Vanilla fudge

By: James Martin From: James Martin: Sweet

This recipe is classed as easy

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3.67/5 (3 votes cast)

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Prep time:
15 mins, plus cooling
Cook time:
25 mins
Serves:
Makes about 36 pieces

Vanilla-scented home-made fudge from James Martin - an irresistible treat and easy to prepare!

Ingredients

  • oil, for greasing
  • 300ml Milk
  • 350g caster sugar
  • 100g unsalted Butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Grease an 18cm square cake tin.

2. Put the milk, sugar and butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Heat slowly, stirring all the time, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted.

3. Bring to the boil and boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring all the time.

4. When the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (115°C on a sugar thermometer), remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Leave to cool for 5 minutes.

5. Beat the mixture with a spoon for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and the gloss disappears.

6. Pour into the prepared tin and leave to set at room temperature (do not put it in the fridge).

7. Once set, cut the fudge into small squares and store in a sealed container.

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Latest Comment

View all comments (27)

I had the same problem as ChantalS2289...this recipe is impossible if you dont have a sugar thermometer.

HannahVictoria... Posted 03 Jul 2009 4:21 PM

I had the same problem as ChantalS2289...this recipe is impossible if you dont have a sugar thermometer.

HannahVictoria... Posted 03 Jul 2009 4:19 PM

I had the same problem as ChantalS2289...this recipe is impossible if you dont have a sugar thermometer.

HannahVictoria... Posted 03 Jul 2009 4:19 PM

Didn't have a thermometer and recipe turned out perfect! Used half evaporated milk

TONIJ59366 Posted 08 Jun 2009 6:29 PM

Great recipe! I actually used half evaporated milk

TONIJ59366 Posted 08 Jun 2009 6:18 PM

Lovely easy recipe. I live in france and the local French love it and are always asking for the recipe.

ChantalS2289 Posted 18 May 2009 11:40 AM

This seemed to be going really well until I started beating the syrup and then it just went granular and very dry. Anyone else encountered this problem?

GarethD18051 Posted 24 Mar 2009 2:57 PM

Overall, great ! :P

MuminA48579 Posted 25 Dec 2008 3:18 PM

Really easy, yet too sweet! But overall, the whole secret is to mix it like mad after you let it cool down after boiling. It's also optimal to score it into pieces whilst warm, as cutting it can affect the appearance. Overall

MuminA48579 Posted 25 Dec 2008 3:17 PM

A syrup is not enough - you are probably not cooking it for long enough. Get a sugar thermometer and heat up until 115C

DanielL45949 Posted 24 Dec 2008 1:35 PM

i cant get it to thicken more than a syrip is this enough

cianW38115 Posted 23 Dec 2008 2:05 PM

what colour is the miw when the gloss disappears and what type of sugar do you use

cianW38115 Posted 23 Dec 2008 12:46 PM

I have never made anything like this before and I was really nervous but it seems to have worked fine for me! So i'm a very happy bunny

Claire-LouiseP17489 Posted 22 Dec 2008 4:53 PM

I found mine was also a bit granular (like tablet) when I first took it off the heat. I kept faith and beat it with a spatula for more like 10 mins and it's turned out beautifully smooth and very tasty!

AlisonB67362 Posted 13 Dec 2008 4:07 PM

Made this recipe today but fudge turned out more to be scottish tablet. Still yummy!!!

jenniferM14972 Posted 09 Dec 2008 5:56 PM

You can put the sugar thermometer in once the sugar has dissolved. Many of them simply clip to the side of the pan. Or after about 10 minutes, once the fudge has started to thicken, if you are a more experienced confectionery maker.

Rachel S - UKTV Posted 02 Dec 2008 1:39 PM

You can make it 2-3 weeks in advance if it is tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container (this is easier before it is cut into squares). Fudge freezes well, but defrost it at room temperature before opening the wrapper to prevent streaking.

Rachel S - UKTV Posted 02 Dec 2008 1:37 PM

I am just about to make this for the first time for a school christmas fayre at what stage do I put in the sugar thermometer.

LyndseyC10302 Posted 30 Nov 2008 6:57 PM

How long will this fudge keep? I want to make some for Xmas gifts and do not know how far in advance I can make it!

DaphneG21094 Posted 03 Nov 2008 2:57 PM

what a fantastic and easy fudge recipe.i couldn't believe it turned out so well. the down side is that i've nearly eaten it all myself already, 30 minutes after making it.

alwynM1319 Posted 28 Oct 2008 11:21 AM

Excellent recipie, use if for kids, and is great for gifts and bring and buy sales

phyllis1956 Posted 03 Sep 2008 8:05 AM

What is a soft-ball stage?

BARI* Posted 29 Aug 2008 2:23 PM

I used a thermometer and still ended up in a mess!

Shire1 Posted 27 Aug 2008 5:18 PM

This was really easy, even without thermometer - great results. Made it again today and stirred in 100g chopped plain chocolate before beating the boiled fudge mixture.

Suziejb Posted 15 Aug 2008 1:37 PM

Made this twice now, without a thermometer, and it's come out perfect both times. Just made it again this afternoon, again without a thermometer, and still looks good!

UK Style user Posted 08 Aug 2008 2:43 PM

This is not FUDGE it is TOFFEE

bob223 Posted 01 Aug 2008 4:39 PM

Followed this recipe- it didnt reach the soft-ball stage?! After stirring for 20 mins. Wonder if these recipes are actually tested. Now the mixture is glued to my pan. What went wrong?

betty mad Posted 28 Jul 2008 2:43 PM