How do you make soft ball stage fudge?

You can also test for soft ball stage by using a glass of cold water. When the fudge has boiled for about 10 minutes start to test by dropping a little of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If the mixture forms a thread as it sinks into the water then it needs cooking for a little longer.

How do you make soft ball stage?

For example, at 235° F, the syrup is at the “soft-ball” stage. That means that when you drop a bit of it into cold water to cool it down, it will form a soft ball. Most candy recipes will tell you to boil your sugar mixture until it reaches one of the stages below.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage?

Combine sugar and milk in a small pot and cook over medium high heat. Stir continuously while the mixture boils for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of boiling, check to see if the ‘soft ball stage’ has occurred.

What makes fudge softer?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won’t evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won’t contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Do you cook fudge to a soft ball?

For perfect fudge, the syrup should form a soft ball that can be picked up, but easily flattened. If the syrup is undercooked, drops of syrup will sink to the bottom of the glass in threads or simply dissolve. If the syrup is overcooked, the ball will be hard and difficult to flatten with your fingers.

What is fudge soft-ball stage?

Soft-ball stage (235–240 degrees Fahrenheit): When you transfer a small amount of syrup to cold water, it forms a soft, pliable ball. Sugar at this stage is used for fondant, fudge, pralines, and Italian meringue.

How do you find the soft-ball stage without a candy thermometer?

Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it’s pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.

Should I stir fudge while boiling?

Stop stirring



It can be tempting to continue to stir your fudge mixture once it’s reached temperature to prevent it from burning, but the best course of action is to remove the saucepan from heat immediately. All Recipes suggests removing your fudge from the heat once it’s reached 236 – 238 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do you cover fudge while it sets?

First, allow the fudge to cool a bit at room temperature before putting it into the fridge to let the candy adjust. When you do put fudge into the fridge, whether you are trying to make it set or storing it, wrap it or cover it carefully.

Should you put fudge in the fridge to set?

Fudge takes about three hours to set at room temperature, but the longer you wait, the better. You can speed up the process by utilizing your fridge or freezer. Make sure it’s covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.

How do I keep fudge from getting hard?

In the oven – wrap the fudge in foil with a tiny bit of water, perhaps 2-3 teaspoons and bake at a low temperature (120-140C or 248-284F) for 10-20 minutes, or until the fudge no longer feels/looks dried out.

How do you soften homemade fudge?

You have one option to make it soft, which is you have to put the fudge pieces in a plastic bag along with the paper towel or a bread slice. Secure the bag and leave it overnight, next day you will get a softened fudge.

Why is my fudge too hard?

Soft-Balling Homemade Fudge

How long does soft ball stage take?

You can also test for soft ball stage by using a glass of cold water. When the fudge has boiled for about 10 minutes start to test by dropping a little of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If the mixture forms a thread as it sinks into the water then it needs cooking for a little longer.

How do you know when fudge is ready?

The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112 to 114 °C (234 to 237 °F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water. Let the mixture cool before beating. The temperature at this point should be between 43 to 45 °C (110 to 113 °F). The fudge should be warm but not burning hot.

How can you tell if candy is at hard ball stage?

To determine whether your sugar syrup has reached the hard-ball stage, drop a spoonful of syrup into very cold water. Reach into the water to form the syrup into a ball. If it forms and holds its shape as a ball, retaining most of its shape as you press it, you’ve reached the hard-ball stage.

What can I do if my fudge is too soft?

Solutions for Too-Soft Fudge



Use powdered sugar. Instead of adding evaporated milk, add some powdered sugar and remix your fudge batter. The powdered sugar can help the fudge set and harden if it is resistant to doing so. Add a mixture of water and cornstarch.

How long should you beat fudge?

Using a wooden spoon, beat the fudge vigorously until it thickens and begins to lose its gloss. This may take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. While beating by hand is the traditional method, you can use an electric mixer if you have one.

Do you cover fudge while it sets?

First, allow the fudge to cool a bit at room temperature before putting it into the fridge to let the candy adjust. When you do put fudge into the fridge, whether you are trying to make it set or storing it, wrap it or cover it carefully.