What is the soft ball stage for fudge?

Soft ball stage is 112-115c (234-240c). You can also test for soft ball stage by using a glass of cold water. When the fudge has boiled for about 10 minutes start to test by dropping a little of the mixture into a glass of cold water.

How long does it take for fudge to reach soft ball stage?

Boil until the mixture reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer. Stir occasionally throughout the boiling time. Note: If you do not have a candy thermometer, allow the mixture to boil to the soft-ball stage. Check after boiling for 10 minutes.

How do you know when fudge mixture is ready?

The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112 to 114 °C (234 to 237 °F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water. Let the mixture cool before beating. The temperature at this point should be between 43 to 45 °C (110 to 113 °F). The fudge should be warm but not burning hot.

What temperature is soft crack stage?

Divinity or rock candy is typically cooked to this stage. If the candy forms flexible, but not brittle threads after dropping a small amount into cold water, the candy is at the soft crack stage or 270° — 290°F. Cook candies such as butterscotch to this temperature.

How do you determine soft ball stage?

Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it’s pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.

What does firm ball stage look like?

A test for sugar syrup describing the point at which a drop of boiling syrup immersed in cold water forms a firm but pliable ball. On a candy thermometer, the firm-ball stage is between 244° and 248°F.

Do you Stir fudge while boiling?

Don’t stir the fudge Shaking or stirring the fudge mixture while it’s boiling or cooling causes premature crystal growth. If the crystals form too early, they continue to grow and become too large. Let it cool Start beating the fudge only when it has cooled down to 110°F. It will be glossy and dark brown.

What consistency should fudge be before it sets?

Fudge problems can range from too soft, to gritty, grainy or too sticky. Ideally, you want a firm consistency that hardens well, cuts well and is not too sticky. (like this peanut butter swirl fudge.)

How do you make soft ball stage?

For example, at 235° F, the syrup is at the “soft-ball” stage. That means that when you drop a bit of it into cold water to cool it down, it will form a soft ball. Most candy recipes will tell you to boil your sugar mixture until it reaches one of the stages below.

How can you tell the soft crack stage without a thermometer?

Skill level. To check your sugar syrup has reached the correct stage without using a sugar thermometer, place a bowl of very cold water next to the hob. Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup.

What does soft ball stage mean in cooking?

A method of testing sugar syrup to see if it has boiled to the proper stage of cooking. It is the point when a drop of boiling syrup is dropped into cold water and forms a soft ball which will flatten on its own when removed. On a candy thermometer the temperature would have reached at least 234°F.

What is the soft ball stage in candy making?

Learn What the “Soft-Ball Stage” is in Candy Making 1 Determining Each Stage. A candy thermometer is a necessary tool for making candy at home. 2 Soft-Ball Stage. Soft-ball stage refers to a specific temperature range when cooking sugar syrups, occurring between 235 and 245 F. 3 Candymaking Troubleshooting.

How do you know when Fudge is ready to cool?

If it forms a ball that is soft enough to flatten between your fingers, the mixture is ready for cooling. When the fudge cools to 110 degrees F/43 degrees C, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer glossy. Then you can stir in the nuts, or any other extra flavorings, and transfer it to the cooling pan.

Why is it called soft ball stage?

If it has reached soft-ball stage, the syrup easily forms a ball while in the cold water but flattens once removed from the water. This consistency of a “soft-ball” is where the name of this stage originated from.

How do you know when syrup has reached soft ball stage?

In the water, use your fingers to gather the cooled syrup into a ball. If it has reached soft-ball stage, the syrup easily forms a ball while in the cold water but flattens once removed from the water. This consistency of a “soft-ball” is where the name of this stage originated from.