If you’ve ever wondered how to make fudge with evaporated milk, you’re in for a treat! This classic ingredient adds a rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor that makes homemade fudge irresistibly smooth and luscious. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sweet tooth, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through making perfect fudge with evaporated milk that melts in your mouth.
Why Use Evaporated Milk in Fudge?
Evaporated milk is milk that has had about 60% of its water content removed, making it thicker and creamier than regular milk. This concentration gives fudge a silky texture and enhances its richness without adding extra fat like cream would. Using evaporated milk also helps achieve that classic, old-fashioned fudge consistency that’s soft yet firm enough to cut into neat squares.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make fudge with evaporated milk, you only need a handful of staple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry:
– Granulated sugar (white sugar)
– Light brown sugar
– Evaporated milk (one 12-ounce can)
– Butter (preferably salted for flavor)
– Vanilla extract
These simple ingredients come together to create a wonderfully creamy and buttery fudge with a subtle caramel undertone.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before you start, gather these tools to make the process smooth and easy:
– Heavy-bottom saucepan (for even heat distribution)
– Wooden spoon (for stirring)
– Digital sugar thermometer (to check the sugar temperature precisely)
– Electric mixer (to beat the fudge to the perfect texture)
– 8×8 inch baking pan (for setting the fudge)
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil (to line the pan for easy removal)
– Sharp knife (to cut the fudge into squares)
Having these ready will ensure your fudge turns out perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fudge with Evaporated Milk
1. Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease your 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using foil, butter it generously to prevent sticking. This step makes it easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set.
2. Combine Sugars, Evaporated Milk, and Butter
In your heavy-bottom saucepan, place the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Stir constantly over low heat until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts completely. This slow heating helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth base for your fudge.
3. Bring to a Soft Boil
Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Use your sugar thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully. You want to reach the soft ball stage, which is about 241°F (116°C). This stage is crucial for the fudge to set correctly with the right texture.
4. Cool the Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool undisturbed until it reaches about 230°F (110°C). This cooling period allows the sugars to stabilize before beating, which helps create that creamy fudge texture.
5. Beat the Fudge
Add vanilla extract to the cooled mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the fudge until it thickens and loses its shiny gloss. This step aerates the fudge, giving it a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
6. Pour and Set
Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Avoid refrigerating right away to prevent the fudge from becoming too hard or grainy.
7. Slice and Enjoy
Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment or foil edges. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into bite-sized squares. Now, it’s ready to share or savor yourself.
Tips for Perfect Fudge Every Time
– Use a heavy-bottom saucepan: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.
– Monitor temperature carefully: The soft ball stage is key; too low and your fudge will be too soft, too high and it will be hard and crumbly.
– Don’t rush cooling: Letting the mixture cool before beating ensures a smooth texture.
– Beat until matte: When the fudge loses its shine during beating, it’s ready to set.
– Store properly: Keep fudge refrigerated for longer shelf life, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basic evaporated milk fudge, you can customize it with mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips. For a chocolate twist, simply add melted chocolate chips after cooking the sugar mixture, stirring until smooth. Vanilla fudge lovers can stick to the classic recipe or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This fudge recipe is a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and buttery richness. The evaporated milk’s reduced water content means less risk of grainy fudge, and the combination of white and brown sugars adds depth with a hint of caramel flavor. The straightforward process, with just five ingredients and simple steps, makes it accessible for all skill levels.
Making fudge with evaporated milk is a delightful way to create a rich, creamy treat that feels homemade and special. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have luscious fudge squares ready to enjoy or gift. Give this classic recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite!