National Fudge Day 2023: What Is A Fudge? Check Out Interesting Recipes

According to urban legend, a confectioner made a mistake while attempting to make caramel, but he created something equally delicious instead, which came to be known as Fudge.

(Representational Image)

Source : Getty

New Delhi: Every year June 16 is celebrated as National Fudge Day in remembrance of a dish that is believed to have been made accidentally. According to urban legend, a confectioner made a mistake while attempting to make caramel, but he created something equally delicious instead. On this day, you can indulge in the delightful treat by adding a few pieces of candy, nuts, or sprinkles and give this old recipe just the right amount of festive excitement.

What Is Fudge?

A Fudge is a crystallized sugar product that's usually slightly hard in texture and is prepared with dairy products (mostly full-fat, dairy milk) and flavouring ingredients. It can come in a variety of flavours be it chocolate, candied fruits, or nuts. This dish can have different kinds of textures- hard or soft, depending on how the sugar is mixed into it. Additionally, the texture also depends on the kind of formulation that it has- For instance, the amount of dairy, nuts, candied fruits or other flavouring agents used. As for the dairy part, it can be of any form. It can be a form of milk, it can be a form of heavy cream, whipped cream or even condensed milk.

One of the key features of fudge is its versatility and can be enjoyed in different forms, including bite-sized squares, bars, or even as an ingredient in other desserts like ice cream or cakes. Fudge is often associated with holidays, special occasions, and gift-giving, as it is a beloved treat that brings joy and indulgence to those who enjoy it. It's smooth texture and rich flavours make it a timeless and irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

Origin Of Fudge:

It is widely believed that fudge was first created in the United States, specifically in the northeastern region. The popular story that goes behind the invention of fudge is that this delicious treat was an accidental result of a failed caramel-making attempt. It is said that a batch of caramel candy was cooked for too long, resulting in a grainy and crystallized texture. However, this failed candy turned out to be delicious and was enjoyed by the college students at Vassar College in the 1880s. It was then named "fudge" after the phrase "Oh, fudge!" as was exclaimed by the student who made the accidental creation.

Another account attributes the origin of fudge to a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, in 1886. She wrote about a fudge-like confection that her cousin had made and shared the recipe with friends. The recipe quickly spread among other college students and gained popularity.

Whatever its origins are, fudge rose to prominence and became a favoured sweet among Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This dessert was accessible and simple to make in home kitchens thanks to its basic requirements of sugar, butter, and milk.

Interesting Fudge Recipes To Try:

1. Chocolate Fudge: (By Shivani Gupta, Chef and Founder at Food N Dudes, Bhandup West, Mumbai)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)

Method:

• Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
• Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and nuts and ensure that they are evenly distributed.
• Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it becomes firm. You can also refrigerate it for faster cooling.
• Once the fudge is firm, you need to remove it from the baking dish and cut it into small squares or desired shapes.
• Serve and enjoy!
• The fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• You can also customize this basic fudge recipe by adding other ingredients like marshmallows, dried fruits, or flavoured extracts to create different variations of chocolate fudge.

Talking about chocolate fudge, Preetanjali Pasari, founder of Butterfingers by Preetanjali said, "The best snack for anyone trying to be healthy or working out is chocolate fudge. A no-bake, super easy to make with ingredients in an everyday kitchen, a chocolate fudge comes together in just a few minutes! It makes for a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon or just enough to satisfy the midnight sugar craving. If you’re trying to stay healthy, single-origin dark chocolate, with dates to replace sugar, nuts to make it more filling and any plant protein powder, makes the fudge healthy and super delicious."

2. Chocolate Fudge Mud Cake (By Chef Banshidhar Parida, ISTAKA, 3102 BCE)

Ingredients:

• Water- 600ml
• Sugar-1050g
• Melted butter- 670g
• Melted dark chocolate- 355g
• Eggs- 8
• Refined flour- 800g
• Cocoa powder-125g
• Baking soda-30g
• Vanilla essence-10ml

Method: 

• Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F (standard) or 130°C/265°F (fan). Grease a 22 cm/9" springform cake pan and line it with parchment or baking paper.
• In a heat-proof bowl, combine the butter and chocolate. Microwave the mixture in three 30-second intervals on high, stirring in between, until melted. Mix well.
• Add oil, vanilla extract, and sugar to the melted mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined, as this helps lower the batter's temperature.
• Incorporate the eggs into the mixture and stir until well combined.
• Sift cocoa, baking powder, and flour (and coffee, if desired) directly into the bowl. Mix until smooth; some small lumps are acceptable as they will dissolve during baking.
• Add hot water to the batter and mix until fully incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out moist but clean. Check for completion at the 50-minute mark. Expect the surface of the cake to crack, but it will settle when cooled and frosted.
• Once baked, remove the sides of the cake pan and transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before handling to remove the base.
• In a heat-proof bowl, combine chocolate and cream. Microwave the mixture in three 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts. Be cautious not to let the cream come to a boil.
• Stir the melted chocolate until smooth and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency similar to peanut butter.
• Spread the chilled chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, covering the tops and sides to achieve a professional finish.
• Enjoy your deliciously frosted chocolate cake!

3. New York Cheese Cake Fudge (By Chef Banshidhar Parida, ISTAKA, 3102 BCE)

Ingredients:

• Philadelphia cream cheese- 900g
• Castor sugar- 360g
• Plain thick yoghurt-175g
• Eggs- 8
• Corn flour- 12g
• Vanilla essence- a few drops

Method:

• Prepare a square baking pan (8x8" or 9x9") by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered, and then grease it with cooking spray.
• Place graham cracker squares on the bottom of the pan to fully cover it, trimming the crackers if needed.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture frequently until the ingredients are melted and smooth.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the pudding mix to the saucepan. Stir until the pudding mix is completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and add the marshmallow fluff, stirring until it melts and becomes well incorporated.
• Pour the mixture over the layer of graham crackers into the prepared pan.
• Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill until the fudge is set, which usually takes about 3 hours. Once set, cut the fudge into small squares for serving.
• Enjoy these delectable white chocolate marshmallow fudge squares after they have chilled and set.

4. Bombay’s 3-Layer Chocolate Fudge

Bombay 3-Layer Fudge has a delicious surprise in each layer. Taking inspiration from everyone's favourite Lonavala treat, the reimagined version is made with two layers of 70% dark chocolate peda layered with a silky 55 % chocolate ganache and topped with a crunchy house-made peanut brittle. Each fudge is then cut into a large square and garnished with a peanut cashew tulle adding another layer of crunch with each bite.

"No trip to Lonavala is ever complete without a pitstop for fudge and chikki on the way back to Bombay! Taking both the favourite treats, this version of fudge, known as Bombay’s 3-Layer Fudge can be created. It is made with two layers of chocolate peda sandwiched with a silky dark chocolate ganache. The fudge is garnished with a peanut cashew chikki for another layer of crunch (inspired by the shape of til patti - a sesame and jaggery brittle).", said Chef Girish Nayak, Bombay Sweet Shop.