Clotted cream fudge is a type of candy that comes from the United Kingdom. Though this type of fudge can be made in other parts of the world, clotted cream is not common or well known outside of this nation, though there are similar dairy products found in the Middle East. With its high fat content and thick texture, clotted cream takes the place of both cream and butter in fudge. Sugar and vanilla, chocolate or other flavorings are also added to this type of fudge.
With a texture and flavor somewhere in-between cream and butter, clotted cream can be easily substituted for both these ingredients when used in fudge. Clotted cream is a thick, rich, fatty dairy product that is made from fresh cream. In order to make clotted cream, cream must be separated from milk and heated, producing a substance that is much thicker than raw cream. Though the cream is heated, it is not truly pasteurized, so some people do not consider it a safe dairy product.
In order to make clotted cream fudge, clotted cream and sugar are heated to a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit (116 degrees Celsius). Any flavorings, such as cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt should be cooked along with the sugar and clotted cream. Once the mixture has reached the correct temperature, it is allowed to cool until the temperature drops to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). At this point, nuts or dried fruit can be mixed into the clotted cream fudge.
When the fudge is at a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), it must be stirred continuously until it starts to thicken. Stirring the fudge helps small sugar crystals to form throughout the mixture so that the texture of the candy is soft and chewy and yet firm enough to hold together on its own. After the clotted cream fudge sets, it can be poured onto a tray until it has cooled completely.
This type of candy is rich and is usually eaten in small pieces. The large amount of sugar in clotted cream fudge makes it a very sweet of candy while the clotted cream gives the fudge has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in a person's mouth. Like other types of fudge, clotted cream fudge can be made in many different flavors, though vanilla is popular because this allows the flavor of the clotted cream to be enjoyed in the candy.