the magic happens!
Stir It Up: Cook over medium heat while constantly stirring. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for about 3-4 minutes. The consistency you’re aiming for is a soft ball stage. A good way to test this is by dropping a tiny amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
Vanilla Essence: Once off the heat, stir in the teaspoon of vanilla. This will elevate your fudge to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Nuts About Fudge: If you’re a fan of nuts, fold them into your mixture now. They add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture of the fudge.
Set and Forget: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Let it cool for several hours. For the best results, resist the temptation to taste it and let it set overnight.
The Grand Finale: Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
PREPARATION STEPS
Stir It Up: Cook over medium heat while constantly stirring
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for about 3-4 minutes
The consistency you’re aiming for is a soft ball stage
A good way to test this is by dropping a tiny amount of the mixture into cold water
If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
Nuts (optional, but they add a delightful crunch!)
How To Make Decadent Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
Set the Stage: Before you start, line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make the removal of your fudge pieces a breeze.
Nuts About Fudge: If you’re a fan of nuts, fold them into your mixture now. They add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture of the fudge.
Set and Forget: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula
Let it cool for several hours
For the best results, resist the temptation to taste it and let it set overnight.
The Grand Finale: Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board
Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
