Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (2024)

Published: Last updated: by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you're craving a taste of tradition or seeking a delightful homemade gift, embrace the simplicity and warmth of Nanny's Brown Sugar Fudge. Its old-fashioned charm will sweeten moments and create new memories that linger on the palate and in the heart.

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (1)

Nanny’sBrown Sugar Fudge recipeis an old-fashioned boiled candy candy that is also referred to aspenuche fudge. This fudge recipe is made withlight brown sugar, milk,corn syrup, salt, butter, and a touch ofvanilla extract. Nopowdered sugarrequired!

I love making mygrandma's recipesand this brown sugar fudge is one of them. This is her recipe from her hand written recipe card that I have and cherish in my own home now. Every time I make this homemade fudge I think of my Nanny and all the time we spent together.

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (2)
Jump to:
  • ❤️Why You'll Love Brown Sugar Fudge
  • 🥘Ingredients
  • 🔪How to Make Brown Sugar Fudge
  • 🥄Equipment
  • 🥫Storage
  • 📖Variations
  • 💭 Fudge Making Tips
  • 📚Related Recipes
  • 🍽Serve with..
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️Why You'll Love Brown Sugar Fudge

Rich buttery flavor: the combination of butter and brown sugar brings out toffee like flavors that are buttery and delicious.

Old fashioned tradition: this fudge recipe is candy making at it's finest, just like mom and grandma used to make.

Simple ingredients:this penuche recipe uses basic ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (3)

🥘Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Please scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with full instructions.

Light brown sugar

Evaporated milk:half and half orheavy cream

Salt

Corn syrup

Unsalted butter

Vanilla extract

Walnuts

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (4)
Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (5)
Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (6)

🔪How to Make Brown Sugar Fudge

  1. Line asquare panwith enoughparchment paperto cover the bottom andsides of the pan. Coat lightly with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In amedium saucepanovermedium-low heat, using awooden spoon, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar,corn syrupuntil sugar is dissolved.
  3. Turn burner tomedium-high heatand bringsugar mixtureto a boil and cook until it just reaches thesoft ball stage. This is 230 degrees on acandy thermometer.
  4. Removefudge mixturefrom heat and add butter. Let cool fudge until about 200 degrees oncandy thermometer.
  5. Add walnuts to the butter andfudge mixtureand beat fudge until it has just started to lose its shiny gloss..
  6. Immediately pour fudge into aprepared panlined withparchment paper. Use a loaf pan if you want thicker fudge. Cutcooled fudgeinto 24 equal pieces.
Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (7)
Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (8)

🥄Equipment

Medium saucepan

Wooden spoon

Candy thermometer

Square pan

Measuring cups

🥫Storage

Room temperature:store brown sugar fudge in anairtight containerup to 2-3 weeks.

Freeze: not recommended.

📖Variations

PecanPraline Fudge: Incorporate chopped pecans in place of the walnuts for a buttery pecan praline and place whole pecans ontop of the fudge.

Toffee Fudge: Usedark brown sugarand add ½ - ¾ cup of heath toffee bits to the fudge in place of the nuts.

Sea Salt Sensation: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top for a tantalizing sweet-and-salty contrast.

Caramel Brown Sugar Fudge: stir 1 cup of kraft caramel bits into the cooled fudge along with the walnuts to add a bit of chewy caramel flavor to the fudge.

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (9)

💭 Fudge Making Tips

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
  • When using acandy thermometer, be sure thetip of the thermometerdoes not touch thebottom of the pan.
  • To make this fudge without acandy thermometer, use thesoft ball test. Drop alittle bitoffudge mixturefrom the spoon intoglass of cold water. The syrup should roll easily into a softball with your finger.
  • Have all your ingredients and pans ready to go before you start. Fudge can turn fast and you want to be sure to be on the game when making it.
  • Don't stir the fudge while it is boiling. Use a silicone pastry brush to brush water around thesides of the panand dissolve anysugar crystalsforming.
  • As soon as your fudge starts to lose the glossy look is when you need to immediately. pour into your prepared dish. Don’t hold out on pouring into your pan. If you do, the fudge will harden in your cooking pan.
  • Once poured into the pan, let it cool completely before cutting for neat, uniform squares.
Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (10)

There are plenty of fudge recipes here for you to try, check them out and see if they are one you would like to make!

Fans of cookie butter will love thisCookie Butter Fudgerecipe

ThisOld FashionedPeanut Butter Fudgehas a special ingredient that makes it extra creamy and delicious!

A really nice fudge, thisPumpkin Spice Fudgeis packed with flavor and has incredible texture.

EasyChocolate Fudgehas a hint of Irish Cream flavor.

A splash of bourbon in the caramel makes this Layered ChocolatePraline Fudgeirresistible.

Dark chocolate lovers will want to make thisDark and Creamy Fudge Recipe.

This Maple Walnut Fudge hasdelicious flavorfrom pure maple syrup and is similar to maple sugar candy and oh so delicious

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (11)

🍽Serve with..

Brown Sugar Fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. Serve it as a delightful treat at gatherings, or wrap it up beautifully and give your closest friends adelicious gift!

I can just hear my Nanny say “Shelby Mae, let’ s have “just a taste” of that fudge.”

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (12)

Nanny's Brown Sugar Fudge

Shelby Law Ruttan

If you're craving a taste of tradition or seeking a delightful homemade gift, embrace the simplicity and warmth of Nanny's Brown Sugar Fudge. Its old-fashioned charm will sweeten moments and create new memories that linger on the palate and in the heart.

4.35 from 46 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Candy

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 134 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a square pan with enough parchment paper to cover the bottom and sides of the pan . Coat lightly with cooking spray and set aside.

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, using a wooden spoon, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, corn syrup until sugar is dissolved.

  • Turn burner to medium-high heat and bring sugar mixture to a boil and cook until it just reaches the soft ball stage. This is 230 degrees on a candy thermometer.

  • Remove fudge mixture from heat and add butter. Let cool fudge until about 200 degrees on candy thermometer.

  • Add walnuts to the butter and fudge mixture and beat fudge until it has just started to lose its shiny gloss..

  • Immediately pour fudge into a prepared pan lined with parchment paper. Use a loaf pan if you want thicker fudge. Cut cooled fudge into 24 equal pieces.

Video

Notes

Watch your fudge carefully at all times. To be successful you must pay attention to it while it is cooking and while you are beating it. If you do overbeat it, add a little bit of milk to the mixture to try and loosen it up some.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 0.2mgNet Carbohydrates: 26g

Keyword Brown Sugar Fudge

Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

More Dessert Recipes

  • Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Best Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Chocolate Kahlua Bundt Cake: Easy Boozy Cake from Scratch
  • German Chocolate Bundt Cake

About Shelby Law Ruttan

Shelby is the author/owner of Grumpy's Honeybunch. Established in 2007, she shares and preserves family recipes as well as recipes for cooking light and keto. She has authored the One-Pot Paleo Cookbook and The Pescatarian Keto Cookbook. She is an experienced, self-taught home cook who loves to share recipes with others. She also authors the websites Honeybunch Hunts and The Best Vegetarian Recipes. You can see her work on websites such as Veal Made Easy, Parade, Community Table, SoFab Food, Yummly, and FoodGawker.

Subscribe

for your weekly recipe fix.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheri

    Can I use dark brown sugar in place of the lighter one ? Thank you

    • Shelby Law Ruttan

      Yes, you can sub dark brown sugar, just keep in mind it will be a deeper flavor (closer to molasses) and darker color fudge.

      Reply

  2. ellen fugate

    can you use diet sugar making the fudge

    Reply

    • Shelby Law Ruttan

      Hi Ellen, I have not tried making this fudge with diet sugar so I cannot guarantee it would work if you did.

      Reply

  3. Patricia S Stuart

    I made this fudge for the first time today. It turned out great! Memories of my Granny immediately came to mind as soon as i tasted it. I will be making another batch before Christmas to share with my siblings. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Shelby

      Hi Patricia! I'm so happy you were successful and it brought back memories for you. This recipe is super special to me for that very reason. Thanks for stopping by to let me know. 🙂

      Reply

      • Patricia Stuart

        Gave some to one of my sisters. She loved it! This recipe will be a constant now. I am making another batch for a Christmas get together on the 23rd. I did use English walnuts. You get two thumbs up!

      • Shelby

        Hi Patricia! I am so happy the recipe turned out well for you and that it's a keeper for you! Thank you for stopping by with your review!

  4. Jen

    I found this recipe 9 years after it was first posted - thank goodness for the internet! I’m sending my love to Nanny (wherever she is in the universe) because this is the recipe I’ve been searching for! It’s also very forgiving: I didn’t have enough brown sugar, so I supplemented with white sugar and used heavy cream because I didn’t have evaporated milk. I used both a thermometer and the soft ball test because depending on the humidity, it can take longer to reach the right stage. The key is the proper ratio of liquid to sugar and this recipe nails it. The fudge came out perfect - melt in your mouth creamy but firm, not mushy or soft. I will make this again & again! Thank you Nanny & Shelby!

    Reply

    • Shelby

      Hi Jen, my nanny would be as happy as I am that you found this recipe and was able to make a success of it! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

      Reply

  5. Lori

    Well, I used a candy thermometer and followed directions to a "T", but barely had enough fudge to cover the bottom of an 8x8 pan. Maybe a loaf size pan would've worked better for thicker fudge. ?

    Reply

    • Shelby

      Hi Lori, I would use a smaller pan if you wanted a thicker fudge. Glad you tried the recipe!

      Reply

  6. Sandra Mull

    This is a great, authentic recipe.I'm so glad you used half and half instead of evaporated milk - it's so much richer and smoother than the canned stuff, and it doesn't have that artificial aroma that always reminds me of baby formula. Yes, way back before mothers could buy expensive chemical milk nourishment for babies, we made our own with evaporated milk, water, a touch of corn syrup. And we sterilized glass bottles every day by boiling them in a big canner-like pot. I have not used evaporated milk in my kitchen since then - 54 years ago. I know there are many who swear by it for creamy cake frostings, but I can't get past the smell.

    Reply

  7. Donna D

    Looking forward to making this! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

  8. Lynn Curry

    Thanks for this. Our family is vegan and I was able to veganize this recipe and it turned out perfectly!!!!

    Reply

  9. Renee P

    this look wonderful. i've been thinking about making fudge this week, and this would be perfect!

    Reply

  10. Anonymous

    This recipe looks very much like my mothers fudge recipe, I believe it actually came off of the Pacific Canned Milk label. I tried to make it many times while growing up and failed every time but being a kid, I just ate it anyway (YUM). Fortunately as an adult I have had success!!!!! so everyone gets to enjoy it. I am not a fan of nuts in my fudge so I don't put the walnuts in when I make it and this recipe works well with or without. Sadly my mother passed at the young age of 64 which was 17 yrs. ago, so thank you for the memories and I think I will go make some fudge now!

    Reply

  11. Kim Bee

    Thank you so much for being so gracious. I am so thrilled I got assigned your blog this month. This post just drew me in and I am honoured to share your Nanny's fudge with more people. It's a spectacular recipe. So happy I can finally comment and follow you.

    Reply

  12. averagebetty

    I've never even heard of brown sugar fudge!?! My life feels so incomplete now. Thanks, Honey B!!

    Reply

  13. Tangled Noodle

    Your failed fudge story is too funny! But if it had been me, no such problem - I don't mind eating my 'failures' as long as the problem wasn't taste-related! 😎

    Thanks for sharing your Nanny's recipe - I'm bookmarking it right away to make. I have a caramel recipe that I'm clinging to for now that came from my foster grandmother, who also gave me her candy thermometer. I hope it proves to be a magic wand!

    Different topic: love your new blog layout! Is this the Minima layout? If so, I can send you a link for instructions on how to turn it into a 3-column format. In exchange, would you share with me the code on how to create those great navigation links at the top of your page?

    Feel free to e-mail me at tanglednoodle@gmail.com!

    Reply

  14. Cristine

    Looks so yummy!!!

    Reply

  15. Reeni♥

    Your nanny's fudge looks so delicious1 And full of sweet memories.

    Reply

  16. The Hungry Mouse

    Oh, oh! How I love fudge! This looks just wonderful. 😀

    +Jessie

    Reply

« Older Comments

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Brown Sugar Fudge - Nanny's Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

What is the secret to non grainy fudge? ›

A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

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.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Should you stir fudge constantly? ›

It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould. Another tip: Do not scrape the sides of the pan or the spoon used for stirring.

When should you not make fudge? ›

Humidity can cause fudge to boil over in the pan or stay soft when set, so try to avoid working on humid days if at all possible. If waiting for a less humid day isn't feasible, you'll need to boil your fudge at a slightly higher temperature than usual — or just order some delicious fudge from Wockenfuss!

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Why is my brown sugar fudge grainy? ›

– There are a number of reasons why the fudge was grainy. 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.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

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.

Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

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).

How do you firm up homemade fudge? ›

If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the fudge as it heats, but only until the sugar in the chocolate is completely melted again.

What is traditional fudge made of? ›

At its simplest, fudge is a dense, soft candy, often made with sugar and dairy products like butter and milk. Nowadays, fudge is usually flavored with chocolate, but you can utilize pretty much any flavor, such as peanut butter, pumpkin, even birthday cake.

Can I reheat fudge that is too grainy? ›

Pour the fudge back into your pan, and add about a cup of water to it, along with a tablespoon or two of evaporated milk, whipping cream, or whatever cream you're using. Some people skip the water and just add cream to the mixture to reheat.

What makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

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.

Why is my fudge crumbling when I cut it? ›

The ingredients for fudge are combined and cooked to 234 degrees, cooled to 110 degrees without stirring, then beaten until creamy. Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5931

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.