I don’t make much candy throughout the year, but come December, I find myself ready for any and all confections. First up is this impossibly smooth and rich mocha almond fudge, a chocolate lover’s dream! The deep mocha flavor is punctuated by crunchy roasted almonds, a nice contrast to the creamy fudge.
To maximize your fudge eating and minimize your stress, line the pan and prep all the ingredients before you begin to melt the chocolate. For a soft and dense fudge, melt the chocolate slowly over a double boiler (chopped chocolate melts far more easily than chocolate chips, and the only time I’ve ever ruined chocolate is in the microwave, so I opt for the stove method). Utterly simple yet satisfying fudge just made your gift giving a bit easier.
- 1 pound (16 oz/452 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz/397grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp instant espresso, dissolved in 1 Tbsp hot water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150 grams) roasted salted almonds, chopped
- 1/3 cup (50 grams) roasted salted almonds, chopped
- Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Combine chopped chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Slowly melt the chocolate, stirring frequently, until smooth and thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in dissolved instant espresso and vanilla; fold in almonds just until combined.
- Pour fudge into prepared pan, tapping pan sharply for a minute to help air bubbles escape. Smooth top with an offset spatula and sprinkle with remaining almonds, pressing gently to adhere. Chill fudge in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.
- Lift parchment to remove fudge from pan and place on a cutting board. Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry; trim any ragged edges. Dip and wipe the knife between cuts; cut into 36 squares. Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week or wrap well and freeze up to 2 months.
THIS is what I’ve been waiting for. I wanted a fudge but it needed to be special. This is special.
This is just so pretty! Almonds and espresso in fudge is such an awesome combination!
Love the contrast in flavors Laura. Beautiful pictures as always too!
Such rich and beautiful treats, Laura! I love anything with almonds!
oh my goodness, Laura!!! This rich mocha almond fudge is a dream!!! love love love!!
We are big fudge fans around here…and this is a terrific recipe to shake things up a bit!
I love the flavors going on here – this fudge is calling my name! And it’s perfect because I was just telling my mom that I’d like to try a new fudge recipe for Christmas! 🙂
Laura, this fudge looks amazing… mouth is totally watering. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing xo
Delicious! I love homemade fudge, this looks amazing!
This looks amazing. I am chocoholic so this fudge looks delicious!
I’m with you…not a candy maker throughout the year, but ’tis the season. Great fudge!!
I have not made fudge since I was in college! Most recipes look & sound too sweet but this looks perfect. Rich, dark, blissful decadence!!
I love love love that you used salted almonds in this decadent fudge!
I’m into this. I wouldn’t mind having someone bring me a tray of this…But I Suppose I can handle making it myself! 😉
This does look like a dream Laura, a chocolate lover’s dream, for sure!
I am the same way! December is all about the sweet things! 🙂
Loving the fudge of course!
This fudge is perfect! Love the chocolate espresso combination.
I’ll take these year-round! They look so dark and sinful. Love the almond touch!
Ooh, this fudge looks incredible,Laura! Love those roasted almonds 🙂
Love the addition of instant espresso to this luscious fudge! I’m in too, let the holiday extravaganza begin1
Such delicious and gorgeous looking fudge!!
Mmm… I can never say no to fudge!
You know I’ve never made a true fudge like this. It’s just too humid in Sydney to do it as I don’t have air conditioning. I’ll just admire yours Laura! 😀
One word – WOW! I seem to eat fudge during the holidays – I am making this one!
I’m with you on the candy, Laura. I never make it, or even crave it. But then comes December and I guess I get taken in by all the pics on social media. I made a batch of buttercrunch yesterday and some chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit today. I’m giving most of it away so that I don’t consume it all myself. What in the world do you do with all your wonderful sweets? Cheers, D