Failed fudge is annoying, indeed, but it doesn’t have to be a total loss. You can incorporate fudge in many other recipes that are even better than the original one.
In this house, we throw nothing, so with every failed dessert, we become a tad more creative. Here are 5 best ways to transform failed fudge into rich, tasty desserts that will blow your mind!
If you’re dealing with a runny fudge, incorporate it into a milkshake or hot sauce, to pair with other desserts like basque cheesecake or churros. On the other side, if your fudge is too dense, chop it into bite-size chunks and add to brownies or cake mix. The chunks will melt while baking and create pockets of creamy chocolate! Of course, you don’t need to have chocolate fudge only to make these desserts, read on for the best combinations!
I’m not a huge fan of fudge, but I adore desserts with fudge. Each of these ideas is super rich, with a strong chocolatey taste, so if you don’t like desserts like that, this one is not for you. Scroll down for 5 amazing recipes with fudge, plus numerous of tasty pairings!
5. Fudge Brownies
Fudge brownies are a huge hit, but brownies with fudge not so much. Still, it is super delish! This is a great way to use failed fudge, as you can crumble it and mix it into the standard brownie batter.
It is best to fragment the fudge into raspberry-size chunks, because they won’t sink, but still offer bursts of gooey chocolatey flavor. To make sure the fudge doesn’t drop to the very bottom, coat it lightly in flour before folding it in the batter.
These fudge brownies taste like double chocolate ones because of the layers of the rich flavor. Now, to spice things up, you can swirl peanut butter in the batter, as well.
Pro tip: Melt peanut butter in the microwave or over a double boiler. This will make swirling much easier. 1 teaspoon per swirl is enough.
If you’re not a peanut fan, you can change it for any other nut butter or even jam. The next idea is drizzling white chocolate on top for a tad of contrast.
Of course, you need to wait for brownies to chill, so you can slice them into even pieces. Take melted white chocolate, transfer it into a piping bag, and drizzle over the cakes.
Keep in mind, that the taste is pretty strong as every bite is abundant in chocolate. It is best to serve it with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries on the side, to smash the flavor.
You can also add some chopped nuts – walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or pecan are the best. It will add both flavor and texture.
When it comes to the base brownie mix, you can do whatever – boxed or from scratch. If making one at home, make sure to use fine-quality cocoa, as that’s the key to rich taste.
Also, melt the cocoa in hot water, milk, or coffee for flavors to bloom. Or simply, use whatever pre-made mix you fancy the most!
4. Hot Fudge Sauce
If your fudge is a disaster, making hot chocolate sauce is the only obvious choice. Depending on how thick you want it to be, melt it in milk or heavy cream.
If you have 1 lb of fudge, start with melting it in 1/3 cup of milk or cream. Bring it a tad under boiling point and add the fudge.
Stir it in and simmer it on low until you’re satisfied with the consistency. You can add even more flavor if you mix in a splash of liqueur.
The best ones in this combination are Kahlúa, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier. The sauce will be richer and more complex, as alcohol enhances the flavors of chocolate.
Coffee enhances the chocolatey flavors, as well, so pouring in a shot of espresso is a great idea. Also, spices are really nice finish.
You can add chili powder for a touch of heat, or cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm aftertaste. Orange zest offers a slight tang, that pairs with deep flavors of chocolate.
If you need an idea of what desserts to serve the fudge sauce, burnt basque cheesecake is the best option! But also, ice cream, waffles, pancakes, and churros are excellent choices to drizzle the sauce on.
It can act as dipping sauce for fruit or add it to coffee, to make mocha.
3. Fudge Truffles
Bite-size creamy truffles are always a decadent dessert. The key to a smooth bite is having a smooth fudge to start with.
What’s more, you need to let the fudge chill very well, the best overnight. Then, with a small scoop (1 tablespoon), take out even portions and roll each between your palms.
Before coating them in anything, let them chill again completely (about half an hour will be enough). Coating truffles in melted chocolate is a staple, but make sure to chill chocolate well, for at least 20 minutes.
Otherwise, truffles will melt and lose their shape. Use forks for dipping them, but do it gently making sure not to squeeze them.
Chopped nuts and sprinkles are great toppings to add some missing crunch, while cocoa powder and edible glitter give a note of elegance and bitterness. If you love layering chocolate, drizzle white one on the top, to add some contrast.
For a fruity note, sprinkle powdered freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries or even place a fresh raspberry in the middle of the truffle. Plus, drizzling caramel on top is a splendid choice!
2. Fudge Milkshake
Milkshakes endure it all! No matter how bad your fudge turned out, it will be fabulous in a milkshake.
Blend fudge with milk, but make sure to not go overboard, as it will have an intense fudgy flavor. ¼ cup of fudge for a cup of milk is enough.
Ice cream is a chief addition to any old-school shake. Depending on how thick you want it to be, choose anywhere between a scoop to 2 cups.
A milkshake made like this is super rich, but if you want a more decadent flavor, add a few more additions. A splash of vanilla is a staple, yet adding caramel sauce or fruity syrups is amazing, as well.
You can also pair it with chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candy, or cookie crumbs, for a tad of texture. Finely chopped nuts and liquors in a milkshake may be unconventional but still tasty!
Of course, to make a milkshake, you don’t need to have a classic chocolate fudge. Peanut butter, chocolate mint, rocky road, cookies & cream, or coconut-flavored fudge are superb in this combination!
1. Fudge Cake Mix-In
Chocolate cake mix with fudge is an obvious choice, but there are many other tasty ones. Vanilla, red velvet, spice, lemon, or coconut cake mix pairs flawlessly with fudge chunks.
Considering your taste, you can add as much fudge as you want. Still, it can turn out dense and heavy if there is too much.
An ideal ratio is between ½ to 1 cup of fudge per standard box of cake mix. Break down the fudge into smaller pieces and mix them evenly into the cake.
Those tiny pieces won’t affect the baking time significantly, so be free to bake the cake according to the instructions on the box. It is better for the fudge to stay gooey in the cake, as it will be super moist and chocolatey like that.
When it comes to other ingredients, you will need to adjust them a tad. Fudge is a sugary treat, so adding it to an already sweet cake mix could be overwhelming.
So, choose a little less sweet cake mixes, or if you adding it on your own – reduce the amount. Also, make sure to have the right batter consistency, so maybe cut down the liquid.
It should be thick, as fudge contains moisture, too. When mixing fudge chunks in, make sure not to overmix as it the cake will become chewy and tough.
