Making and Keeping Vanilla Fudge

Our answer

Home-made fudge, such as Nigella's Vanilla Fudge (on the Nigella website) keeps fairly well. The main risk is that it dries out and becomes a little crumbly. Fudge does not need to be stored in a sterilised jar but one with an airtight seal is a good idea. Otherwise try to use a container with a tight-fitting lid.

In a cool place the fudge will keep for about 2 weeks but you can also keep the fudge in the fridge which will extend the life for 3 to 4 weeks. Fudge can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. If freezing the fudge you may prefer to put pieces of baking parchment (parchment paper) in between layers of the fudge to prevent the pieces freezing together. The fudge will thaw very quickly at room temperature.

If the fudge mixture has only been gently simmered then there is a good chance that it has not reached the correct temperature for setting, even after 30 minutes. This is called soft ball stage and is reached when a sugar mixture gets to 112c/235F. So next time let the the mixture bubble away fairly briskly. If you have a batch of unset fudge then you could use it as a butterscotch sauce instead, to serve with ice cream and fruit. It will keep in the fridge for up to a month or can be frozen for up to 3 months.