Mackinac Island Classic Fudge Delight
Experience the charming essence of Mackinac Island with this Classic Fudge Delight recipe! Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, horse-drawn carriages, and sweet lilac scents, Mackinac Island is equally famous for its rich and creamy fudge. This beloved treat is a staple in the quaint fudge shops lining the island's streets, where you can witness expert fudge makers craft this delectable dessert on marble slabs. This recipe brings the nostalgia of a Mackinac Island vacation to your kitchen, offering a simple yet authentic way to indulge in a luscious vanilla fudge. And for those looking to mix things up, we’ve included variations for chocolate and peanut butter fudge. Transport yourself to this candy paradise with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (sifted)
nuts (optional)
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat.
2
Stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, let it continue to cook for exactly 6 minutes, maintaining a steady stir to prevent burning.
4
After 6 minutes, remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
5
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.
6
If desired, fold in the nuts until evenly distributed.
7
Pour the fudge mixture into a buttered 9-inch square pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Place the pan in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the fudge has firmed up.
9
Once set, remove the fudge from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles of your preferred size.
10
To make Peanut Butter Fudge: Reduce the butter to 1/4 cup and incorporate 1/2 cup of peanut butter after mixing in the confectioners' sugar.
11
To create Chocolate Fudge: Before adding the confectioners' sugar, mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the sugar for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mackinac Island Classic Fudge Delight?
It is a rich and creamy fudge recipe inspired by the famous treats found in the fudge shops of Mackinac Island, known for its picturesque landscapes and sweet lilac scents.
What are the main ingredients for the classic vanilla fudge?
The base ingredients include milk, butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and sifted confectioners' sugar.
How much milk is required for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of milk for this fudge recipe.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, though for the peanut butter variation, this is reduced to 1/4 cup.
How long should the fudge mixture be boiled?
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, let it continue to cook for exactly 6 minutes.
Do I need to stir the fudge while it boils?
Yes, you should maintain a steady stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning.
What heat setting is recommended for cooking the fudge?
The mixture should be combined and brought to a boil over medium heat.
When should the vanilla extract be added?
Remove the pan from the heat after the 6-minute boil and then carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
How do I incorporate the confectioners' sugar?
Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar and mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Can I add nuts to the Mackinac Island fudge?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
The fudge mixture should be poured into a buttered 9-inch square pan.
How do I make the Chocolate Fudge variation?
Before adding the confectioners' sugar, mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
How do I make the Peanut Butter Fudge variation?
Reduce the butter to 1/4 cup and incorporate 1/2 cup of peanut butter after mixing in the confectioners' sugar.
How long does the fudge take to set?
The fudge needs to be placed in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until it has firmed up.
What is the best way to cut the fudge?
Once set, remove the fudge from the pan and cut it into squares or rectangles of your preferred size.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A large heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
Is the brown sugar supposed to be packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Should the confectioners' sugar be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar for the best texture.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
What tool is used to smooth the top of the fudge?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the fudge mixture once it is poured into the pan.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include fudge, mackinac island, candy, dessert, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, homemade, and treat.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed including the optional nuts.
Is the serving size or calorie count provided?
No, the specific nutritional information such as calories, fat, and serving size is not provided in the recipe data.
Why is the hand mixer used?
The hand mixer is used on medium speed to ensure the confectioners' sugar is perfectly incorporated and the fudge is smooth.
Does the recipe require a candy thermometer?
No, this recipe relies on a timed 6-minute boil rather than a thermometer.
Can I substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar?
The recipe requires both 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for its specific flavor profile.
How is the pan prepared to prevent sticking?
The 9-inch square pan should be buttered before pouring in the fudge mixture.
What is the intended texture of this fudge?
The fudge is described as luscious, rich, creamy, and thick.
Is this a good recipe for a homemade gift?
Yes, as a classic candy treat, it is perfect for sharing or as a nostalgic homemade gift.
Can I make multiple flavors from this one base?
Yes, the recipe provides specific instructions to adapt the base into either Chocolate or Peanut Butter fudge.