Gather all your ingredients and tools first—this ensures a smooth, stress-free process.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts shimmering and smells rich, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the mixture becomes glossy and begins to boil, releasing a chocolate aroma.
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to develop a deep, uniform color.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped nuts if you're using them for added crunch and texture.
Pour the hot fudge mixture into a parchment-lined pan, spreading it out evenly with your spatula. The mixture will be thick but smooth.
Let the fudge sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm and shiny with a slight crack on the surface when pressed.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares with a sharp knife for perfect slices.
Enjoy the rich, fudgy bites that melt smoothly with a deep cocoa flavor and a glossy finish—perfect for sharing or savoring alone.
