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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Combine Chocolate Ingredients: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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