The Best Mackinac Island Fudge Recipe (2024)

Christmas, Desserts, Seasonal ·

The Best Mackinac Island Fudge – Are you, in the mood for a treat that brings comfort and happiness with every mouthful? Look no further than this recipe for Mackinac Island Fudge! Made with simple yet indulgent ingredients like unsalted butter, a blend of white and brown sugars, and unsweetened cocoa powder this fudge is not just a dessert; it’s like a slice of heaven. Whether you’re a baker or trying your hand at making fudge for the time this recipe guarantees a delightful result that will impress anyone who tries it.

this Recipe

The first time I made this fudge it was on a chilly afternoon when I was searching for something to brighten up the day. Little did I know that this fudge would quickly become a favorite in our family! As the sweet aroma filled our home my husband’s eyes sparkled with anticipation and our little one eagerly stood on tiptoes watching as I sliced into the creamy and chocolatey goodness. The first bite was magic – the right amount of sweetness and texture. It became a hit. Has since become our go-to recipe for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever we need a little bit of sweetness in our lives.

What makes this The Best Mackinac Island Fudge truly special?

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What makes this Mackinac Island Fudge truly special is its simplicity, versatility, and opportunity, for personalization. Created using common pantry items this recipe turns ingredients into an indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a breakfast, a standout, at brunch, or a timeless dessert it’s sure to make an impression. Moreover, its flexible nature allows you to easily customize the recipe to match your preferences. You can try using types of milk for a twist or add some nuts for added texture and enjoyment. This fudge isn’t just a treat; it’s a pleasure that can be tailored to suit your every desire.

What You Need To Make This The Best Mackinac Island Fudge Recipe?

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Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any fudge butter allows you to have control, over the saltiness ensuring a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Its creamy texture is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Milk: A hint of milk adds richness and depth to the fudge. While fat milk is traditional feel free to experiment with alternatives like almond or oat milk for a twist.

Granulated White Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination of these sugars is the secret behind the fudge flavor profile. White sugar brings sweetness while brown sugar adds a touch of molasses enriching the taste with caramel notes.

Pinch of Salt: A pinch but it plays a crucial role! Salt. Balances the sweetness accentuating the flavors of chocolate.

Vanilla Extract: Although just a teaspoonful may seem insignificant vanilla extract brings depth and warmth to enhance the flavors of chocolate and sugars.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the magic happens in terms of chocolates. Unsweetened cocoa powder offers a chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness resulting in a more refined taste profile.

Confectioners’ Sugar: The secret ingredient behind that silky texture, is fudge. Confectioners’ sugar dissolves perfectly removing any graininess to create a texture.

Steps To Make The Best Mackinac Island Fudge:

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Step 1: Start by melting the butter in a saucepan. Then stir in both white and brown sugars along, with the milk and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic happens! Let the mixture come to a boil allowing all those flavors to blend together over heat. Remember to stir it’s like a labor of love for 6 minutes.

Step 2: After that give the mixture time to cool down. This is when you can add your vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and confectioners’ sugar. Mix everything together until it becomes wonderfully smooth and absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Now pour your fudge onto either a baking sheet or a silicone mat – whichever you prefer. Shape it gently into a log (don’t worry if things get messy!). Then wrap it up tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator, for 30 minutes. Waiting can be tough. Trust me it’ll be well worth it!

Tip:

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When you’re making Mackinac Island Fudge it’s important to pay attention to the temperature while cooking. The key is to bring the sugar, butter and milk mixture and let it gently boil. Keep it at this rolling boil for 6 minutes. This precise timing and temperature control ensure that the sugars reach the perfect consistency without burning. If the mixture gets too hot the fudge might become hard and brittle. If it’s not hot enough it may not set properly. If you have a candy thermometer available try to aim for the ball stage (234 to 240°F or 112 to 115°C). By giving attention to these details you’ll end up with a fudge that’s incredibly smooth and creamy—an experience that will surely melt in your mouth!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Feel free to incorporate chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a touch of sea salt, for a variation.

How long does this fudge keep?

If stored properly in an airtight container it should stay fresh for, up to two weeks. Although chances are it’ll disappear before then!

Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

Certainly! Just bear in mind that using a sugar substitute may slightly affect both the texture and taste.

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The Best Mackinac Island Fudge Recipe

  • Author: Audrey
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 depending on size of slices/pieces 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Experience the velvety pleasure of The Finest Mackinac Island Fudge, a recipe that captures the essence of this beloved American classic. Each delectable bite of this fudge transports you to a world of creamy chocolatey perfection, where the exquisite combination of cocoa, luxurious unsalted butter and the perfect balance of brown sugars come together to create an orchestra of flavors. The subtle hints of vanilla and just a touch of salt elevate this treat beyond expectations transforming it into not a dessert but an unforgettable culinary experience. With its sweetness and texture this fudge recipe pays homage to the timeless allure of Mackinac Islands traditions ensuring it will be a hit, at any gathering or simply enjoyed during your tranquil moments.

Ingredients

Scale

8 tbsp unsalted butter

½ c milk

½ c granulated white sugar

½ c brown sugar, firmly packed

Pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ c unsweetened cocoa powder

2 c confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Take a saucepan and mix together some butter, white sugar, brown sugar, milk and a pinch of salt.

Heat the mixture until it reaches a boiling point and then let it simmer on low heat for 6 minutes. Remember to stir it during this time.

Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Now you can stir in some vanilla extract, cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Get a baking sheet or silicone mat ready. Pour the mixture onto it. Shape it into a log shape. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator, for 30 minutes.

Once the fudge has set, carefully slice it into pieces. Savor its deliciousness!

Notes

To make sure that your Mackinac Island Fudge is enjoyable, for everyone, those with sensitivities here’s a simple yet effective tip; pay attention to the surface you use for cooling and shaping the fudge. While the main ingredients of this recipe are naturally free from gluten (like butter, sugars, cocoa and vanilla) it’s important to prevent cross-contamination during the cooling process. For a version of this recipe use a clean surface, like a silicone mat or parchment paper when pouring and shaping the fudge. Additionally ensure that all your ingredients, vanilla extract and cocoa powder are certified as gluten-free to avoid any traces of gluten.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Natasha

My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!

nodashofgluten.com/

The Best Mackinac Island Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes Mackinac Island fudge different? ›

To obtain the world famous taste, the fudge is slowly cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame. Once the desired temperature is reached, the mixture is poured onto marble slabs for a cooling period and then hand-paddled into loaves.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

What is the world's best fudge? ›

Mackinac Island Fudge – The Best Fudge on Earth
  • Original Murdick's Fudge.
  • Joann's Fudge.
  • Ryba's Fudge Shops.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What is the oldest brand of fudge on Mackinac Island? ›

In 1887, Mackinac Island's first candy shop opened as Murdick's Candy Kitchen. Henry Murdick continued to make sails in the back of the building, while up front, Rome crafted fudge using his mother's recipe.

How long does Mackinaw fudge last for? ›

How long is Mackinac fudge good for? Fudge is a perishable delight, and its longevity depends on how it's stored. For optimal freshness, we recommend consuming your fudge within ten days of purchase.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

Should you stir fudge constantly? ›

It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould. Another tip: Do not scrape the sides of the pan or the spoon used for stirring.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What island has the best fudge? ›

Fudge on Mackinac Island Today

Sampling Mackinac Island fudge remains one of the favorite activities of visitors, with chocolate being the most popular (although when President Gerald R. Ford came to Mackinac Island in 1975 he opted for vanilla pecan.)

What is in Mackinac Island fudge? ›

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

What kind of fudge does Mackinac Island have? ›

Michigan Maple Pecan

Ryba's Maple Pecan Fudge is the ideal maple indulgence bringing together the flavors of rich buttery pecans and the sweetness of pure Michigan maple sugar locally harvested. Made by hand using traditional copper kettles and marble slabs to create the richest and creamiest fudge on Mackinac Island.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

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.

Why did my fudge turn out like taffy? ›

If the temperature is too low, the fudge will be too soft and sticky, and if it's too high, it will turn into a hard, crumbly mess. The ideal temperature to cook fudge is between 232-234 degrees F (111-112 degrees C).

Why is Mackinac Island fudge so famous? ›

As Mackinac Island evolved from a center of fur trade into a summer resort destination, Victorian-era vacationers began to identify the island with sweets. At first, the most common candy was maple sugar harvested by Native Americans. Other treats, including fudge, soon followed.

What is so special about Mackinac Island? ›

Readers adore Mackinac Island's car-free roads full of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles, the island's historic sites including Fort Mackinac and the outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy in Mackinac Island State Park. More reasons why USA Today recognized Mackinac Island: World famous Mackinac Island fudge.

Why is fudge a big deal on Mackinac Island? ›

To understand why there's so much fudge, here's the backstory on why Mackinac Island fudge is such a big deal. The gist of it is that people on vacation like to enjoy a sweet or two. And that has been true since Victorian travelers popularized Mackinac Island as a vacation destination way back in the 1800s.

What are some fun facts about Mackinac Island fudge? ›

During tourism season, Mackinac Island handcrafts an average of ten thousand pounds of fudge daily and imports an average of twenty thousand pounds of sugar every week. Mackinac Island didn't invent fudge, but it did turn it into a delightful slice of Americana.

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