Fudge already set, can you soften and re-set it?

Fudge already set, can you soften and re-set it? - Paint brush near can on floor at home

I have plans to make fudge this year for the holidays but wanted to try a new method for making it. I want to use silicone molds to put the fudge in so that once it sets it is pre-shaped. My only concern is that the molds I have don't hold a full batch of fudge. If the excess sets before I put it in the molds, is there a way to resoften it and then put it in the molds and have it set again?



Best Answer

My understanding of the fudge process is that you are aiming to make a supersaturated solution of sugars at heat, which, when cooled, will cause the sugars to crash out of solution all at onece into the fine crystals characteristic of fudge. This is the reason you need to remove sugar crystals from the sides of the pan - so that they don't act as nucleation points, allowing bigger crystals to form.

There are a few different sorts of fudge, some of which will be easier to fix than others. Traditional fudge is the fussiest to get right, but also the easiest to fix if necessary. So called "quick" fudge made with condensed milk or marshmallow fluff is easier to get right, but not as easy to fix, and does not rely on so heavily on sugar crystallization, but rather on protein precipitation acting as .

In principle for traditional fudge you could re-heat it by adding more liquid so that the sugars dissolve. You would then need to evaporate the excess liquid (but don't exceed the soft-ball stage at 237 F/114 C) to recreate your supersaturated solution. Whether this will work or not will likely depend on your skill at maintaining the temperature below the point above, so as to neither burn the fudge, nor turn it into toffee.

For quick fudges, there is some protein content in there from the milk or the gelatin in the fluff, which affect these. You can't really re-dissolve proteins that have precipitated and aggregated, so you will not be able to melt these ones effectively.




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Quick Answer about "Fudge already set, can you soften and re-set it?"

In principle for traditional fudge you could re-heat it by adding more liquid so that the sugars dissolve. You would then need to evaporate the excess liquid (but don't exceed the soft-ball stage at 237 F/114 C) to recreate your supersaturated solution.

Can you make hard fudge soft again?

The best method for softening hard fudge is to place your fudge in a large plastic bag along with a few pieces of bread. After putting everything in your bag, seal it up tight and allow it to set for at least ten hours. Your fudge will absorb moisture from the bread and it will be back to soft and delicious.

How do you fix hardened fudge?

To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.

How do you refresh fudge?

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 fix fudge that didnt set?

Solutions for Too-Soft Fudge If you followed your recipe's instructions and your fudge still did not harden properly, add a little bit of evaporated milk (start with 1/8 of your recipe's amount) and very slowly bring your fudge back to a boiling point, carefully checking your candy thermometer to avoid burning.



How to Fix Fudge




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