Velvety fudge with sea salt with a tantalizing twist. This decadent treat harmonizes the rich creaminess of dark chocolate fudge with the subtle crunch and savory burst of sea salt, creating a delightful balance that elevates the indulgence to a whole new level.
Why Should You Make Fudge With Sea Salt?
I'm sure you're familiar with chocolate fudge - there's not much not to love.
Now, let's talk about the magic of fudge with sea salt! In this recipe, you've got the rich, velvety fudge doing its sweet dance in your mouth, and then bam! Enter sea salt, the flavor fairy with a twist. It's like a culinary mic drop – a pinch of salt doesn't just add saltiness, but it's a secret sauce that elevates the whole taste. The salt plays matchmaker, balancing out the sweetness and unlocking hidden flavor notes in the chocolate. It's that unexpected kick that turns an already good fudge into a flavor symphony, making your taste buds do a happy dance. So, sea salt isn't just a garnish; it's the VIP pass to Flavor Town!
This fudge will make you a fan of the combination of chocolate and salt, I guarantee it!
Ingredients For Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge
Whipping up fudge magic? Here's the dream team of ingredients you'll need to gather to get in the kitchen and get cooking!
- White Sugar: Adds sweetness to the fudge, providing the essential base for its flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and a smooth texture , enhancing its creamy consistency.
- Evaporated Milk: Brings moisture and a creamy texture to the fudge, ensuring a soft and luscious result
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Infuse a deep, intense chocolate flavor, giving the fudge its characteristic color without overwhelming sweetness
- Marshmallow Creme: Provides a fluffy and light texture, adding a sweet, marshmallow-like element.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle, aromatic sweetness that complements the chocolate and ties the ingredients together.
- Salt: A dash of regular salt mixed into the fudge as well as a sprinkling of coarse sea salt on top adds the extra zing to the flavors.
How To Make Sea Salt Fudge
First things first, grease up a 9x13" pan or go the easy route with parchment paper for smooth removal and cleanup. Grab a medium pot and toss in the sugar, butter, and milk. Crank up the heat to medium, stir like your fudge dreams depend on it, and let it reach a full boil – about five minutes of sugary magic. Once that's done, pull it off the heat, toss in the chocolate chips, marshmallow crème, vanilla, and a dash of salt. Give it all a good mix, then pour that gooey goodness into your prepared pan. Now, patience, my friend – let it cool a bit before adding extra coarse sea salt on top - you don't want it to melt into the fudge and disappear! Then let it cool completely and slice into it using a warmed up, sharp knife!
Using A Candy Thermometer For Fudge
A candy thermometer is the unsung hero in the world of fudge-making, making the process easier and the results consistently delicious. It takes the guesswork out of reaching the critical soft-ball stage, typically around 235 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that the fudge sets perfectly. Cooking fudge beyond this temperature risks turning it dry and crumbly, while undercooking may result in a gooey, unset mess. The candy thermometer acts as a culinary guardian, alerting you precisely when to halt the cooking process, allowing you to achieve that perfect, soft fudge. It's the kitchen sidekick that will transform your fudge with sea salt from a potential kitchen challenge to a foolproof sweet delight.
Fun Variations and Substitutions
here are some ways to add a twist to your basic dark chocolate salted fudge recipe:
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Fruity Fusion: Mix in dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, or orange zest to complement the chocolate.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- Espresso Elegance: Add some instant coffee grounds for a sophisticated coffee-chocolate blend.
- Coconut Craze: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top or mix it into the fudge for a tropical twist.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge or create swirls for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Minty Fresh: Drop in peppermint extract or crushed candy canes to create a refreshing mint-chocolate fudge.
- Nut Butter Bliss: Swirl in peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread for a creamy, nutty addition.
- Sea Salt Showdown: Experiment with different types of sea salt (smoked sea salt, pink Himalayan salt) for varying levels of saltiness and complexity.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature fudge with sea salt masterpiece!
PrintFudge With Sea Salt
Dive into decadence with this salty dark chocolate fudge! Rich, velvety waves of dark chocolate meet the perfect sprinkle of sea salt—sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. A flavor symphony that'll make your taste buds do the happy dance!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 54 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, or grease the bottom and sides with butter or shortening.
- In a heavy mid-sized pan, add sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- With the stove on medium heat, bring the mixture to a full boil while stirring constantly. When the ingredients have melted together, fit a candy thermometer to the side of the pot and let the mixture boil until soft-ball stage (about 235 degrees F) has been reached. This will take 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Stir to melt the chips. Add marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue stirring to combine, scraping down the pan well.
- Pour into prepared pan and let cool until just warm to the touch. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and then allow to cool completely.
- Run a sharp knife under hot water to cut fudge into squares of desired size. Wipe down the knife and re-heat as needed. Store fudge covered at room temperature.
Notes
Helpful Equipment:
Candy Thermometer
Heavy-bottomed Pot
Don't overcook the fudge or when it sets it will be dry and crumbly.
If you don't have a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to a good, full boil and let it boil for exactly 5 minutes. Watch that clock!
Don't add the coarse sea salt while the fudge is still too warm or it'll melt and disappear into the fudge! It'll taste fine, but you won't get the pretty speckles on top.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Carbohydrates: 18.6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.4mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I customize the recipe? A: Absolutely! Get creative by adding nuts for crunch, dried fruit for sweetness, or a dash of espresso for a sophisticated twist. The classic recipe is a canvas for your flavor fantasies.
- Q: Why is boiling for exactly five minutes crucial? A: Boiling for five minutes ensures the fudge reaches the right consistency—soft, yet firm, but not dry and crumbly. It's the sweet spot for achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Q: Can I skip the parchment paper and just grease the pan? A: Sure, greasing works, but parchment paper is the superhero hack for easy release and cleanup. It's like a magic carpet for your fudge to effortlessly lift off the pan.
- Q: How long should I let it cool before slicing? A: Patience is a virtue! Allow your fudge to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This can take 2-3 hours. It's worth the wait for those neat, heavenly squares.
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