When it comes to desserts, fudge is a real classic. There are so many delicious flavors, and it can be made with or without condensed milk. This article will show you how to make fudge without condensed milk and some other fudge tips and fun facts.
Fudge Flavors
Nowadays, people have come up with different fudge variations and flavors that are fool-proof and beginner-friendly. Some have used corn syrup, condensed milk, or marshmallow creme, which made it now easier to make fudge even in the comforts of your home.
Flavor variations for fudge nowadays include marshmallows, nuts, hard candies, and sometimes, even small cookie pieces. You can also add fruits such as cranberries, coconuts and a vegetable such as a pumpkin.
Fudge Storage
If you store fudge in an airtight container, it can last 1 to 2 weeks if kept at room temperature, and putting it in a refrigerator can make the fudge last for 2 to 3 weeks. It has also been said to be better eaten on the day that it was made.
How to Cook Fudge
There are two main ways to make fudge: the stovetop or the microwave.
- Stovetop: You put all the ingredients in a pot and let it heat and boil slightly. You must not let it boil too much, or you will burn the mixture, and it will harden very quickly. After heating up, let it cool down for a bit; then, you can use a spoon to mix the liquid until it thickens. Once it has thickened, you can then pour it into a tray and put it in the fridge to completely cool down and settle.
- Microwave: Using a microwave to make your fudge takes lesser time to make. For the microwave you will need to melt all the ingredients using the microwave. We suggest melting each ingredient one at a time and adding the remaining ones to melt. Once all the ingredients have melted, you can now spread the fudge on a pan and put it in the fridge to cool down.
Fudge Fun Facts
Fudge has a long, rich, and delicious history, so we compiled a list of fun fudge facts.
- We celebrate “National Fudge Day” every 16th of June
- Harry Ryba, a fudge master in Mackinac Island, offered fudge lovers to pay $2,250 to avail his service of a lifetime supply of fudge.
- In Ontario, Canada, the largest portion of fudge was made on October 23, 2010, and it had a total weight of 5,760 lbs. It took one week to make, and the slab also contained different flavors, including maple, chocolate, and vanilla.
- After the invention of fudge, the word fudge changed its meaning. Before the fudge invention, the word fudge meant “to adjust or fit together.”
How to Make Fudge Without Condensed Milk
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 minutes
- Total time: 7 minutes
- Servings: 64 pieces
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Make sure to prepare a pan or a tray to put your fudge mixture in. Spray the pan with some butter or cooking spray then you can set it aside.
- Put the sugar, milk, and cocoa in a pot or a saucepan and combine them. Let the mixture boil while constantly stirring it.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer. There is no need to stir the mixture in this step.
- Use a thermometer to check and ensure that the temperature is 238°F(114°C).
- Take the saucepan from the heat and add the butter and vanilla. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it loses its glossiness. Make sure not to over stir it.
- Transfer the mixture to the tray and let it cool down.
How to Make Fudge Without Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups White sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Make sure to prepare a pan or a tray to put your fudge mixture in. Spray the pan with some butter or a cooking spray then you can set it aside.
- Put the sugar, milk, and cocoa in a pot or a saucepan and combine them. Let the mixture boil while constantly stirring it.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer. There is no need to stir the mixture in this step.
- Use a thermometer to check and ensure that the temperature is 238°F(114°C).
- Take the saucepan from the heat and add butter and vanilla. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it loses its glossiness. Make sure to not overbeat it.
- Transfer the mixture to the tray and let it cool down.
FAQs
How Many Pieces of Fudge in a Pound?
On average, a pound of fudge will yield 16 one-inch pieces.
How to Get Fudge out of the Pan?
- Line the pan with greased parchment paper before pouring the fudge into it.
- Make sure the fudge is completely cooled before attempting to remove it.
- Run a thin knife or spatula along the edges to loosen the fudge.
- Flip the pan upside down and tap it gently.
What to Do with Leftover Fudge
- Roll it into small balls to create fudge truffles.
- Melt it and use it as a topping for ice cream or waffles.
- Use it as a filling for cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.
Can You Put Fudge in Silicone Molds?
Absolutely! Silicone molds work great for fudge. Grease the mold before pouring in the fudge. Once it has cooled and set, the fudge should release easily from the mold.
Will Fudge Stick to Parchment Paper?
Fudge won’t stick to parchment paper if it’s properly greased before pouring fudge onto it. This makes parchment paper an excellent choice for lining pans or as a nonstick surface when shaping the fudge.
How to Soften Hard Fudge
Microwave it for 10-15 seconds on 50% power. Be careful not to overheat it and make it too soft.
How Long Does Fudge Take to Cool?
Fudge typically takes 2-4 hours to cool at room temperature.
