- In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter over medium heat.
- Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan.
- Let the mixture cool completely until safe to handle.
- Roll into 1-tablespoon-sized balls using buttered hands.
- Coat each ball in chocolate or rainbow sprinkles.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until firm.
- Calories:60 kcal25%
- Energy:251 kJ22%
- Protein:1 g28%
- Carbohydrates:10 mg40%
- Sugar:9 mg8%
- Salt:15 g25%
- Fat:2 g20%
Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe – Condensed Milk & Cocoa Delight
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a serious sweet tooth. And sometimes, you just need a little chocolatey goodness in your life, right? This easy chocolate fudge recipe is my go-to when those cravings hit. It’s ridiculously simple, requires minimal ingredients, and honestly? It’s the most comforting treat. I first made this when my niece was visiting, and we had so much fun rolling the fudge balls together – it’s become a little tradition now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love fudge? But this isn’t just any fudge. This recipe is perfect because it’s:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of actual work.
- Foolproof: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this one.
- Rich & Delicious: The combination of condensed milk and cocoa creates a wonderfully smooth and intensely chocolatey fudge.
- Customizable: We’ll get into variations later, but you can really make this your own!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this dreamy fudge:
- 14 oz (approx. 400g) sweetened condensed milk – 1 can
- 4 tablespoons (approx. 20g) cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons (approx. 28g) butter
- Chocolate sprinkles (for coating – optional, but highly recommended!)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the star of the show! It’s what gives the fudge its incredibly smooth and creamy texture. Don’t confuse it with evaporated milk – they’re not the same!
- Cocoa Powder: You have options here! Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a darker, milder flavor, while natural cocoa powder will be a bit brighter and more acidic. I personally love using Dutch-processed for this recipe, but either works beautifully.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted? I usually go with unsalted so I can control the overall sweetness, but if you only have salted, it’s totally fine – just maybe skip adding a pinch of salt later on.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir, stir, stir! Don’t stop stirring, or things might stick.
- Keep stirring for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture starts to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. That’s exactly what we want! It should form a soft, pliable dough.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool down until it’s safe to handle. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, butter your hands lightly (this is key to prevent sticking!).
- Roll the fudge mixture into approximately 1-tablespoon-sized balls.
- Now for the fun part! Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles (or whatever coating you like!).
- Serve immediately, or pop them in the fridge to firm up a bit.
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this fudge perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking will result in dry, crumbly fudge. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens.
- Butter Your Hands: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It makes rolling the fudge so much easier.
- Cool Completely: Letting the mixture cool properly is important for getting a good consistency.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter for a delicious plant-based version. My friend, Priya, swears by this!
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon to the mixture for a little extra warmth. My grandmother always added a dash of cardamom – it’s divine!
- Festival Adaptations: These make amazing gifts! Package them up in pretty boxes for Diwali or Christmas. You could even tie a ribbon around each box with a little handwritten note.
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, this fudge is delicious on its own! But if you want to get fancy, you can:
- Serve it with a glass of cold milk.
- Add it to a dessert platter.
- Enjoy it as a sweet treat after dinner.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
1. Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It actually tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
Use a good quality non-stick saucepan and stir constantly!
3. Can I use dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor?
Absolutely! Dark cocoa powder will give you a more intense chocolate flavor.
4. My fudge is too soft, what did I do wrong?
You likely didn’t cook it long enough. Next time, stir for a full 10 minutes, ensuring it pulls away from the sides of the pan.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this fudge?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips would be delicious additions. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful fudge. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!