Chocolate Amaretto Fudge Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, soft music playing in the background, and the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. Here I am, ready to dive into creating the most decadent amaretto-infused chocolate fudge that’s about to become my new guilty pleasure.

Chocolate amaretto fudge is a favorite of mine! I love its rich and creamy delight.

My fudge just hangs off the spoon, luxuriating in the shade of semisweet chocolate, all those good chocolatey flavors, and the glorious melting together of chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Amaretto liqueur makes its presence felt, enhances the flavor, and is even more present when certain recipes call for it in great amounts.

But a pinch of salt brings everything into balance.

Ingredients

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Rich in antioxidants, primarily carbohydrates, natural sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: High in sugar, creamy texture, enhances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and provides fat.
• Amaretto Liqueur: Nutty almond flavor, aromatic, slightly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances chocolate flavor, aromatic sweetness.
• Chopped Almonds: Provides crunch, protein, healthy fats (optional).
• Salt: Balances sweetness, enhances flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang so that the finished product can be easily removed from the dish. Set the dish aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the semisweet chocolate chips, the sweetened condensed milk, and the unsalted butter.

3. Put the saucepan on a low flame and stir continuously. You want to achieve a mixture that is smooth and fully melted. “Fully melted” means you should not see any solid bits. Be careful not to let it burn.

4. Pull the saucepan from the heat and mix in the amaretto liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, ensuring a thorough blend.

5. When using, incorporate the chopped almonds so that they are evenly dispersed throughout the fudge.

6. Place the chocolate mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared for baking, and spread it evenly with a spatula.

7. Gently tap the dish on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles and assist in leveling the surface.

8. Put the fudge in the refrigerator and let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours or until it is firm and set.

9. When the fudge is settled, take the overhanging parchment paper and lift the fudge out of the dish. Parallels always conform to the original’s shape. If the edges of your lifted fudge appear ragged, simply trim them with a sharp knife.

10. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into small squares. Clean the knife between cuts to maintain neat edges. Serve and enjoy your classic chocolate almond fudge!

Equipment Needed

1. 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish
2. Parchment paper
3. Medium saucepan
4. Stirring spoon or spatula
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Sharp knife
8. Cutting board
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?You can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge, but it may alter the balance of flavors slightly.
• Q: Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for amaretto liqueur?Almond extract can be used as an alternative to alcohol, but use only 1-2 teaspoons due to its powerful taste.
• Q: How should I store the fudge?An airtight container is necessary when storing fudge. You can place it in the fridge, and it will be fine for two weeks, but don’t expect it to last any longer than that. Fudge has a shelf life of about two weeks, whether it’s in the container and fridge or on the counter. Still, fudge can last a lot longer than two weeks, but only if you store it properly.
• Q: Can I use a different type of nut besides almonds?A: Of course, if you would rather, you could use walnuts or pecans instead.
• Q: Is it necessary to add the chopped almonds?A: No, if you want a nut-free fudge you can leave out the almonds. They are not necessary.
• Q: How long does it take for the fudge to set?A: Setting time varies with temperature; the fudge will set in about 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can this fudge be frozen?A: You can store it for up to three months if you tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container.

Chocolate Amaretto Fudge Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chips made of semisweet chocolate: Substitute with dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a different intensity of sweetness.
Condensed milk processed with sugar: Use sweetened coconut condensed milk instead, and for an even richer flavor, try using caramelized coconut condensed milk top replace the dairy. Either option you choose will be delish!
Butter with no salt: Use coconut oil or margarine for a non-dairy alternative in recipes.
Amaretto liqueur: For an option without alcohol, use almond extract and reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons. This accounts for the powerful flavor.
Diced almonds: Exchange with diced hazelnuts or pecans for an even nuttier taste.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Almonds: If using almonds, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the fudge. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.