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Old-Fashioned Penuche Fudge (Brown Sugar Fudge)

A stack of freshly cut, rich brown penuche fudge squares piled on a white plate, highlighted by bright sunlight.

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Make creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Penuche fudge using only brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor. This old-fashioned recipe is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to boil.
  4. Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Insert a candy thermometer.
  5. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 234 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage). This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the butter melts completely.
  7. Let the mixture cool undisturbed until it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not rush this cooling step.
  8. Once cooled, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on medium speed until the fudge loses its gloss and thickens to a creamy consistency. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
  9. Quickly pour the thickened fudge into the prepared pan. Do not scrape the sides of the bowl.
  10. Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for several hours or chill briefly to speed setting. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For the creamiest texture, avoid stirring the sugar mixture while it boils to prevent crystallization.
  • Ensure the fudge cools to the correct temperature before beating; this is key to preventing graininess.
  • You can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

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