How to Make Vanilla Fudge

If you think the only delicious fudge is chocolate fudge, it's time to think again. Decadent vanilla fudge is smooth, creamy, and rich with vanilla flavor. It's easy to make, and versatile enough to adapt the recipe to your own particular sweet tooth.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter plus enough to oil a pan
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Butter an 8-inch square pan.

2. Place the sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, evaporated milk and salt in a large, heavy saucepan.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Don't stir the mixture, but allow it to boil until it reaches soft ball stage, 238 degrees.

4. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the pure vanilla extract, butter and salt but don't stir. Allow the mixture to cool to 110 degrees.

5. Stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it's thick and no longer shiny. Stir in the chopped nuts.

6. Pour the vanilla fudge into the buttered pan and allow it to cool before cutting into squares.

Tips & Warnings

• Make cherry vanilla fudge by stirring in 1/2 cup of maraschino cherries before you pour the fudge into the buttered pan. Add a few drops of red food coloring, if desired.

• Your vanilla fudge will be even gooier if you stir in 3/4 cup of marshmallow cream just before you pour the fudge.