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Fudge is one of the tastiest desserts that I’ve ever made. Learning how to make different types of fudge was the highlight of my baking journey. However, there came a time where I had to make fudge but I ran out of condensed milk. This put me on a path to learning how to make different types of fudge without using condensed milk.
As a general rule, you can make fudge by using regular milk, almond milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, coconut milk, or creamer instead of condensed milk. Depending on the type of fudge being made, each of these ingredients can substitute condensed milk when used correctly.
Fudge is usually made with condensed milk, but there may be times when it’s unavailable. Fortunately, it can be just as easy to create delicious chocolate fudge using other alternatives. Read on to learn how to whip up a batch of fudge without using condensed milk.
What can I use instead of condensed milk to make fudge?
As a whole, you can make fudge by using regular milk, almond milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, coconut milk, or creamer instead of condensed milk. Each type of fudge can use one of these ingredients to substitute condensed milk.
When it comes to making fudge, there are plenty of other alternatives that could be used which still yield deliciously decadent results.
For example, powdered milk, coconut milk, creamer, and even regular milk can be substituted for condensed milk if it’s not readily on hand.
*By the way, the Double Boiler works great when you’re trying to melt something like chocolate while heating up other ingredients. I recently wrote an article that gives a breakdown of the 3 Best Double Boilers that people use in each stage of their baking journey.
After reviewing these double boilers, the Best Overall Double Boiler was the Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler which worked great for the dessert needs in my kitchen. You can check out this Double Boiler on Amazon!
While some may feel pretty strongly about needing condensed milk to create fudge, I’ve discovered that there are a variety of other pantry staples that will work as well.
I’ve created fudge before by using evaporated milk, skim milk, half & half, and even powdered milk.
The key to creating fudge with an alternative ingredient is to try to match the consistency of condensed milk. This may mean adding a bit of sugar to sweeten it up, or even adding less water when rehydrating powdered milk.
This process may require some modifications in order to see which method gives you the best results.
The trick when using skim milk as an alternative to condensed milk is to add fat and flavor in order to give it a rich and creamy texture. I like to combine my skim milk with butter and sugar in a saucepan and heat it until it thickens up. The resulting product looks and tastes quite similar to condensed milk.
*Side Note: You might also want to know Why Your Brownies Crack On Top after baked. I recently wrote an article that talks about How To Prevent and Fix Cracks On Top Of Brownies, you can check it out here!
How to make chocolate fudge without condensed milk?
As a whole, you can make chocolate fudge by using regular milk or almond milk instead of condensed milk. Since condensed milk is naturally sweeter than regular milk, adjusting the amount of sugar added to the fudge will help regulate the difference in sweetness.
Here’s a recipe for making chocolate fudge without condensed milk:
- In a medium saucepan on the stove, combine 1/2 cup of milk (or almond milk), 1 cup of chocolate chips, and one stick (8 tablespoons) of butter or margarine
- Slowly warm through, while continuously stirring
- After these ingredients have completely mixed, lower the heat and slowly stir in the powdered sugar
- Stir powdered sugar in and ensure it is mixed thoroughly, without any lumps or clumps
- Pour mixture into a greased pan (8 x 8 works best) and allow it to cool in the fridge for an hour
- Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Chocolate fudge is a great dessert that can quickly be put together with very little time and effort. I have found this to be one of my favorite “go-to” dishes when I’m short on time and am craving something sweet and indulgent.
Fudge makes a great gift for the holidays, as it’s pretty inexpensive and simple to make, yet looks beautiful when presented in a lovely tin or cellophane wrapping.
I always make an assortment of fudge around the holidays and gift it to my family and friends as a fudge sampler. It’s a gift that everyone looks forward to, and I enjoy the fact that it’s simple and easy to create.
*Fun fact: Fudge is that it can be made ahead of time, and then stored in the freezer for up to three months.
This makes it a convenient dessert to thaw out whenever unexpected company comes or there’s a community bake sale or fundraiser. When I’m short on time, making fudge is a great alternative to decadent desserts that take hours of prep work in the kitchen.
*Side Note: You might also want to know Why Your Muffins Didn’t Rise the way they were supposed to. I recently wrote an article talking about Tips For Preventing Flat Muffins, you can check it out here!
What is condensed milk?
Condensed milk is milk that has had the water extracted from it. During the extraction process sugar is added to it to enhance its flavor, making it excellent for baking and cooking with. It usually comes in a can and has a shelf life of about two years if it is properly stored and unopened.
Condensed milk is a great source of calcium and protein since it is highly concentrated milk that has had most of the water extracted from it. Its texture is velvety soft and is extremely sweet.
Condensed milk tends to be a staple in my kitchen cabinet. It’s convenient to add to a variety of desserts and tastes amazing in my morning coffee. I try to pick up a few cans whenever they go on sale at the store since they’re so versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How to Boil A Can of Condensed Milk The Right Way. This article gives you a step-by-step outline for boiling a can correctly. You can check out this article here!
What is chocolate fudge?
Chocolate fudge is a dessert created by using chocolate, milk, and sugar. It is known for its creamy texture and indulgent taste. Additional items such as nuts can be added to create a unique flavor and texture. Chocolate fudge is usually sliced and served as squares.
Chocolate fudge is a timeless classic and has remained a favorite in many households. Because it’s of its luxurious taste, it takes many people by surprise when they learn just how easy it can be to whip up a tray of chocolate fudge bites in relatively no time. I can usually whip up a few trays of fudge in just a few short hours.
While I enjoy classic chocolate fudge, I do like to change it up from time to time and have added coconut, grated orange peel, and pistachios in the past.
Chocolate fudge goes great when paired with fresh fruit or even topped with whipped cream. Because fudge is a pretty forgiving dessert, it makes it one of the easiest to have fun and experiment with.
Does fudge need evaporated or condensed milk?
Condensed milk is the perfect ingredient to use when making fudge since it is known for its creamy and thick texture. If condensed milk is not available, evaporated milk can work as a substitute. While the fudge won’t be as sweet, alternative sweeteners can be used and still have a similar consistency and flavor.
*By the way, you might also want to know How To Mix Batter Without a Mixer. I recently wrote an article talking about The Right Ways of Mixing Batter By Hand, which you can check out here!
How to make peanut butter fudge without condensed milk?
As a general rule, you can make peanut butter fudge by using a peanut butter spread instead of condensed milk. Since both condensed milk and peanut butter are naturally thick, peanut butter will help solidify the fudge to the right consistency while giving it a nutty taste.
Peanut butter fudge is easy to create and only takes a few simple ingredients to pull together. This is one of the easiest desserts to whip up in a hurry for unexpected company or enjoy as a sweet treat at the end of the day.
The following is a recipe for how to create peanut butter fudge:
- Melt 1/2 cup of butter or margarine using medium heat until it comes to a boil
- Once the butter is heated though, add about 3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter to the pan
- Slowly stir in a teaspoon of vanilla
- In a separate mixing bowl, pour about 3 and 1/2 cups of brown, white, or confectioner’s sugar
- Pour the heated mixture into the bowl and thoroughly mix together using a wooden spoon
- Once thoroughly mixed, pour into a 8×8 glass pan or lined baking tin
- Allow to chill for at least one hour in the fridge
- Once cooled, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
How to make caramel fudge without condensed milk?
As a whole, you can make caramel fudge by using seed butter, almond butter, or nut butter instead of condensed milk. Since both condensed milk and almond butter are naturally thick, neutral nut butter will help solidify the fudge to the right consistency.
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Turn Condensed Milk Into Caramel. I recently wrote an article about A Complete How-to Guide to Turning Condescend Milk Into Caramel, which you can check out here!
For those who may not like peanut butter fudge, caramel fudge is a great alternative that still tastes amazing.
This simple and quick recipe doesn’t require condensed milk, and is perfect as a quick dessert or sharing at a company potluck:
- Place 2 cups of sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or any other nut butter in a saucepan
- Mix in 1/2 cup of coconut oil or coconut butter until it is warmed through
- Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar of your choice
- Mix together well until it is smooth and lump-free
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8 baking tin, or into a cupcake tin for smaller fudge bites
- Place in fridge and allow to cool for an hour
How to make marshmallow fudge without condensed milk?
As a general rule, you can make marshmallow fudge by using evaporated milk instead of condensed milk. Since condensed milk is naturally sweeter than evaporated milk, adjusting the amount of sugar added to the fudge will help regulate the difference in sweetness.
While chocolate fudge remains the most popular type of fudge to bake, it can be fun to try other alternatives as well. Marshmallow fudge has a chewier texture than other fudges.
Here is a simple recipe for marshmallow fudge that can be created with evaporated milk instead of condensed milk:
- On the stovetop, combine 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 5 ounces of evaporated milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Mix ingredients over medium heat until they’re heated through
- Slowly bring mixture to a boil, continue to stir in order to avoid burning
- After four minutes, add a 12 ounce bag of chocolate chips
- Stir in chocolate chips and remove from heat. Continue to stir until mixed
- Finally, add in a jar of marshmallow fluff or a bag of marshmallows
- Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 pan and smooth so that the mixture is even
- Cool in the fridge for at least an hour
*By the way, if you’re looking for a good mold to make your fudge in, I’ve recently come across the perfect Silicone Fudge Mold made from small rectangles. This Silicone Mold was perfect for my fudge bites dessert! You can check out this Fudge Mold on Amazon!
To Summarize…
Fudge is a very delicate dessert and requires lots of meticulous monitoring in order for it to come out perfect. That’s why using a different ingredient besides condensed milk can be scary. But don’t fret!
Try to experiment with these ingredients to master the making of fudge and you’ll see that it’s not as scary as you initially thought. Now bring out these ingredients and let’s make some fudge!
