Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing 16 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large bowl. As they melt together, they will create a luscious base for your fudge. Make sure to choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 4 1/2 cups of sugar with 1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening, which is crucial for achieving that perfect fudge consistency.
- Once the sugar mixture has boiled, pour it over the melted butter and chocolate chips. It’s important to do this while the mixture is hot, as it ensures everything combines smoothly.
- Now, grab your electric mixer and beat the mixture for about 3 minutes. It should become creamy and well combined. As you mix, add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
- Next, spread the fudge mixture evenly into a greased 9X13-inch pan. Make sure it’s leveled out for even cooling. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before adding the icing.
- To prepare the icing, stir together 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 5 egg yolks, and 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Now, stir in 2 cups of sweetened angel hair coconut and 1 cup of toasted chopped pecans. This adds texture and a lovely flavor contrast to your fudge.
- Let the icing cool for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s important to allow it to set slightly before pouring over the fudge to prevent it from melting into the fudge.
- Pour the cool icing over the refrigerated fudge and spread it evenly. Return the fudge to the refrigerator to set completely, which can take about 2 to 3 hours.
- Once set, cut the fudge into squares and serve. The rich layers of chocolate and icing make every bite irresistible!
Notes
If you're looking to shake things up with German Chocolate Fudge, here are some fun variations to consider. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to personalize it to your taste!
- Add Flavors: Incorporate orange zest or almond extract for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
- Nut Variations: Swap out pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to change the flavor profile.
- Top It Off: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the fudge for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Layered Fudge: Create a layered fudge by adding a layer of peanut butter fudge beneath the chocolate layer.
- Festive Touch: For the holidays, add sprinkles or colored chocolate chips on top for a festive touch.
- Serving Ideas: Serve it warm with ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a cup of coffee for a tasty afternoon treat.