A rich, creamy chocolate fudge recipe made without condensed milk. Simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make fudge uses everyday ingredients and delivers indulgent results with endless customization options.
Author:Maren Varden
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 30 minutes (including setting time)
Yield:16 squares 1x
Category:Desserts
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
½ cup Butter
1½ cup Granulated Sugar
½ cup Milk
⅓ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
Instructions
Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal. Gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Melt Butter and Mix Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and milk, mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Add Cocoa and Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and sift in cocoa powder to prevent lumps. Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Pour and Set: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator for 2–3 hours to set.
Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Slice into even squares with a sharp knife and serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
Don’t Rush the Simmering Let the butter, sugar, and milk mixture simmer for a few minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves fully. This step is key for achieving a smooth texture without any grittiness.
Sift the Cocoa Powder Always sift the cocoa powder to prevent clumps from forming in the fudge. It makes mixing easier and ensures a velvety consistency.