The Best Old Fashioned Hershey Cocoa Fudge Recipe
Rich, creamy, and irresistibly chocolatey, this classic Hershey Cocoa Fudge is the ultimate homemade treat. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert everyone will love!
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon.
- Candy thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients and Equipment- Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure all ingredients before starting, as timing is critical for fudge.
- Step 2: Cook the Mixture- In a large saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Slowly incorporate the milk, making sure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Attach the candy thermometer and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage).
- Step 3: Cool and Beat the Fudge- Remove the pan from heat and add butter and vanilla extract without stirring. Allow the mixture to cool to 110°F. Once cooled, beat the fudge vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its glossy texture. This step requires some elbow grease, so keep going until the fudge starts to set.
- Step 4: Pour and Set- Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let it cool completely at room temperature. Once set, cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid undercooking or overcooking the fudge.
- For variation, add chopped nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips during the final beating step.