Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect rich and creamy treat, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe. This fudge is an irresistible blend of deep chocolate and bold espresso flavors, all wrapped up in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I promise, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old fudge!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Mocha Balance: The espresso powder brings a sophisticated coffee kick that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
  • Dreamy Texture: Thanks to the marshmallow creme and sweetened condensed milk, this fudge is silky, creamy, and never grainy.
  • Easy to Make: It may sound fancy, but with a candy thermometer and a little patience, it’s a straightforward process anyone can nail.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep this fudge up to a week in advance, perfect for gifting or prepping for parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in my Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that decadent texture and rich flavor. When selecting ingredients, quality matters—especially the chocolate and espresso powder.

Flat lay of a small pile of chopped bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate pieces, a dollop of fluffy white marshmallow creme on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with rich dark espresso powder, a small white bowl of smooth golden melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of thick pale sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl of creamy white whipping cream, a whole uncracked brown egg, and a tiny white dish holding clear vanilla extract placed perfectly symmetrical and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Mocha Chocolate Fudge, mocha chocolate fudge recipe, mocha fudge, coffee chocolate fudge, easy chocolate fudge
  • Bittersweet or Semisweet Chocolate: Choose good quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for that deep, complex flavor.
  • Marshmallow Creme: This gives the fudge its melt-in-your-mouth creaminess—don’t skip it!
  • Unsweetened Chocolate: Adds richness and balances the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Small touch that brightens the overall flavor.
  • Water: Helps dissolve the espresso powder evenly.
  • Instant Espresso Powder: The star ingredient for that mocha kick; instant powder melts easily into the mixture.
  • Sugar: Slowly dissolved to avoid gritty fudge texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Makes the fudge super creamy and adds sweetness.
  • Whipping Cream: Adds lusciousness while keeping the fudge soft.
  • Unsalted Butter: For richness and smooth texture; unsalted gives you control over salt level.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe quite a bit, and I love how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer dairy-free or want to add a nutty crunch, there’s room to tweak it to your liking.

  • Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for texture; my family goes crazy for the added crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream for whipping cream and vegan butter to make it vegan-friendly—I’ve done this with great results.
  • Spiced Mocha: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for an unexpected but delightful twist.

How to Make Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Chocolate Mixture

Start by lining an 8-inch square glass baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to overlap the edges—this’ll make lifting the fudge out a breeze later. Next, combine the bittersweet chocolate, marshmallow creme, unsweetened chocolate, and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl. I usually set this aside while I work on the candy mixture, but it’s key to have everything ready to go.

Step 2: Dissolve Espresso and Combine Ingredients in Saucepan

In a heavy saucepan, stir together water and instant espresso powder until fully dissolved. This is where the mocha magic starts. Add the sugar, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, and be sure to brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming on the sides.

Step 3: Bring to Temperature and Boil

Attach a clip-on candy thermometer to the saucepan and turn the heat up to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir slowly but constantly. This step takes patience—about 12 minutes until your thermometer reads 234°F. This precise temperature is crucial for your fudge to set perfectly, so resist the urge to rush it!

Step 4: Combine Hot Mixture and Chocolate

Quickly pour the hot candy syrup over your bowl with the chocolate and marshmallow creme — but don’t scrape the saucepan, as the residue might be too sugary or burnt. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes until the chocolate melts completely and the fudge thickens just a little.

Step 5: Chill and Cut

Transfer the fudge into your lined baking dish, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Then pop it into the fridge, uncovered, for about 2 hours until it’s firm enough to slice. When ready, use the foil edges to lift the fudge out and cut it into 32 bite-sized pieces—perfect for sharing or saving for yourself!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

  • Use a Reliable Candy Thermometer: The fudge sets perfectly when the mixture hits exactly 234°F; I learned the hard way that eyeballing just doesn’t work.
  • Brush Down Sugar Crystals: Don’t skip brushing the sides of your pan with a wet pastry brush—that prevents unwanted sugar crystals from ruining your smooth fudge.
  • Stir Vigorously But Carefully: Stirring for a few minutes after mixing prevents graininess and helps your fudge develop that perfect creamy texture.
  • Avoid Scraping the Pan: Leftover syrup in the pan can have burnt or crystallized sugar; pouring it as is keeps your fudge silky and smooth.

How to Serve Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Three square pieces of smooth, dark brown fudge are stacked on top of each other. Each piece has a slightly rough bottom edge and a firm, dense texture with small cracks and uneven spots on the sides. The fudge sits on a white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, with a soft, blurred warm background. The lighting highlights the rich chocolate color and texture of the fudge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mocha Chocolate Fudge, mocha chocolate fudge recipe, mocha fudge, coffee chocolate fudge, easy chocolate fudge

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle just a pinch of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings on top of each fudge piece when serving—adds a bit of flair and reinforces that chocolatey goodness. For a festive touch, crushed espresso beans or a tiny sprinkle of sea salt work wonders too!

Side Dishes

Since this fudge is pretty rich, I often pair it with lighter refreshments like fresh berries or a small cup of black coffee, which complements the mocha flavor perfectly without overpowering the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or gift boxes, I arrange the fudge on decorative parchment paper inside small tins or clear jars with ribbon. Individually wrapping squares in wax paper keeps them fresh and makes a thoughtful homemade treat your friends will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover mocha fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to a week, and I always bring it to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so it’s soft and chewy instead of cold and hard.

Freezing

This fudge freezes like a charm. I wrap individual pieces in wax paper then pop them in a freezer-safe container. When I want a quick treat later, I thaw pieces overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple hours.

Reheating

If you want softer fudge immediately, I gently warm a piece in the microwave for 5-7 seconds—it softens the chocolate beautifully without melting it completely. Just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of espresso powder in this Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe?

    Instant espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves completely and offers a concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid. Using brewed coffee could alter the fudge’s consistency and sweetness, which might affect how well it sets. If you want to experiment, reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.

  2. Why does my fudge turn out grainy sometimes?

    Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystals forming. To avoid this, be sure to dissolve the sugar thoroughly and brush down the sides of your pan during cooking. Also, stir the mixture as directed and avoid scraping the candy residue from the pan when pouring over chocolate.

  3. How long does this Mocha Chocolate Fudge keep?

    This fudge lasts up to one week refrigerated in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and will keep it fresh for up to 3 months.

  4. Can I skip the marshmallow creme?

    The marshmallow creme is key to getting the fudge’s creamy and smooth texture. If you don’t have it, you could try substituting with melted marshmallows, but the texture and setting might not be quite the same. I recommend sticking to the original for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together the two flavors I can’t resist—chocolate and coffee—in one utterly delicious bite. I remember making this the first time for a friends’ gathering, and everyone kept coming back for more. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something indulgent, this fudge is the way to go. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Mocha Chocolate Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 32 pieces
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This rich and decadent Mocha Fudge combines bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate with the bold flavor of espresso powder, resulting in a smooth and velvety treat perfect for chocolate and coffee lovers alike. Sweetened condensed milk and marshmallow creme add creaminess and sweetness, while a hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Ideal for making ahead, this fudge holds well and cuts into perfectly bite-sized pieces.


Ingredients

Chocolate Mixture

  • 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • ¼ cup marshmallow creme
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fudge Base

  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅓ cup whipping cream
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square glass baking dish with aluminum foil, allowing the sides to overlap for easy lifting of the fudge later.
  2. Combine Chocolate Ingredients: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  3. Dissolve Espresso Powder: In a large heavy saucepan (4 to 6 quarts), mix the water and instant espresso powder over medium heat until the espresso powder is completely dissolved.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add sugar, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream, and unsalted butter to the saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, occasionally brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to avoid crystallization.
  5. Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Attach a clip-on candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir slowly and constantly with a wooden spoon until the thermometer reads 234°F (soft-ball stage), approximately 12 minutes.
  6. Combine Hot Mixture with Chocolate: Immediately pour the hot candy mixture over the chocolate mixture in the bowl without scraping the pan to preserve the sugar coating on the sides.
  7. Stir to Melt and Thicken: Stir vigorously and continuously with a wooden spoon until all the chocolate has melted and the fudge thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  8. Set the Fudge: Transfer the fudge to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top using an offset spatula. Refrigerate uncovered until firm enough to cut, approximately 2 hours.
  9. Serve: Using the foil edges, lift the fudge from the pan and cut into 32 pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Fudge can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Bring fudge to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Use a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals forming which can make the fudge grainy.
  • Carefully monitor the temperature to avoid overcooking the fudge base.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 inch square)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *