HOW TO FIX YOUR FUDGE
Question: Can I Fix My Overcooked, Undercooked, or Grainy Fudge?
This question refers to old-fashioned fudge; that is, fudge that is cooked to a specific temperature, cooled, then beaten until thick. “Quick” fudges that use marshmallow cream or condensed milk do not require beating, and are more foolproof, so they often do not have the same problems old-fashioned fudge does. If not made properly, old-fashioned fudges can be too soft, too hard, or unpleasantly grainy. Learn how to fix these fudge problems and avoid them in the future.
Answer:
Fudge that is too soft retains its unfortunate texture even after having been refrigerated or allowed to set for long periods of time. It will be sticky, difficult to cut, and will not hold its shape very well.
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Fudge usually behaves this way for one of two reasons: either it was not cooked to a high enough temperature (due to oversight or a faulty candy thermometer) or it was not beaten enough during the beating phase. Soft fudge can often be saved by re-cooking and re-beating it. Simply scrape the fudge back into a saucepan and add 1.5 cups of water. Place it over low heat and stir until the fudge has dissolved and is blended with the water. Increase the heat to medium and bring it to a boil, washing down the sides of the pan frequently with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals. Cook it to the proper temperature specified in the recipe, and carefully taste the mixture–you might want to add more flavoring, as the old flavor will be diluted. Once it reaches the proper temperature you can follow the instructions for cooling and beating the fudge as before. During the beating, remember that you want the fudge to lose some of its gloss and thicken noticeably before you pour it into the pan.
It is possible to save overcooked fudge in a similar way, although this method does not always work. If your fudge is too hard or grainy, you can follow the directions above, adding the water and cooking as directed, to essentially re-do your fudge. It is a good idea to test your candy thermometer by placing it in boiling water and making sure that it registers 212 degrees F–this will tell you if your thermometer is accurate, and prevent you from accidentally overcooking your fudge due to a bad thermometer. During the beating period, remember to stop beating once it starts to become difficult to stir, as fudge can easily go from “perfect” to “rock-hard” if overbeaten.
If your fudge was not chocolate-based and was originally fairly light in color, you might notice that the re-cooked batch is darker, due to more caramelization of the sugar, but the texture and flavor should be unaffected. Note that if your fudge was burnt the first time, this method will not work, as the burnt flavor will stay with the fudge.
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FAQs
To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.
How to fix messed up fudge? ›
The solution? A fudge do-over. Even though it set up properly, I threw it back into a saucepan with about 1 1/2 cups of water and gently heated the mixture to dissolve the fudge into the water. From there, I pretty much re-did the whole cooking process.
Can I fix fudge that didn't set? ›
OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).
What to do with failed fudge? ›
My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more. It's all in your perspective.
How do you make fudge moist again? ›
You could also gently heat the fudge with some moisture. This could be done: In the microwave - microwave in short increments with a glass of (warm) water, which creates steam for the fudge to absorb, until the fudge no longer feels/looks dried out.
Can fudge be melted and reset? ›
Don't panic if your fudge is grainy, nothing is lost it just requires some more work. Pop the grainy fudge back into the pan along with some water and a little cream and melt the fudge back down to a liquid and re-boil it to temperature.
Should you stir fudge while it's boiling? ›
Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done. Do not rely on the cooking time indicated in your recipe.
Can you eat unset fudge? ›
The unset fudge can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge and used as an ice cream sauce. It can also be frozen in an aluminium pan as it will become firmer and can be served direct from the freezer.
Why is my fudge drying out? ›
Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.
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.
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.
Why did my fudge turn out chewy? ›
If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).
How do I fix messed up fudge? ›
To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.
Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›
How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.
How do you save fudge? ›
Wrap the fudge tightly, first with layers of wax or parchment paper, and then an exterior layer of aluminum foil. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container, which will help prevent freezer burns and ice crystals from forming.
How do you fix separated chocolate fudge? ›
Remove the seized chocolate from the stove and add a liquid (water, coconut milk, milk etc) slowly, mixing well. I used water. The chocolate will absorb a surprising amount of liquid so just keep adding and mixing until you come to the consistency you like. Add vanilla and more sweetener to taste (I used maple syrup).
Do you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›
Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the refrigerator, uncovered. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, about 2-3 hours (or overnight), before slicing and serving.
