Black Coal Fudge Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly decadent treat that’s a little bit different from your regular chocolate fudge, you’re going to love what I have for you today. This Black Coal Fudge Recipe is my absolute favorite for its rich, silky-smooth texture and that striking deep black color that always wows at gatherings. Trust me, it’s not just for looks—each bite melts in your mouth and has a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey that’s insanely addictive. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your fudge turns out just as amazing as mine!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Black Coal Fudge Recipe uses a blend of classic fudge ingredients plus a few special touches to get that rich flavor and perfect glossy black color. Every component works together to give you that creamy, sweet fudge that holds its shape yet melts on your tongue. Let me walk you through why each ingredient matters.

• Granulated sugar: The backbone of the fudge’s sweetness and structure—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Marshmallow fluff: Adds creaminess and helps keep the fudge soft and chewy in just the right way.
• Evaporated milk: Provides richness and a smooth texture that regular milk can’t quite match.
• Butter: Gives the fudge a velvety mouthfeel and richness—don’t skip or substitute this.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate base of the fudge—use good-quality chips for the best flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Highlights the chocolate and adds subtle warmth to the overall taste.
• Black gel food coloring: The secret ingredient for coal-black fudge—powder or liquid won’t give you the same juicy blackness.

Variations

I love keeping this Black Coal Fudge Recipe simple, but I also enjoy switching things up depending on the occasion or who I’m serving it to. Feel free to make it your own—fudge recipes are super adaptable!

• Nut Addition: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives the fudge a wonderful crunch; my family goes crazy for that texture contrast.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap regular butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk—I’ve tried this successfully for friends with allergies!
• Extra Chocolate Intensity: Mix in a few tablespoons of dark cocoa powder or use bittersweet chips to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Festive Twists: For holidays, sprinkle in crushed peppermint candies or swirl in a little caramel for a decadent surprise.

How to Make Black Coal Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, line your baking pan—either 9×13 or 11×15 inches—with parchment paper and grease it lightly with butter or a good non-stick spray. This makes removing your fudge a breeze later. Also, measure out all your ingredients ahead of time because once you start heating, you’ll want everything at the ready. Fudge doesn’t wait!

Step 2: Melt and Combine the Sugar Mixture

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine granulated sugar, marshmallow fluff, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Stir gently over medium-low heat until everything melts and comes together. Here’s what I learned: patience is key! Don’t rush the melting—slow and steady helps prevent burning and gives a smooth base.

Step 3: Bring to a Rolling Boil

Once the sugar dissolves, turn your heat to medium and stir constantly as the mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Use a candy thermometer and watch for it to hit between 234-240°F. This is the critical stage! Stir all the time so nothing sticks and burns. This took me a few tries to perfect, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.

Step 4: Add Chocolate, Vanilla, and Food Coloring

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and the black gel food coloring. Keep mixing until everything is fully melted and smooth. Here’s a tip: don’t skimp on the food coloring! Adding it little by little, and more if needed, ensures you get that striking black color rather than a gray fudge.

Step 5: Set and Slice

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smooth the surface with a spatula, and let it sit at room temperature until fully set. When it’s firm (usually a few hours), use the parchment paper to carefully lift your fudge out of the pan, then slice into squares. This part is so satisfying! I always find slicing a warm knife through the fudge gives the cleanest cuts.

How to Serve Black Coal Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic and simple with this fudge, but sprinkles of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar add a bit of sparkle for special occasions. Sometimes, I top a few squares with chopped nuts or a tiny pinch of sea salt—it’s a lovely salty-sweet addition that elevates the flavor.

Side Dishes

This fudge shines on its own, but if you’re serving it at a party, pairing it with coffee, strong black tea, or even a glass of milk makes for a perfect combination. It’s also fantastic alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for a slightly lighter contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted this fudge in decorative tins tied with rustic twine for the holidays, and it’s always a hit. Another fun idea is making mini fudge bites on a tray with toothpicks—they almost look like little coal nuggets, which is a great conversation starter at Halloween or themed parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to avoid sticking. It stays perfectly soft and delicious for up to two weeks—if you can keep it around that long!

Freezing

Freezing fudge is totally doable. I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture remains wonderfully creamy with no graininess.

Reheating

If your fudge gets a little too firm or cold, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the texture to become grainy or overly soft. Patience is key for the best bite!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Black Coal Fudge Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for those times I want to impress without complicated steps. Its unique color and rich, creamy flavor make it unforgettable. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever you want a show-stopping sweet. So go ahead, give it a shot—you won’t regret bringing this little piece of coal into your dessert lineup!

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