I’m beyond excited to share a little slice of sweet heaven that’s been a game-changer at our family gatherings. We’re talking about a decadently creamy fudge recipe that is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up thanks to the magic ingredient: condensed milk!
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How to make Fudge with Condensed Milk
Fudge with condensed milk is a rich, creamy, and sweet treat that is made by combining sweetened condensed milk with other ingredients, such as chocolate, butter, or flavorings like vanilla or nuts. The condensed milk helps create a smooth texture and contributes to the sweetness of the fudge while also helping it set properly as it cools.
Ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
3 cups of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark, according to your preference)
1/4 cup of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Nuts, dried fruits, or toppings of your choice (optional, for variety)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper overhangs the sides slightly. This will make removing the finished fudge much easier.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. If you’re opting for a hint of extra flavor, now’s the time to add that pinch of salt.
Melt and Mix: Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring the ingredients constantly to prevent the chocolate from scorching. As everything melts together, you should notice the mixture becoming smoother and evenly combined.
Add Vanilla: Once you have a homogenous mixture, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds depth to the flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate.
Spread in Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer, reaching into all the corners.
Add Extras (Optional): If you wish to include nuts, dried fruits, or any other special ingredients like a swirl of peanut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt, now is the time to add them. Press them gently into the top of the fudge for a professional-looking touch.
Chill: Transfer the pan to your refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours or until the fudge is firm. The cooling process is crucial as it allows the fudge to set and develop the right texture.
Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is set, lift it from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board, peel away the paper, and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares of your desired size.
Enjoy: Your homemade condensed milk fudge is now ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer it chilled.
Tips:
Chocolate Quality: The quality of the chocolate you use can make a big difference in your fudge. Opt for good-quality chocolate chips that you enjoy eating out of the bag.
Melting Chocolate: Be patient when melting the chocolate. Low and slow is the key to preventing burning. The microwave can be used alternatively, but take care to stir every 30 seconds to ensure even melting.
Cutting Perfect Squares: To cut the fudge cleanly, heat your knife under hot water, dry it, and then slice it. The heat will help the knife glide through the fudge.
Creative Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Mix in anything from cookie pieces to different extracts like peppermint to flavored chips such as butterscotch or white chocolate for a unique twist.
Storing the Fudge: If stored in an airtight container, your fudge should last up to 2 weeks at room temperature or longer in the fridge. Fudge can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a batch of luscious fudge using condensed milk is undeniably a straightforward and delightful experience. However, there might be instances when you find yourself missing an ingredient, or perhaps you’re catering to specific dietary restrictions.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Alternatives:
Dairy-Free/Vegan: For a vegan version, use coconut condensed milk, which offers a similar texture and sweetness. Several brands are available, or you can make your own by reducing coconut milk with sugar.
DIY Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a pinch, you can make your own by simmering milk and sugar together until thick. For every cup of sweetened condensed milk, use 1 cup of evaporated milk or regular milk with 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar.
Chocolate Chips Substitutes:
Using Different Chocolate Types: You can use any chocolate type you prefer or have on hand — semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even a mix to create a unique taste profile. The important part is the total quantity of chocolate.
Chocolate Bars: Chocolate chips can be easily replaced with chocolate bars chopped into small pieces. The key is to measure by weight (3 cups of chocolate chips is roughly equivalent to 1.5 pounds or 18 ounces of chocolate).
Cocoa Powder: In a real bind, cocoa powder can substitute for chocolate chips. For every cup of chocolate chips, use 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 7 tablespoons of sugar, and ¼ cup of butter, oil, or shortening. This will affect the texture somewhat but can work in a pinch.
Butter Alternatives:
For Dairy-Free/Vegan recipes, Coconut oil is a great 1:1 substitute for butter. It adds a slight coconut flavor, which pairs well with chocolate. Margarine or vegan butter also work as direct substitutes.
Other Fats: In scenarios where butter isn’t an option, other fats like avocado oil or even olive oil (if you don’t mind a slight taste difference) can be used. The proportion remains the same.
Vanilla Extract Alternatives:
Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla or seeking a different flavor, almond extract can add a delightful nutty taste. Be mindful; it’s stronger, so use half the amount.
Other Extracts: Depending on your taste, extracts like peppermint, orange, or even rum can offer a delightful twist on the traditional fudge flavor. Adjust the amount based on how prominent you want the flavor to be.
Toppings and Add-Ins:
Nuts and Fruits: Virtually any dried fruit or nut can serve as an add-in or topping for fudge. If you don’t have one type, feel free to substitute it with others like walnuts, pecans, almonds, dried cherries, or cranberries.
Creative Mix-Ins: Get creative with items around your pantry for texture and flavor. Cookie crumbs, pretzel pieces, or even candy bits can replace traditional nuts or dried fruit toppings.
Final Thoughts
I’m confident that this fudge recipe with condensed milk will become one of your treasured sweet treats to make and share. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you need a little pick-me-up.
Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper overhangs the sides slightly. This will make removing the finished fudge much easier.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. If you're opting for a hint of extra flavor, now's the time to add that pinch of salt.
Melt and Mix: Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring the ingredients constantly to prevent the chocolate from scorching. As everything melts together, you should notice the mixture becoming smoother and evenly combined.
Add Vanilla: Once you have a homogenous mixture, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds depth to the flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate.
Spread in Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer, reaching into all the corners.
Add Extras (Optional): If you wish to include nuts, dried fruits, or any other special ingredients like a swirl of peanut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt, now is the time to add them. Press them gently into the top of the fudge for a professional-looking touch.
Chill: Transfer the pan to your refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours or until the fudge is firm. The cooling process is crucial as it allows the fudge to set and develop the right texture.
Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is set, lift it from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board, peel away the paper, and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares of your desired size.
Enjoy: Your homemade condensed milk fudge is now ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer it chilled.
Baking has always been my go-to for relaxation and creativity. There's nothing quite like the smell of a cake fresh out of the oven or the satisfaction of a perfectly smooth icing. Through my blog, I aim to make baking approachable and fun, helping others to create beautiful memories one cake at a time.
