California Fruit Fudge

📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A rich chocolate fudge loaded with candied fruits. This vintage recipe features chopped cherries, pineapple, figs, raisins, and coconut folded into a smooth chocolate base.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins20 minsNone18 large squares

🔪 Key Equipment

  • saucepan
  • candy thermometer
  • 8x4x3 inch loaf pan
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 sq.ChocolateUnsweetened
3/4 c.MilkRoom temperature
2 c.SugarGranulated
DashSaltFine
2 Tbsp.ButterSoftened
1 tsp.VanillaExtract
1/4 c.CherriesCandied, chopped
1/4 c.PineappleCandied, chopped
1/4 c.FigsDried, chopped
1/4 c.RaisinsSeedless, chopped
1/4 c.CoconutShredded

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Add 2 sq. Chocolate to 3/4 c. Milk in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and blended.
  2. Add 2 c. Sugar and dash Salt, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.

Step 2: Boil and Cool

  1. Continue boiling, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 232°F or until a small amount of the mixture forms a very soft ball when dropped into cold water.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in 2 Tbsp. Butter and 1 tsp. Vanilla. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm.

Step 3: Beat and Set

  1. Beat the mixture vigorously until it begins to thicken and loses its glossy sheen.
  2. Fold in the 1/4 c. Cherries, 1/4 c. Pineapple, 1/4 c. Figs, 1/4 c. Raisins, and 1/4 c. Coconut.
  3. Turn the mixture at once into a greased 8x4x3 inch loaf pan. Once the fudge is completely cold, cut into squares.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.


Original Recipe Scan

![Original Handwritten Card](Handwritten_2026-01-04_111655 (2).webp)