Black Walnut Fudge (Old-Fashioned Style)
Black Walnut Fudge (Old-Fashioned Style)
A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge layered with the deep, earthy flavor of black walnuts. Perfect for gifting, cookie tins, or a nostalgic holiday treat.
Recipe Overview
Yield: About 36 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling/Setting Time: 1–3 hours
Total Time: 25 minutes active; up to 3 hours total
Skill Level: Easy
Best For: Holiday candy trays, gifting, cookie tins, last-minute desserts
Texture: Smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth
Flavor Profile: Deep chocolate, earthy black walnut, sweet and nostalgic
Black Walnut Fudge (Old-Fashioned Style)
A dense, buttery, nostalgic pound cake studded with rich black walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, breakfast with coffee, or gifting to neighbors. This cake keeps well and tastes even better on day two as the flavors settle.
Ingredients
For the Fudge
3 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
⅔ cup evaporated milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow crème (or marshmallow fluff)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon black walnut extract (optional but highly recommended)
1 cup chopped black walnuts
For the Pan
Butter or nonstick spray
Parchment paper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
Lightly butter or spray the parchment so the fudge releases cleanly.
2. Toast the Black Walnuts
Add chopped black walnuts to a dry skillet.
Heat over medium for 3–4 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
Let cool.
Toasting deepens their natural earthy flavor.
3. Combine Sugar, Butter & Milk
In a heavy saucepan, add:
sugar
butter
evaporated milk
Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
Once boiling, cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring continuously.
Mixture should reach 234°F–236°F (soft-ball stage) if using a candy thermometer.
The texture of the fudge depends on this step—don’t undercook.
4. Remove From Heat & Add Chocolate
Take the pot off the heat.
Immediately add the chocolate chips.
Stir until completely melted and smooth.
The mixture should look glossy and thick.
5. Add Marshmallow, Extracts & Walnuts
Stir in:
marshmallow crème
vanilla extract
black walnut extract
Fold in the toasted black walnuts.
Make sure everything is completely incorporated.
6. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared dish.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
7. Set and Cut
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or refrigerate 1 hour for faster setting.
Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment.
Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 month or freeze up to 3 months.
Optional Variations
Black Walnut Bourbon Fudge: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon with the extracts.
Double Nut Delight: Use half black walnut, half pecan.
Salted Black Walnut Fudge: Sprinkle flaky salt over the top before setting.
White Chocolate Version: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier fudge.