Classic South African fudge recipe for smooth, creamy homemade squares

Fudge is one of those South Africans sweet treats that you often spot at community gatherings.

There's usually a table piled with homemade treats at a school fête or church bazaar, and fudge is often among them.

Cut into little squares and packed into sweet bags, it has always been a familiar sight at community gatherings.

Classic South African fudge remains a favourite for good reason.

Making it at home means you can enjoy the traditional version or experiment with a few simple additions once you have mastered the basics.

The trick is to be patient with the cooking process and give the mixture enough time to thicken and set.

Homemade fudge can turn out grainy, too soft or harder than expected. A few things can help you get a better result.

Once you've mastered the basics you can add a few ingredients to elevate your fudge.

The traditional recipe is a good starting point, but a few additions can give your homemade fudge a different flavour without making the process complicated.

Add toasted nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds add a little crunch to the creamy fudge. Stir the toasted nuts into the mixture just before pouring it into the lined dish.

Make it chocolate flavoured: Melt a little dark chocolate and swirl it through the fudge just before it sets. Use a skewer or the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect without mixing the chocolate in completely.

Try a salted finish: A light sprinkling of flaky sea salt over the fudge before it sets adds contrast to the sweetness. Use a small amount so that the salt complements rather than overpowers the caramel flavour.