Powdered Sugar Fudge Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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This fudge is a simple dessert that can be whipped up in minutes. It's made with powdered sugar instead of regular granulated sugar. The result? A super creamy, delightfully light fudge that melts in your mouth.

Powdered Sugar Fudge Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

30-60 minutes

15 reviews


ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving the edges of the foil overhanging the pan. Generously grease the foil or parchment paper.

Combine the butter and evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted.

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla into the warm milk mixture and mix to dissolve. If the mixture seems dry, stir in a little bit of warm water. Quickly press the fudge into the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and let the fudge cool slightly.

Turn the fudge out onto a cutting board. Cut the fudge into squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container.

recipe tips


For a smoother texture, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder before adding them.

To prevent the fudge from sticking, lightly dust the foil or parchment paper with cocoa powder.

Adding a pinch of salt can boost the flavors.

Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans before pressing into the pan.

For even cooling, avoid placing the fudge in a drafty area.

Cut the fudge with a warm knife for cleaner slices.

Try different extracts like almond or peppermint for variety.

For a richer taste, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.

Try topping the fudge with sea salt or shredded coconut before it sets.

If the fudge is too soft, refrigerate it for a while to firm up before cutting.

common recipe questions


Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, but the fudge may not be as creamy. Do not use skim milk. 2% should work but half-and-half would be best.

Is there a substitute for unsweetened baking cocoa powder?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used for a smoother flavor.

Can I make this recipe without vanilla extract?

Yes, but vanilla adds to the overall flavor. You can use a different extract if desired.

How should I adjust the recipe for a larger batch?

Double the ingredients and use a larger pan, adjusting the cooling time accordingly. It's usually best to make two separate batches, however, since fudge can be finicky.

How do I store and keep the fudge?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Can this fudge be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.


nutrition data

294 calories, 11 grams fat, 52 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium.



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THREE MINUTE MICROWAVE FUDGE

SHARP CAROUSEL MICROWAVE FUDGE

DARK DOUBLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE

MAMIE EISENHOWER'S MILLION DOLLAR FUDGE


reviews & comments

  1. LilBigMama REVIEW:
    December 25, 2022

    The recipe is easy to follow. I followed each to but my fudge did not get hard I remade it and got the same results. It taste good but it's more like something that can be used as frosting

  2. KateCooks REVIEW:
    May 1, 2022

    Great recipe! I always like to tweek recipes and I am currently in the process of using what is in my pantry and freezer before going grocery shopping again. I searched many fudge recipes until I found one for the ingredients I had on hand. I substituted crunchy natural peanutbutter for the butter but added 1tbs butter after combining PB and milk. I added a pinch of salt since the PB and butter were salt free. I used the double boiler and didn't remove from heat until I was ready to add vanilla extract at the end. I also used 1/2 cup per the recipe instead of 4oz of cocoa powder as mentioned in the comments. Cocoa is very fibrous and I figured without more fat and milk, the fudge would be very dry. I needed to add an extra dash of milk to make it all cream together well. I am very pleased with the flavor and the smooth consistency. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

  3. janaddle REVIEW:
    December 15, 2021

    I have made this fudge for many years with one difference. Put pan of water on stove and bring to slow boil and add your ingredients in a bowl (I use a stainless steel bowl) put bowl in pan and stir and it is easy and no chance of burning. I add different things to it -- to make different batches Mini marshmellows or marchino cherries or chopped nuts. Yummy and great for gifts.

  4. baker4ever REVIEW:
    April 6, 2020

    The recipe is good as it is. I didn't need to use less or more of anything but the suggestion of the previous review was very helpful - USE WATER!!! That makes the consistency of the batter smoother if it is at all crumbly.

  5. GRANNIE REVIEW:
    November 18, 2019

    I WAS CRAVING SWEETS AND CHOCOLATE AND CAME ACROSS THIS FUDGE RECIPE. I SIMPLY LOVE IT. IT IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN THE ONE I HAD WHEN I WAS A CHILD WHICH ALSO HAD POWDERED SUGAR IN IT. I USED LOW FAR OR NON FAT EVAPORATED MILK AND THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVERY COOKED WITH REG.BUTTER AND I DIDN'T USE THE WHOLE LB OF POWDERED SUGAR. IT HASN'T TOTALLY SET UP BUT IT HAS SET UP ENOUGH TO CUT AND EAT IT AND I'VE ALREADY HAD 5 PIECES. IT JUST MELTS IN MY MOUTH. LOOKS LIKE I'M GONNA BE STOCKING UP ON BUTTER, COCOA, CANNED MILK AND POWDERED SUGAR. LOL

  6. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    October 6, 2019

    We doubled the recipe at first try. Used 2lbs of icing sugar, 1cup of butter and 1/2 cup of evap milk. Cocoa was the only item we reduced. According to recipe it would have been 4.16 oz, it would have made it too crumbly. Result..fantastic!

  7. Dee REVIEW:
    March 18, 2019

    Absolutely delicious. I didn't put in all of the powdered sugar. I put in to taste (about 2 and 12 cups).I ate the whole thing in 4 hours

  8. Texasmimi REVIEW:
    December 22, 2016

    This is a great little recipe. The only thing I added was a little 1/4 teaspoon of salt to bring out the flavor a little more and sifted all my dry ingredients so it came out super smooth.

  9. lsrichva REVIEW:
    May 20, 2014

    Only good thing about this recipe is the flavor. I followed the instructions to the letter, but it dried out even before I could get it mixed. Hard and crumbly!!

  10. Aubrey REVIEW:
    December 8, 2013

    Easy and delicious! Made this with my 4 month old playing next to me and had no trouble balancing the two! Thankyou for clarifying the 4 oz of cocoa! Was stumped on how to figure that one! Thankyou!!

  11. marimiata REVIEW:
    May 31, 2011

    This recipe reminds me of going into my grandmother's kitchen years ago and seeing fudge on the counter. It's almost a fool proof and the taste is wonderful. No wonder it never lasts long in my house!

  12. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    December 10, 2010

    i made this years ago (30 to 35) then lost the receipt--here it is-- we are so happy to see it again

  13. georgia_kay REVIEW:
    November 30, 2009

    Easy way to make fudge. I made it even easier by melting the butter and milk in a large bowl in the microwave (instead of in a pan on top of the stove) and thus having just one bowl to clean up afterwards.

  14. Mama Becs REVIEW:
    June 6, 2009

    Absolutely gorgeous and very easy! I've just licked the bowl, but I can already tell it's going to set well. I will add this to my list of home-made Christmas gifts this year.

  15. blinkfastr REVIEW:
    October 30, 2007

    We thought this fudge was very tasty and much, much faster to make than traditional fudge. I did have to add water at the end because my mixture was too crumbly. The water made me nervous that the fudge would not set up, but it turned out great.

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Powdered Sugar Fudge Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

Will powdered sugar thicken fudge? ›

How to thicken your fudge? If your fudge it noticeably thin, you may want to add more chocolate. If you are out of chocolate, you can also add 1/4-1/2 cup of powdered sugar. This, however, can make the fudge very sweet.

How do you know when fudge is beaten enough? ›

After letting the fudge cool, it's time to beat it. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte. Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould.

What is the secret to non grainy fudge? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What makes fudge firmer? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer.

Why does fudge fail? ›

Homemade Fudge Doesn't Always Set

If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

Can I fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

What happens if you over stir fudge? ›

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

What happens if you boil fudge too long? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

What should you do to keep sugar crystals small in fudge? ›

Stirring helps control the size of the sugar crystals that form—it keeps them from growing too large, which would produce gritty fudge.

What can I do with ruined fudge? ›

If it's overcooked (resulting in grainy fudge) or undercooked (resulting in poor setting) all you really need to do is add a bit of cream, reheat the fudge to the target temperature, and let it set again.

How can I make my fudge thicker? ›

If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream. Stir the fudge as it heats, but only until the sugar in the chocolate is completely melted again.

Can powdered sugar be used as a thickener? ›

Add powdered sugar

To thicken your royal icing, add more sifted powdered sugar—a couple of tablespoons at a time—until the icing reaches your desired consistency.

Is there a way to fix fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

How do you fix fudge that didn't harden? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

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