German Chocolate Fudge

Welcome to a world of sweet indulgence with our German Chocolate Fudge recipe! This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the irresistible coconut and nutty goodness of German chocolate cake. Whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or a homemade gift to impress friends and family, this fudge is sure to hit the spot. Join us as we delve into the steps to create this mouthwatering delight and elevate your fudge-making game to new heights.

Ingredients:

For the fudge:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 4 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fudge:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add both types of chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and smooth.
   • Gradually add the sugar and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until well combined.
   • Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft ball stage (approximately 234-240°F on a candy thermometer).
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Pour into Pan:
   • Pour the fudge mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a separate saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the coconut and chopped nuts.
4. Top the Fudge:
   • Pour the topping mixture over the fudge layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
   • Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Consistency: To achieve the perfect fudge consistency, it’s essential to cook the fudge mixture to the soft ball stage. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
• Nut Variations: Feel free to customize the topping by using your favorite nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Chocolate Options: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for a unique flavor profile. Dark chocolate or white chocolate chips can be used in place of the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version of German Chocolate Fudge, you can make the following substitutions:

• Sweeteners: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Milk: Substitute the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.

Low Carb Version:

To make a low-carb version of German Chocolate Fudge, follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and be mindful of the carb content in the chocolate chips and nuts. You can also reduce the amount of sweetener used or omit the topping altogether for a lower-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How should I store German Chocolate Fudge? A: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months.

Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut in the topping? A: Yes, unsweetened coconut can be used if you prefer a less sweet topping.

Q: Can I make this recipe without nuts? A: Yes, you can omit the nuts from the topping if desired, or substitute them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.

In conclusion, German Chocolate Fudge is a decadent and irresistible treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or gifting to loved ones on special occasions. With its rich chocolate flavor, creamy texture, and delightful coconut and nut topping, this fudge is sure to impress. Whether you’re following a traditional recipe or experimenting with keto or low-carb variations, this indulgent dessert is bound to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of heaven with German Chocolate Fudge today!