FAQs
Fudge is a sweet treat with a rich history that dates back over a century. Whether it was first made by college students, a New England woman, or brought to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants, fudge has become a beloved confection that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
What is the history of fudge in the United States? ›
Fudge's story began in the United States around the 1880s. The first documented instance of fudge being made was at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York when a student named Emelyn Battersby Hartridge heard of a fudge recipe and made 30 pounds of it for a senior auction.
Which country invented fudge? ›
Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.
Is fudge a New England thing? ›
It is primarily a regional food, found in New England and some places in the Southern United States, though in the latter it goes by different names, including creamy praline fudge, and brown sugar fudge candy.
Why is fudge called fudge? ›
The exact origin and inventor of this delicious confection are hotly debated. However, many believe the first batch of fudge was created by accident when American bakers “fudged” a batch of caramels. Hence the name “fudge.”
What state is known for fudge? ›
On Michigan's world-renowned Mackinac Island, the sweet aroma of fudge wafts out onto the street from four unique Ryba's Fudge Shops.
Where is the fudge capital of the world? ›
Whether you visit Mackinac Island on National Fudge Day in June or any other day – maybe during the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in August – come find your favorite flavor and experience the fudge capital of the world!
What do Americans call fudge? ›
Fudge is a rich, chocolate candy made with plenty of sugar, cream, and butter. Fudge is usually cut into squares and eaten in small quantities. While fudge comes in many different flavors, it's usually chocolate. In the US, another kind of fudge is smooth, melted chocolate that can be poured over the top of ice cream.
Where is the best fudge in the world? ›
Mackinac Magic
On Michigan's world-renowned Mackinac Island, the sweet aroma of fudge wafts out onto the street from four unique Ryba's Fudge Shop locations.
Why is Mackinac Island fudge so good? ›
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. Joann's Fudge does not contain any preservatives or powdered ingredients.
Some people will try to tell you that tablet is a form of fudge. However, proper tablet aficionados (and we have been doing a lot of sampling) will tell you that there is a clear difference in texture between tablet and fudge. Fudge tends to be softer, while tablet has a grainier and more brittle texture.
Why is it called Russian fudge? ›
Apparently the “Russian fudge” and Toffee are very close to what is called Ирис (конфеты) (Iris) in Russian, that is, a partially caramelized and boiled-down, possibly beaten, mixture of milk, sugar, and butter.
What's the difference between fudge and chocolate fudge? ›
Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.
Does fudge go bad? ›
Homemade fudge will typically only last for a few weeks. This type of fudge is best kept in a fridge. Professional fudge depends upon how you purchased it. If bought in a sealed bag then this will remain fresh for at least 6 months.
Was fudge made by mistake? ›
That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.
Why is fudge sold at the beach? ›
Though it contains no saltwater, taffy—and fudge, its sister seaside treat—may benefit from being made in a beach climate. Perhaps the salty air simply gives people a hankering for something sweet; it's also possible that the candies' decelerated drying and oxidation in humid air give them a unique “coastal” flavor.
Why is fudge a Michigan thing? ›
Mackinac Island is where it is believed to have begun. Father and son Henry and Jerome “Rome” Murdick were hired to create canvas awnings for the new Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Using Rome's mother Sara's family recipes from Germany they opened the island's first candy store in 1887.
What is the difference between British fudge and American fudge? ›
Not only is there American chocolate fudge, there are also flavors of fudge made in English style. The difference between the American chocolate fudge and the English fudge is in the texture. The English fudge is more firm and crumbs whereas the American type is softer.
Why is fudge a tourist thing? ›
So maybe fudge—like Dippin' Dots or cotton candy—became a tourist dessert because it was a novel way of making sweets. Fudgeries provided both the entertainment of watching something new and unusual being made and the happy junk-food rush of eating a filling, sweet candy.
