Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand) (2024)

Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand)

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This vanilla fudge recipe will leave you with a really soft fudge with yummy hints of vanilla. Known as Russian fudge in New Zealand.

Really Easy Vanilla Fudge Recipe

Making fudge is always a fun activity. From the boiling of the sugar to beating until its thick – I love it! Of course, using a sugar thermometer always makes it a lot more predictable and consistent in the results. I can guarantee you that this recipe will do just that (it was tested 3 times after all!)

In New Zealand, vanilla fudge is also known as Russian fudge. It sounds a lot fancier doesn’t it? Although did you know that the recipe actually comes from Scotland! The Kiwis named it Russian fudge (for reasons unknown).

Fudge is a lovely treat to make as gifts for friends on birthdays or Christmas – my Caribbean Rum Fudge is also really tasty! Fudge keeps really well if stored properly in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

An alternative homemade gift idea would be chocolate dipped honeycomb – so simple to make and also keeps for a long while!

Why should I make Russian Fudge?

  • More predictable for setting as condensed milk is used
  • Really simple to make – a great first fudge recipe!
  • ADDICTIVE!!
  • Lovely to give as a homemade gift, in little bags tied with string
Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand) (2)

Ingredients for Russian Fudge

  • Caster sugar – sugar is the most essential ingredient to making fudge! Without it, it wouldn’t be fudge!
  • Whole milk – milk gives the fudge its creamy texture and is the base ingredient for the sugar to melt into.
  • Condensed milk – condensed milk is lower in moisture than standard milk, so it helps the fudge set quicker. It also has its own caramel-like flavour.
  • Unsalted butter – butter will give the fudge a soft, creamy texture and adds those buttery notes we all love!
  • Golden syrup – is what makes this recipe Russian fudge-style! The added golden syrup gives that extra sweetness and silky texture.
  • Vanilla extract – to give the taste of vanilla to the fudge.
Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand) (3)

Step by Step Recipe Method

Step 1 Prep your tin: Butter and line your 23cm x 23cm square tin with baking paper.

Step 2Make the fudge: Pour the sugar and milk into the pan. Heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the condensed milk, butter, golden syrup and vanilla. On a low heat, stir until butter has melted and all combined.

Step 3 – Turn up the heat to medium and boil the mixture until it reaches 116°c (soft ball).

Step 4Cool down: Remove from the heat and cool slightly (about 15 mins). Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it thickens and appears dull in colour. This takes about 5-10 mins.

Step 5Cut the fudge: Pour into your tin and cool until it sets. Once it has set, carefully remove and cut into squares.

Why is my fudge not setting?

You shouldn’t have any problems setting this easy fudge recipe as it contains condensed milk. However, if you do, or you’re making a more traditional recipe like my Caribbean Rum Fudge, you might need these tips.

The most common reason for fudge not setting is not bringing it up to the correct temperature. You may go to the fridge to find that your fudge is still really gloopy! This means that you didn’t get your fudge up to 116°c. Anything below and you’re risking it! This is why a sugar thermometer is crucial!

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Equipment Needed

How long should I beat my fudge?

When you first begin beating your fudge, it’ll be glossy and still quite runny. You want to beat your fudge until it appears dull in colour and it starts to thicken. This should take around 5-10 minutes. To achieve the best results (no graininess) cool your fudge slightly before beating.

Fudge-making tips

  • Stirring the fudge too much whilst it’s boiling will making the sugar crystallise too much – try not to!
  • The use of a sugar thermometer will ensure you don’t go over 116 degrees and end up with a hard fudge/or under and end up with a fudge that doesn’t set!
  • Beat the fudge using a wooden spoon – it’s easier and the traditional way.
  • Pour the fudge immediately after you’ve beaten it, or else it will cool in the pan and you won’t get it back out!

Vanilla Fudge Recipe Video!

Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand)

This vanilla fudge recipe will leave you with a really soft fudge with yummy hints of vanilla. Known as Russian fudge in New Zealand.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Confectionary

Cuisine New Zealand

Servings 17 squares

Calories 112 kcal

Ingredients

  • 330 g caster sugar
  • 50 ml whole milk
  • 50 ml condensed milk
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp golden syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Butter and line your 23cm x 23cm square tin.

  • Pour the sugar and milk into the pan. Heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the condensed milk, butter, golden syrup and vanilla. On a low heat, stir until butter has melted and all combined.

  • Turn up the heat to medium and boil the mixture until it reaches 116°c (soft ball).

  • Remove from the heat and cool slightly (about 15 mins). Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it thickens and appears dull in colour. This takes about 5-10 mins.

  • Pour into your tin and cool until it sets. Once it has set, carefully remove and cut into squares.

Notes

Storage – You can store your fudge in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. You can also store your fudge in a cool, dry place, in a sealed container.

Freezing – I haven’t personally frozen my fudge but according to Nigella, you can freeze your fudge in a large block wrapped in cling film and foil, for around 6 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 16mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Easy, Homemade gifts, Vanilla

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand) (6)

More homemade confectionary recipes –

Buttery Rum Fudge from the Caribbean
Chocolate Honeycomb from New Zealand

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Vanilla Fudge (Russian Fudge from New Zealand) (2024)

FAQs

What is Russian fudge made of? ›

Russian Fudge Ingredients

Sugar, Sweetened Condensed Milk (Milk, Sugar) (23%), Glucose Syrup, Vegetable Fat, Glycerine, Whole Milk Powder, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin 492, 476), Flavour.

How do you know when fudge is beaten enough? ›

After letting the fudge cool, it's time to beat it. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould.

How do you store Russian fudge? ›

Storage – You can store your fudge in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Freezing – I haven't personally frozen my fudge but according to Nigella, you can freeze your fudge in a large block wrapped in cling film and foil, for around 6 weeks.

Why is my Russian fudge grainy? ›

The most common reason for graininess is because you began beating or stirring it while the fudge was still cooling. It's best to wait until it's cooled to somewhere around 110 to 113 degrees to begin stirring.

Why is my Russian fudge soft? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way. The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious! A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more.

How to fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

How to make fudge creamy and not grainy? ›

By cooling the fudge prior to agitation (like in the recipes included in this article), on the other hand, you'll get much smaller, finer sugar crystals and a finished fudge with a smooth, creamy texture. Cool the mixture until it reads 120° F on the thermometer—no stirring. This can take 1 to 1/2 hours.

What happens if you don't refrigerate fudge? ›

Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

Where is the best place to store fudge? ›

Ensure you have kept the leftover fudge in a sealable container in a cool, dark, dry place, such as kitchen drawers, cupboards, or a pantry. Fudge stored exposed at room temperature will last for a month or two but will start to show signs of hardening around the edges and a loss of its freshness.

Do you refrigerate fudge to set? ›

The ratio of chocolate to condensed milk needs to be just right, otherwise you might end up with fudge that is too soft or too hard. Do not freeze the fudge to set it. Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge. If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else.

Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

Another key part of a successful fudge texture is when you stir the mixture. Stirring the sugar and milk during the initial stages of cooking allows the sugar to dissolve. However, once the mixture comes to a boil, it's time to put the spoon down.

What is the key to successful non grainy fudge? ›

While you ultimately want crystals to form, it's important that they don't form too early. The key to successful, nongrainy fudge is in the cooling, not the cooking.

How long should I beat fudge for? ›

Allow the fudge mixture to rest until the temperature registers between 150°-160°. Once the desired temperature is reached, beat the ever-loving stuffing out of the fudge. Two to three minutes of hardcore mixing (by hand). This is where you earn the right to eat half of the batch.

Why does Russian chocolate taste different? ›

Chocolates: Russian chocolates such as the Alyonka bar have been made world-famous by their captivating wrappings. Unfortunately, since the 2014 sanctions Russian chocolate has begun to taste less like chocolate and more like palm oil sweetened with sugar and artificial flavourings.

What kind of fudge is on Mackinac Island? ›

Michigan Maple Pecan

Ryba's Maple Pecan Fudge is the ideal maple indulgence bringing together the flavors of rich buttery pecans and the sweetness of pure Michigan maple sugar locally harvested. Made by hand using traditional copper kettles and marble slabs to create the richest and creamiest fudge on Mackinac Island.

What is fudge usually made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

What is Russian chocolate called? ›

Russian chocolate Alenka is a delicacy that is prepared of cocoa beans.

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