Cast Iron Magic: Old-Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge Recipe

Crafting an old-fashioned black walnut fudge in a cast iron skillet brings nostalgic memories of grandma’s kitchen to life.

Sweet aromas will quickly fill your home with warmth and comfort.

Generations have cherished this rich, decadent treat that speaks to traditional American dessert making.

Robust walnut flavors blend perfectly with smooth chocolate undertones, creating a deeply satisfying confection.

Cooking in cast iron adds a subtle depth that modern techniques cannot replicate.

Careful preparation ensures each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty complexity.

Mastering this classic recipe connects you to culinary traditions passed down through loving hands.

Why This Fudge Is Worth Remembering

• Craft a Nostalgic Treat: Dive into a classic dessert that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen with its rich, traditional black walnut fudge made right in a cast iron skillet.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy method of creating decadent fudge using basic ingredients and a straightforward cooking process that anyone can follow.
• Celebrate Versatile Dessert: Enjoy a sweet treat perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a comforting snack that requires minimal cleanup and no special equipment.
• Preserve Culinary Heritage: Connect with traditional cooking methods by using a cast iron skillet, which adds depth of flavor and brings a rustic charm to this classic dessert.

Ingredients in Skillet Black Walnut Fudge

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth fudge texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in forming the classic fudge consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the rich brown color.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect fudge structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, rounded flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts.
• Black Walnuts: Offers a distinctive, slightly bitter nutty taste that adds complexity to the fudge.

• Butter (for greasing pan): Ensures the fudge does not stick and can be easily removed from the pan.

Cooking Instructions for Skillet Walnut Fudge

Step 1: Melt Decadent Base

Grab your trusty cast iron skillet and combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk. The rich ingredients will start transforming into a luxurious chocolate canvas.

Step 2: Create Smooth Chocolate Mixture

Heat the skillet over medium flame, stirring the ingredients until they blend into a silky, glossy mixture. Keep stirring to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 3: Boil to Perfection

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous, rolling boil. Continue stirring constantly for exactly 4 minutes.

This critical stage develops the deep, intense flavor profile.

Step 4: Enhance with Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped black walnuts

These ingredients will add incredible depth and nutty complexity to your fudge.

Step 5: Cool and Thicken

Let the fudge rest, stirring occasionally. Watch as the mixture transforms and starts to set, becoming wonderfully thick and glossy.

Step 6: Transfer and Set

Pour the fudge into a buttered pan, allowing it to cool completely at room temperature. The fudge will continue to firm up as it rests.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Once fully cooled, cut the fudge into delectable squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Tips That Help With Fudge in Cast Iron

• Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a rich, deep flavor that enhances the fudge's taste.
• Monitor heat closely to prevent burning, stirring constantly during the boiling stage to ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Roughly chop black walnuts before adding to improve distribution and create a more consistent bite in every piece of fudge.
• Let the fudge cool naturally at room temperature, avoiding refrigeration to maintain its perfect creamy consistency and prevent crystallization.
• Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

New Styles for Cast Iron Fudges

• Mountain Maple Walnut Fudge: Replace cocoa powder with pure maple syrup and add Canadian maple extract for a rich forest-inspired flavor profile.
• Southern Praline Walnut Fudge: Incorporate toasted pecans alongside black walnuts and add a splash of bourbon for a classic Southern comfort taste.
• Mexican Chocolate Walnut Fudge: Mix in ground cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a spicy, intense chocolate experience.
• Salted Caramel Walnut Fudge: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a sweet and salty combination that enhances the walnut's nutty essence.

Foods That Pair With Skillet Fudge Best

• Savor Black Walnut Fudge with Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Match: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the fudge's sweetness, enhancing the nutty black walnut depth and complementing its rich chocolate notes.
• Serve with Aged Port: Smooth, slightly sweet fortified wine creates a luxurious dessert experience, matching the fudge's intense flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Pair with Toasted Pecans: Scattered roasted pecans alongside the fudge provide a delightful crunch, amplifying the black walnut's earthy undertones and adding textural contrast.
• Enjoy with Bourbon Whiskey: Smooth Kentucky bourbon's caramel and vanilla hints beautifully intertwine with the fudge's deep chocolate and nutty characteristics, creating a sophisticated dessert moment.

How to Store Cast Iron Fudge Properly

Place fudge in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freezes perfectly for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Keep fudge in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Maintains quality for 7-10 days in a cool, dry spot.

Briefly microwave individual pieces for 5-10 seconds to soften. Alternatively, let fudge sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Why use a cast iron skillet for making fudge?

Cast iron provides even heat distribution and helps prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and consistent fudge texture without hot spots.

• Are black walnuts different from regular walnuts?

Black walnuts have a stronger, more intense flavor compared to regular walnuts, offering a richer and more robust taste to the fudge.

• How do I know when the fudge has reached the right consistency?

When stirring becomes more difficult and the mixture starts to thicken, and it pulls away from the sides of the skillet, it’s ready to be poured.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have black walnuts?

Yes, you can use regular walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips as an alternative, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Old-Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge In A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Rich, nostalgic black walnut fudge whispers sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen. Creamy chocolate melts with hearty walnuts, creating a classic dessert that connects generations with its simple, irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup black walnuts (chopped)

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 stick (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Meld butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk in a seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat, stirring until ingredients seamlessly integrate.
2. Continue heating, constantly agitating the mixture, until it reaches a vigorous, rolling boil that maintains consistent bubbling.
3. Maintain the hard boil for precisely 4 minutes, ensuring continuous stirring to prevent scorching and promote even heat distribution.
4. Immediately remove skillet from heat source and swiftly incorporate vanilla extract, infusing the mixture with aromatic richness.
5. Gently fold black walnuts into the molten fudge, distributing them evenly throughout the silky chocolate base.
6. Allow the fudge to gradually cool, periodically stirring to prevent surface hardening and maintain a smooth, glossy texture.
7. When the mixture has slightly thickened but remains pourable, transfer it into a generously buttered pan, creating an even layer.
8. Permit the fudge to achieve complete room temperature coolness, which typically requires approximately 2-3 hours.
9. Slice into uniform squares or desired shapes, creating delectable individual portions ready for enjoyment.
10. Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will maintain its rich, decadent quality for several days.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and to prevent burning the fudge mixture.
• Precisely time the 4-minute boiling period to achieve the perfect fudge consistency without overcooking.
• Toast black walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and check the vanilla extract’s source.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 214
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg