Welcome to the world of cannabis-infused desserts! While cannabis edibles have been around for a long time, more and more people are choosing to make their own at home. One popular option is cannabis fudge, which is not only delicious but also a discreet way to consume THC or CBD. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making homemade cannabis fudge. You don’t have to be an experienced cook to give it a try – these step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and yield a tasty result. Plus, making your own cannabis-infused desserts allows you to control the dosage and experiment with different strains to see what works best for you. Let’s get started!
What You Will Need to Make Cannabis Fudge
If you’re interested in making cannabis fudge at home, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. Here’s a list of the necessary ingredients and equipment:
| Ingredients: | 1 cup of unsalted butter | 4 cups of granulated sugar | 1 can of evaporated milk | 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract | 3 cups of chocolate chips | 1/2 cup of cannabis-infused coconut oil or butter | 1/2 teaspoon of salt |
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| Equipment: | A large saucepan | A candy thermometer | A wooden spoon | A baking dish | Parchment paper |
When purchasing your ingredients, it is important to look for high-quality products to ensure the best possible flavor and texture for your fudge. You can also choose to use either THC-infused or CBD-infused products, depending on your preference.
What to Look for When Choosing Cannabis-Infused Products
When choosing your cannabis-infused products, it is important to pay attention to the potency and strain of the cannabis. Potency refers to the amount of THC or CBD in the product, while the strain can affect the flavor and effects of the fudge.
If you are new to using cannabis-infused products, it is recommended that you start with a low potency and gradually increase the amount until you find the desired effect. It is also important to keep in mind that the effects of cannabis-infused edibles can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping.
Decarboxylating the Cannabis
Before you can infuse cannabis into your fudge, it’s important to decarboxylate the cannabis. Decarboxylation is a process that involves heating the cannabis to activate the THC and CBD, making them available for consumption.
To decarboxylate your cannabis, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break up the cannabis buds into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake the cannabis in the oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Remove the cannabis from the oven and let it cool before using it in your fudge.
It’s important to note that the temperature and time used for decarboxylation can vary depending on the type and quality of the cannabis you are using. Be sure to do your research and adjust accordingly.
Why Is Decarboxylation Important?
Decarboxylation is necessary for making cannabis edibles because raw cannabis contains mostly THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive compounds. In order to activate the psychoactive effects of THC and CBD, the plant material must be heated. Without decarboxylation, your fudge may not have the desired effects.
Infusing the Cannabis into the Butter
Now that you have decarboxylated your cannabis, it’s time to infuse it into the butter. This is a crucial step in making cannabis fudge, as it ensures that the THC or CBD is evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
To start, you’ll need to melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the decarboxylated cannabis. You should use a ratio of one ounce of cannabis to every pound of butter. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Next, you’ll need to heat the mixture for a period of time to allow the cannabis to fully infuse into the butter. You can do this by simmering the mixture over low heat for at least 2-3 hours. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
After the allotted time has passed, it’s time to strain the butter mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant material. Make sure to press down on the cannabis with a spoon or spatula to extract as much infused butter as possible.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully infused cannabis into butter! This infused butter is now ready to be used in your cannabis fudge recipe.
Making the Fudge Base
To make the fudge base, you will need a large mixing bowl and a saucepan. It’s important to have all of your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
| Ingredients: | – 2 cups granulated sugar | – ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder | – 1 cup whole milk | – 1 tablespoon light corn syrup | – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter | – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | – Pinch of salt |
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Begin by combining the sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and corn syrup in the saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the butter and continue to stir until it has melted. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
To check if the fudge base is ready, drop a small amount of it into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready. If it’s too soft, continue to cook the mixture for another minute or two.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and salt. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
The fudge base should now be thick and glossy. It’s important to work quickly at this point, as the mixture will start to cool and harden.
In the next section, we’ll be combining the cannabis-infused butter with the fudge base to create the cannabis fudge.
Combining the Cannabis-Infused Butter with the Fudge Base
Now that you have properly infused the cannabis into the butter and prepared the fudge base, it’s time to combine the two to make your cannabis fudge.
Start by melting the cannabis-infused butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it has melted completely, add the fudge base to the saucepan and stir continuously until everything is fully combined.
Be sure to stir the mixture slowly and consistently to avoid any clumps or uneven distribution of the cannabis. Once everything is evenly mixed, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Shaping the Fudge
Once the mixture has cooled a bit, it’s time to shape the fudge. You can either pour the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish or use a spoon to drop small dollops onto a greased baking sheet.
Smooth out the top of the fudge with a spatula or the back of a spoon, and let it cool completely. This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity level in your kitchen.
Cutting and Serving the Fudge
Once the fudge has cooled and hardened, remove it from the dish or baking sheet and cut it into small squares using a sharp knife. Be sure to clean the knife after each cut to avoid any excess residue.
You can store your cannabis fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When serving, be sure to label the dosage per serving and start with a small amount, as the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in and last longer than smoking or vaping.
Storing and Serving the Cannabis Fudge
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and potency of your cannabis fudge. To store your fudge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, depending on how long you plan to store it.
If you plan to keep your cannabis fudge for an extended period, it’s best to store it in the freezer to prevent it from going bad. Remember, cannabis-infused edibles can last up to six months in the freezer, so you won’t have to worry about them going bad for a long time.
Determining the Proper Dosage
Determining the correct dosage for your cannabis fudge can be a bit tricky, as it depends on several factors, such as the strength of the cannabis and your tolerance level. It’s always best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you find the perfect amount that works for you.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for a dosage of around 10-15mg per serving for edibles beginners, and 25mg per serving for experienced users. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and start with a smaller dose than to take too much and experience unpleasant side effects.
Serving Suggestions
Cannabis fudge is a delicious and versatile treat that can be served in many ways. You can cut it into small squares and serve it as a dessert at a party, wrap it up in pretty packaging and give it as a gift, or enjoy it as a sweet treat anytime you need a pick-me-up.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create unique flavor combinations. Some popular choices include crushed nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.
Creative Variations of Cannabis Fudge
Once you’ve mastered the art of making cannabis fudge, there are countless variations you can try to take your homemade edibles to the next level.
Dark Chocolate Cannabis Fudge
If you’re a fan of rich, intense flavors, try making a batch of dark chocolate cannabis fudge. Simply swap out the milk chocolate for dark chocolate and adjust the sugar and butter levels to taste. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra pop of flavor.
Mint Chocolate Cannabis Fudge
If you’re a fan of the classic flavor combination of mint and chocolate, try adding some peppermint oil to your cannabis fudge recipe. You can also mix in some crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for added texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter Cannabis Fudge
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, try adding some creamy peanut butter to your cannabis fudge recipe. Simply mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter after combining the butter and sugar, and then proceed with the recipe as usual. You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch.
White Chocolate Cannabis Fudge
If you’re a fan of sweeter flavors, try making a batch of white chocolate cannabis fudge. Simply swap out the milk chocolate for white chocolate and adjust the sugar and butter levels to taste. You can also mix in some dried cranberries or cherries for added texture and flavor.
Honey Cannabis Fudge
If you’re a fan of natural sweeteners, try using honey in your cannabis fudge recipe. Simply substitute honey for the sugar and adjust the butter levels to taste. You can also mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Remember, when experimenting with different variations of cannabis fudge, always start with a small amount of cannabis and gradually increase as needed to achieve the desired effects. Happy baking!
FAQ
Here are some common questions that you may have when making cannabis fudge at home:
1. What is the correct dosage for cannabis fudge?
The dosage of cannabis fudge can vary depending on the strength of the cannabis used and individual tolerance levels. It is recommended to start with a low dose (5-10mg of THC) and wait for at least an hour before consuming more.
2. Can I use any type of cannabis for making fudge?
Yes, you can use any type of cannabis for making fudge. However, keep in mind that different strains may have different effects on the body and mind, so choose accordingly.
3. How long does it take for the effects of cannabis fudge to kick in?
The effects of cannabis-infused edibles can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to be felt.
4. How should I store cannabis fudge?
Cannabis fudge should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Be sure to keep it away from children and pets.
5. Can I freeze cannabis fudge?
Yes, you can freeze cannabis fudge for later consumption. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before consuming.
6. Can I make cannabis fudge without butter?
While butter is a common ingredient for making cannabis-infused edibles, you can also use other types of fat such as coconut oil, vegetable shortening, or even cream cheese. Keep in mind that the potency may vary depending on the type of fat used.
