Powdered Sugar Fudge Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

  • add review
  • #3343

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.



more recipes like powdered sugar fudge

TRADITIONAL FUDGE IN THE MICROWAVE

OLD FASHIONED HARD FUDGE

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.

');

Powdered Sugar Fudge Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

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.

Can powdered sugar be substituted for granulated sugar in fudge? ›

Powdered sugar is beloved for an exceptionally smooth texture that makes it ideal for frosting, fudge and candies. It's also delicious dusted on brownies, doughnuts and cakes. Can Powdered Sugar be substituted for Granulated Sugar in recipes? Substituting Powdered Sugar for Granulated Sugar is not recommended.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

What is the soft ball test for fudge? ›

The cold-water test for soft ball stage is this: Fill a cup with very cold water. Spoon a small amount of the boiling candy mixture into the cold water. If the syrup forms a soft ball in the water that flattens when removed, it is at soft-ball stage.

How to make fudge more solid? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. 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.

Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

Why is fudge so hard to make? ›

Making fudge can be a challenging endeavor, requiring precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. The process of making fudge involves a delicate balance of cooking, cooling, and beating, and the smallest mistake can result in fudge that is too soft or too hard.

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.

How to tell if fudge is ready without a thermometer? ›

Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it's pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.

How to fix failed fudge? ›

To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.

What happens if I use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar? ›

You'll end up with a grainy, unappealing texture. Lastly, store-bought powdered sugar generally includes corn starch, which prevents it from caking together. This can lead to unpredictable outcomes when you interchange the two.

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.

Is Domino's powdered sugar the same as confectioners sugar? ›

Like powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar is made of finely ground granulated sugar. However, the key difference is the addition of cornstarch. Adding cornstarch to powdered sugar serves to prevent the sugar from caking up and getting clumpy over time. It protects the integrity of the sugar's powdered form.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do you describe high quality fudge? ›

Principles of quality fudge

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.

What causes homemade fudge to be grainy? ›

Grainy Fudge

The sugars probably crystallized, a common mistake when making candy like fudge or caramel. If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

Tiny microcrystals in fudge are what give it its firm texture. The crystals are small enough, however, that they don't feel grainy on your tongue, but smooth. While you ultimately want crystals to form, it's important that they don't form too early.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 6776

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.