Make smooth, creamy Penuche Fudge using brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor. This recipe focuses on proper technique for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:4 hours 35 min
Yield:About 49 one-inch squares
Category:Dessert
Method:Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugars dissolve completely. Do not let the mixture boil rapidly yet.
Insert a candy thermometer into the side of the pan, making sure it does not touch the bottom.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 234°F (Soft-Ball Stage). This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes after it starts boiling.
Remove the pan from the heat immediately when it reaches 234°F.
Add the butter and salt. Do not stir the mixture after removing it from the heat.
Let the mixture cool completely without stirring until it reaches 110°F. This cooling step is critical for texture.
Once cooled to 110°F, add the vanilla extract.
Begin beating the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the fudge loses its glossy shine and becomes thick and creamy, holding its shape. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Quickly pour the thickened fudge into the prepared pan. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for several hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
For the smoothest texture, cool the sugar mixture undisturbed to exactly 110°F before beating.
If you prefer a slight variation, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans during the final minute of beating.
Use a heavy saucepan to prevent scorching the sugars.