Vanilla and Tonka Bean Fudge Recipe

Introduction

This Vanilla and Tonka Bean Fudge is a rich and creamy treat with a unique twist from the fragrant tonka bean. Combining smooth white chocolate and a hint of sea salt, it offers a decadent balance of flavors perfect for any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 300 ml Heavy cream (1¼ cup)
• 225 g Sugar (1 cup)
• 100 ml Golden syrup (3.5 oz) (⅖ cup)
• 1 Vanilla pod
• ½ Tonka bean (finely grated, optional)
• 100 g White chocolate, chopped (3.5 oz)
• 50 g Butter (1.8 oz)
• 1 tsp Flaky sea salt + extra for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut open the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds. Place both the pod and seeds into a saucepan with the heavy cream, sugar, golden syrup, and finely grated tonka bean if using.
2. Step 2: Heat the mixture gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until the temperature reaches 120°C (248°F), then remove the vanilla pod.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped white chocolate, butter, and flaky sea salt until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Step 4: Pour the fudge mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle extra flaky sea salt over the top for garnish, then chill in the refrigerator until fully set.
5. Step 5: Once set, remove from the pan and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy your creamy, flavorful fudge!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute tonka bean with additional vanilla or a pinch of ground cinnamon if unavailable.
• Use good quality white chocolate for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top before chilling.
• If you prefer less saltiness, reduce the flaky sea salt to ½ teaspoon.

Storage

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow pieces to come to room temperature for a few minutes before eating for the best texture. You can also freeze the fudge for up to one month, thawing in the fridge overnight before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is a tonka bean and can I skip it?

Tonka bean is a fragrant spice with notes of vanilla, almond, and cinnamon. It adds a unique flavor to the fudge but is optional. If you don’t have it, simply omit it or replace it with extra vanilla.

Can I use a candy thermometer or another method to check the temperature?

A candy thermometer is recommended to reach the precise 120°C (248°F) for the perfect fudge texture. If you don’t have one, cook to a soft-ball stage, where a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft, flexible ball.

Vanilla and Tonka Bean Fudge Recipe

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A luxurious Vanilla and Tonka Bean Fudge featuring a smooth blend of cream, golden syrup, and white chocolate, infused with aromatic vanilla pod and a hint of tonka bean. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle saltiness.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 16 pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fudge Base

• 300 ml Heavy cream (1¼ cup)
• 225 g Sugar (1 cup)
• 100 ml Golden syrup (3.5 oz) (⅖ cup)
• 1 Vanilla pod
• ½ Tonka bean (finely grated, optional)

Mix-ins

• 100 g White chocolate, chopped (3.5 oz)
• 50 g Butter (1.8 oz)
• 1 tsp Flaky sea salt + extra for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Cut open the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife. Add both the pod and the seeds to a saucepan along with the heavy cream, sugar, golden syrup, and the finely grated tonka bean if using.
2. Cook the mixture: Gently heat the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer and cook until it reaches 120°C (248°F) on a candy thermometer. This temperature is critical for a perfect fudge texture. Once reached, remove the vanilla pod from the mixture.
3. Add the mix-ins: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped white chocolate, butter, and 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
4. Set the fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a loaf pan that has been lined with baking parchment or greaseproof paper. Evenly sprinkle extra flaky sea salt over the top to enhance texture and flavor.
5. Cool and cut: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the fudge until it is fully set and firm, which typically takes several hours. Once set, remove from the pan using the paper lining, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

• Using a candy thermometer is essential to achieve the correct temperature for the fudge to set properly.
• Tonka bean adds a unique warm, vanilla-like aroma but is optional and should be finely grated as it has a strong flavor.
• Flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor by providing a slight crunch and balance to the sweetness.
• Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Allow fudge to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Vanilla fudge, Tonka bean fudge, white chocolate fudge, homemade fudge, easy dessert, creamy fudge, sea salt fudge