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The Ultimate Guide to Strawberry Fudge
Introduction
Fudge is a beloved confection known for its rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. While chocolate fudge is a classic favorite, fruit-based fudges offer a delightful and refreshing twist. Strawberry Fudge combines the sweet, tart brightness of real strawberries with the ultra-creamy richness of white chocolate. The result is a beautiful, pink-hued treat that tastes like summer. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just three main ingredients and no candy thermometer, making it a perfect project for both novice and experienced bakers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create perfect, dreamy Strawberry Fudge.
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A Brief History of Fudge
The exact origin of fudge is a matter of delicious debate, but the most popular story dates back to February 14, 1886. It is said that a batch of caramels went wrong—or was “fudged”—resulting in a new, soft, and creamy confection. A letter from a student at Vassar College mentions selling this “fudge” made by a classmate’s brother. This story led to the treat’s association with women’s colleges, and “Vassar Fudge” (a chocolate version) became incredibly popular. From there, countless variations were born, evolving from the stovetop to the even simpler microwave method we use today, and expanding from chocolate to include flavors like strawberry, peanut butter, and maple.
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Benefits & Formation
· Benefits (of making it at home):
· Quality Control: You control the ingredients, ensuring no artificial preservatives or flavors.
· Customization: You can adjust the sweetness or intensity of the strawberry flavor to your liking.
· Simplicity: This recipe is foolproof and requires no special equipment.
· Perfect Gift: Homemade fudge makes a thoughtful and beautiful present for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
· Formation (The Science):
This is a “no-cook” or “no-thermometer” fudge. Its structure relies on the sugar crystals in the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk dissolving and then setting into a smooth, solid matrix as they cool. The condensed milk acts as both a sweetener and a binder, preventing the sugar from becoming grainy and ensuring a luxuriously smooth texture. The strawberry puree introduces flavor and moisture, which must be carefully balanced to prevent the fudge from becoming too soft or sticky.
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Big Batch Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 64 (1-inch) squares or 36 (1.5-inch) pieces.
Ingredients
· 4.5 cups (about 765g) high-quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate. Do not use white confectionery coating (almond bark), as it will not set the same way.
· 1 (21 oz) can sweetened condensed milk. Using a 21 oz can instead of the standard 14 oz provides the perfect structure for this larger batch and balances the extra moisture from the strawberry puree.
· 3/4 cup strawberry puree (from about 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries).
· 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, enhances the flavor).
· Pinch of salt (optional, balances the sweetness).
· Pink or red food coloring (gel preferred) (optional, to enhance the pink color, as the puree alone may yield a pale result).
Equipment
· 9×13 inch baking pan
· Parchment paper
· Medium or large saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
· Whisk or silicone spatula
· Blender or food processor (for the puree)
· Fine-mesh sieve (strainer)
· Sharp knife
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Methods / Instructions
Prep Work (10 minutes):
1. Line your pan: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom and up the two long sides of your 9×13 inch pan. This creates a “sling” that will allow you to lift the fudge out easily. Lightly grease the parchment for extra non-stick insurance.
2. Make the Puree:
· If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them.
· If using frozen, thaw them completely.
· Blend the strawberries until completely smooth.
· Crucial Step: Pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the seeds. This is essential for a silky smooth fudge texture. You should have about 3/4 cup of seedless puree after straining. Set aside.
Cooking (10-15 minutes):
1. Combine & Melt (Stovetop Method): In a large saucepan over the lowest possible heat, combine the white chocolate chips and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk.
· Stir constantly with a spatula. White chocolate is delicate and can burn or seize easily. Keep the heat low and be patient.
2. Combine & Melt (Microwave Method): Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and the chocolate is fully melted. This usually takes 2-3 minutes total.
3. Incorporate Flavor: Once the mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove it from the heat (or the microwave). Immediately whisk in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract (if using), and salt (if using). Stir until the puree is fully incorporated and the fudge is a uniform color. If you desire a brighter pink, add a tiny drop of gel food coloring at this stage and stir.
4. Act Fast: The mixture will start to thicken as it cools.
Setting (4+ hours):
1. Pour & Spread: Immediately pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use your spatula to gently spread it into an even layer, pushing it into the corners.
2. Smooth the Top: Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. You can smooth the top with the spatula.
3. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. It needs to be completely firm to the touch.
Cutting & Serving:
1. Lift & Slice: Once firmly set, use the parchment sling to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
2. The Perfect Cut: Use a large, sharp knife. For clean, professional-looking squares, wipe the knife clean with a damp, hot cloth between each cut. Cut into 1-inch squares.
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For the Lovers
This fudge is for the romantics who love a sweet, pink treat for Valentine’s Day. It’s for the summer berry lovers who crave the taste of fresh fruit in a creamy dessert. It’s for the white chocolate devotees looking for a flavor beyond the ordinary. And most of all, it’s for anyone who appreciates a simple, beautiful, and incredibly delicious homemade candy. It’s a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of strawberry milkshakes and springtime picnics.
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Nutrition Information
(Please note: This is an estimate, calculated using standard ingredients and for a 1-inch square piece, assuming 64 pieces. Actual values will vary based on specific brands used.)
· Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 inch square)
· Calories: ~110-130
· Fat: ~5-7g
· Carbohydrates: ~15-18g
· Sugar: ~15-17g
· Protein: ~1-2g
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Fudge!