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All Reviews for Opera Fudge
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Gallery
Read the full recipe after the video.
Recipe Summary
Yield: Makes 3 pounds
opera fudge
Ingredients
Ingredient Checklist
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature, plus more for baking sheet
4 cups granulated sugar
2 cups light cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound unsweetened baking chocolate
1/2 ounce food paraffin
Gallery
Read the full recipe after the video.
Recipe Summary
Yield: Makes 3 pounds
opera fudge
Gallery
Read the full recipe after the video.
Read the full recipe after the video.
Recipe Summary
Yield: Makes 3 pounds
Recipe Summary
Yield: Makes 3 pounds
Yield: Makes 3 pounds
Makes 3 pounds
opera fudge
opera fudge
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature, plus more for baking sheet
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups light cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pound unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1/2 ounce food paraffin
Directions
Butter a rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
Mix sugar and cream together in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and bring to a boil. Add butter, and cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer, 50 to 60 minutes.
Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let cool 2 hours. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and stir in vanilla. Using your hands, begin to pull and press the mixture. Keep pulling and kneading mixture until it lightens in color, loses its shine, and no longer sticks to your fingers, 15 to 45 minutes. Roll mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm and cold, about 10 minutes.
In a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water, melt chocolate and food paraffin, stirring until smooth and well combined. Using a toothpick, dip each ball into chocolate mixture, and return to baking sheet. Refrigerate until fudge is chilled and chocolate has set, about 30 minutes. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Reviews (23)
Add Rating & Review
113 Ratings
5 star values:
20
4 star values:
20
3 star values:
36
2 star values:
28
1 star values:
9
Load More Reviews
Reviews (23)
Add Rating & Review
113 Ratings
5 star values:
20
4 star values:
20
3 star values:
36
2 star values:
28
1 star values:
9
Add Rating & Review
113 Ratings
5 star values:
20
4 star values:
20
3 star values:
36
2 star values:
28
1 star values:
9
113 Ratings
5 star values:
20
4 star values:
20
3 star values:
36
2 star values:
28
1 star values:
9
113 Ratings
5 star values:
20
4 star values:
20
3 star values:
36
2 star values:
28
1 star values:
9
- 5 star values:
- 20
- 4 star values:
- 20
- 3 star values:
- 36
- 2 star values:
- 28
- 1 star values:
- 9
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: 5 stars
07/28/2017
I have tried numerous other recipes for this candy and failed I had it in northern ky on a cake and came home and started immediately trying to make with only horrible fails. This recipe the first time making it and it is perfect!!!! Very easy to follow and simple instructions it went fast it cooked fast and cooled in 30 minutes I put the mixture in my kitchen aid stand mixer and viola . I am shocked and thrilled I keep looking at it on my counter lol. ❤️ Thanks again candy lady and Martha you rock ......
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
12/15/2014
I also grew up in Lebanon and ate pounds of opera fudge. What can I do to keep the consistency of the candy while halving the sugar? We now find the candy is too sweet. When I used less sugar, the taste was perfect for us but the consistency did not allow for it to be rolled or cut in squares. If you kept it refrigerated in the dish, you could eat it with a spoon but it was soft. Is there a stabilizing ingredient I can add to give it the texture it needs for rolling? Thanks!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: 5 stars
11/09/2014
Thank you Rose for this recipe. I grew up in Lebanon and couldn't wait till Easter and the Holidays game around to get some Opera Fudge! It's so funny that it is unknown outside Lebanon county. Having move to Lancaster County, I have been searching for years for this recipe since everyone I knew either wouldn't share or they passed away.
I made this and nailed it on the first try!!! So excited. But I would like to know when and how much peanut butter to add?
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: 5 stars
09/11/2014
Hi everyone, I'm Rose Richard. I'm sorry to read the posts where the opera fudge didn't get to the desired consistency that makes opera fudge gets its reputation as one of the most wonderful confectionary you'll taste. It really is a very tricky candy to make. I URGE anyone wishing to make it to watch the part one and part two videos posted on Martha's website. There are SO many helpful hints that I learned my first times attempting to making opera fudge - worth the hard work:-)
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
04/07/2014
I attempted making this recipe and it didn't turn out right. I followed the recipe to the "t" and still ran into issues. I did not stir the mixture at all after first adding the cream and sugar and the pot had thick sides where the sugar built up. When I went to pour the mixture out on the pan the sides of sugar came out with all of it. So when it came to kneading and mixing by hand it was all grainy. Is there anyway to solve the issue of having the rim of sugar in the pot?
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
11/25/2013
After reading some of the reviews I felt I needed to add a comment. As a Lebanon native I have been making this for 50 years. The temp(240) is to high, causing the dry crumbly mix upon beating. Ideal temp is 236 to 238 removing from burner when it beeps. Don't try to make this during high humidity or it will "sugar". We have always poured the hit mix onto a buttered heavy platter. I warm it in the oven while cooking the fudge, keeping the chance of condensation low, another culprit of the sugary
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
11/27/2012
The first time I made this it did what a lot of people are talking about, it became hard and crumbly. I believe it 'curdled' and the butter oil separated ( that's why, at least in my case, it was oily). I was determined and KEPT KNEADING for a while. It let off more oil and was dry an and crumbly, but eventually it reabsorbed and came together as fluffy and pliable. It was not as smooth as the second time I made it(without this problem) but it certainly came together and tasted and felt great.
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
10/18/2012
I have been making opera fudge for 35 years. My recipe is a little different than this one, I don't add butter and it makes about 100 pieces. I have learned that making opera fudge is an art. When I first started mine sometimes sugared or was too soft but that hasn't happened to me in years. Making opera fudge can be frustrating but once you learn, it is well worth it.
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
10/13/2012
how many exactly does this make??
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
10/10/2012
I also grew up making Opera Fudge at Christmas with my mother. She was given the recipe by a friend who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. The difference is that Mom would pour the unworked fondant on plates and it was whipped with a knife. She also made other flavors - maple/walnut, mint, and cherry. The candies were made several weeks before Christmas, layered with waxed paper in cookie tins and put in a cool place to "age."
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
04/02/2012
For anyone who has successfully made this recipe - where did I go wrong? After the mixture cooled on the baking sheet, it was the texture/taste of caramel. After kneeding in the bowl about 20 mins it turned hard and crumbled. HELP!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
09/29/2011
I grew up eating this candy, I remember my grandmother having it in her refrigerator, it was such a treat! My understanding is that the company that used to sell it in Lancaster has since gone out of business and I have been searching for YEARS to find out how to make it, Thank you SO much Rose and Martha!!! My family will be so thrilled!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
03/19/2011
I watched the video *after* making it and for anyone attempting this recipe, WATCH THE VIDEO FIRST!! There are a couple of vague instructions in the recipe that are made clear when you watch the video. Still don't know if I would attempt it again, but at least now I know where I went wrong!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
12/23/2010
I followed the directions exactly and it came out perfect! I did not add the foor paraffin because i didnt want wax in the candy, it didn't need the glossy shine. This was very time consuming but well worth it!!!!
To all those with problems...did you watch the video?
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
12/16/2010
This was my first time tackling something like this candy-wise. I followed the recipe to the "t" and even used two candy thermometers to make sure the temp was correct throughout the process. I kneaded the mixture for 15 mins then began to make the balls when -- I swear in a matter of SECONDS -- the consistency of the whole mass just changed! It went from a caramel consistency to a solid block of beige fudge -- and hard! Will NOT be making again!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
03/30/2010
I've made fuge plenty of times with no issues. This however was a challenge. All went well until the kneading started. It never full came together or got that nice off white color. Instead it looked curdled and was way to sweet and caramelly tasting. I believe i'll try a recipe that contains corn syrup and heavy cream and see how that goes.
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
12/24/2009
My great-grandma, from Lebanon, PA, used heavy whipping cream in her recipe which was passed down to me. I have made opera fudge for the past few years. A few tips: 1) Do NOT stir or scrape the pot while it's boiling. 2) Do NOT scrape the pot when you pour the mixture onto the pan. 3) Do NOT refrigerate the mixture to cool it (this will make it very hard to knead). Hope this helps!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
04/18/2009
My sister in law and I tried to make this opera fudge twice and I am from Lebanon County where opera fudge supposedly originated from and this was a complete waste of valuable time! save yourself time and the hassle and just visit Lebanon County and pick up a box, each time we tried this it was gritty and tasted nothing like what I know of Opera fudge!
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
12/26/2008
mine
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
11/29/2008
OK2STARE: I BELLIEVE YOU COULD PROBABLY USE REGULAR (POURING) CREAM - IE: THE TYPE YOU WOULD USE IN YOUR COFFEE
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
11/16/2008
I cant find light cream, what can I use in its place?
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
04/16/2008
Food paraffin is wax and it's edible but not digestible. To avoid it, purchase couverture n n n n n n a very high quality chocolate containing at least 32% cocoa butter, or add vegetable shortening; 1/4 cup per # of chocolate. It gives chocolate the shine and snap that nasty paraffin does.
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: Unrated
03/27/2008
what is food paraffin?
Martha Stewart Member
Rating: 5 stars
07/28/2017
I have tried numerous other recipes for this candy and failed I had it in northern ky on a cake and came home and started immediately trying to make with only horrible fails. This recipe the first time making it and it is perfect!!!! Very easy to follow and simple instructions it went fast it cooked fast and cooled in 30 minutes I put the mixture in my kitchen aid stand mixer and viola . I am shocked and thrilled I keep looking at it on my counter lol. ❤️ Thanks again candy lady and Martha you rock ......
Rating: 5 stars
Rating: Unrated
12/15/2014
I also grew up in Lebanon and ate pounds of opera fudge. What can I do to keep the consistency of the candy while halving the sugar? We now find the candy is too sweet. When I used less sugar, the taste was perfect for us but the consistency did not allow for it to be rolled or cut in squares. If you kept it refrigerated in the dish, you could eat it with a spoon but it was soft. Is there a stabilizing ingredient I can add to give it the texture it needs for rolling? Thanks!
Rating: Unrated
Rating: 5 stars
11/09/2014
Thank you Rose for this recipe. I grew up in Lebanon and couldn't wait till Easter and the Holidays game around to get some Opera Fudge! It's so funny that it is unknown outside Lebanon county. Having move to Lancaster County, I have been searching for years for this recipe since everyone I knew either wouldn't share or they passed away.
I made this and nailed it on the first try!!! So excited. But I would like to know when and how much peanut butter to add?
Rating: 5 stars
09/11/2014
Hi everyone, I'm Rose Richard. I'm sorry to read the posts where the opera fudge didn't get to the desired consistency that makes opera fudge gets its reputation as one of the most wonderful confectionary you'll taste. It really is a very tricky candy to make. I URGE anyone wishing to make it to watch the part one and part two videos posted on Martha's website. There are SO many helpful hints that I learned my first times attempting to making opera fudge - worth the hard work:-)
Rating: Unrated
04/07/2014
I attempted making this recipe and it didn't turn out right. I followed the recipe to the "t" and still ran into issues. I did not stir the mixture at all after first adding the cream and sugar and the pot had thick sides where the sugar built up. When I went to pour the mixture out on the pan the sides of sugar came out with all of it. So when it came to kneading and mixing by hand it was all grainy. Is there anyway to solve the issue of having the rim of sugar in the pot?
Rating: Unrated
11/25/2013
After reading some of the reviews I felt I needed to add a comment. As a Lebanon native I have been making this for 50 years. The temp(240) is to high, causing the dry crumbly mix upon beating. Ideal temp is 236 to 238 removing from burner when it beeps. Don't try to make this during high humidity or it will "sugar". We have always poured the hit mix onto a buttered heavy platter. I warm it in the oven while cooking the fudge, keeping the chance of condensation low, another culprit of the sugary
Rating: Unrated
11/27/2012
The first time I made this it did what a lot of people are talking about, it became hard and crumbly. I believe it 'curdled' and the butter oil separated ( that's why, at least in my case, it was oily). I was determined and KEPT KNEADING for a while. It let off more oil and was dry an and crumbly, but eventually it reabsorbed and came together as fluffy and pliable. It was not as smooth as the second time I made it(without this problem) but it certainly came together and tasted and felt great.
Rating: Unrated
10/18/2012
I have been making opera fudge for 35 years. My recipe is a little different than this one, I don't add butter and it makes about 100 pieces. I have learned that making opera fudge is an art. When I first started mine sometimes sugared or was too soft but that hasn't happened to me in years. Making opera fudge can be frustrating but once you learn, it is well worth it.
Rating: Unrated
10/13/2012
how many exactly does this make??
Rating: Unrated
10/10/2012
I also grew up making Opera Fudge at Christmas with my mother. She was given the recipe by a friend who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. The difference is that Mom would pour the unworked fondant on plates and it was whipped with a knife. She also made other flavors - maple/walnut, mint, and cherry. The candies were made several weeks before Christmas, layered with waxed paper in cookie tins and put in a cool place to "age."
Rating: Unrated
04/02/2012
For anyone who has successfully made this recipe - where did I go wrong? After the mixture cooled on the baking sheet, it was the texture/taste of caramel. After kneeding in the bowl about 20 mins it turned hard and crumbled. HELP!
Rating: Unrated
09/29/2011
I grew up eating this candy, I remember my grandmother having it in her refrigerator, it was such a treat! My understanding is that the company that used to sell it in Lancaster has since gone out of business and I have been searching for YEARS to find out how to make it, Thank you SO much Rose and Martha!!! My family will be so thrilled!
Rating: Unrated
03/19/2011
I watched the video *after* making it and for anyone attempting this recipe, WATCH THE VIDEO FIRST!! There are a couple of vague instructions in the recipe that are made clear when you watch the video. Still don't know if I would attempt it again, but at least now I know where I went wrong!
Rating: Unrated
12/23/2010
I followed the directions exactly and it came out perfect! I did not add the foor paraffin because i didnt want wax in the candy, it didn't need the glossy shine. This was very time consuming but well worth it!!!!
To all those with problems...did you watch the video?
Rating: Unrated
12/16/2010
This was my first time tackling something like this candy-wise. I followed the recipe to the "t" and even used two candy thermometers to make sure the temp was correct throughout the process. I kneaded the mixture for 15 mins then began to make the balls when -- I swear in a matter of SECONDS -- the consistency of the whole mass just changed! It went from a caramel consistency to a solid block of beige fudge -- and hard! Will NOT be making again!
Rating: Unrated
03/30/2010
I've made fuge plenty of times with no issues. This however was a challenge. All went well until the kneading started. It never full came together or got that nice off white color. Instead it looked curdled and was way to sweet and caramelly tasting. I believe i'll try a recipe that contains corn syrup and heavy cream and see how that goes.
Rating: Unrated
12/24/2009
My great-grandma, from Lebanon, PA, used heavy whipping cream in her recipe which was passed down to me. I have made opera fudge for the past few years. A few tips: 1) Do NOT stir or scrape the pot while it's boiling. 2) Do NOT scrape the pot when you pour the mixture onto the pan. 3) Do NOT refrigerate the mixture to cool it (this will make it very hard to knead). Hope this helps!
Rating: Unrated
04/18/2009
My sister in law and I tried to make this opera fudge twice and I am from Lebanon County where opera fudge supposedly originated from and this was a complete waste of valuable time! save yourself time and the hassle and just visit Lebanon County and pick up a box, each time we tried this it was gritty and tasted nothing like what I know of Opera fudge!
Rating: Unrated
12/26/2008
mine
Rating: Unrated
11/29/2008
OK2STARE: I BELLIEVE YOU COULD PROBABLY USE REGULAR (POURING) CREAM - IE: THE TYPE YOU WOULD USE IN YOUR COFFEE
Rating: Unrated
11/16/2008
I cant find light cream, what can I use in its place?
Rating: Unrated
04/16/2008
Food paraffin is wax and it's edible but not digestible. To avoid it, purchase couverture n n n n n n a very high quality chocolate containing at least 32% cocoa butter, or add vegetable shortening; 1/4 cup per # of chocolate. It gives chocolate the shine and snap that nasty paraffin does.
Rating: Unrated
03/27/2008
what is food paraffin?
All Reviews for Opera Fudge
- of Reviews
Reviews:
Most Helpful
Most Helpful
Most Positive
Least Positive
Newest
All Reviews for Opera Fudge
- of Reviews
Reviews:
Most Helpful
Most Helpful
Most Positive
Least Positive
Newest
Reviews:
Most Helpful
Most Helpful
Most Positive
Least Positive
Newest
