Can I Use Evaporated Milk Instead of Condensed Milk for Fudge?
Fudge is a classic treat with a soft and rich texture, often made with sweetened condensed milk. However, what if you don't have condensed milk on hand? Can you substitute it with evaporated milk? Let's explore the differences, adjustments needed, and how to still achieve delicious fudge.
Understanding the Differences
When substituting evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk in your fudge recipe, there are a few key factors to consider:
Sweetness
Sweetened condensed milk is significantly sweeter due to the added sugar. To achieve a similar sweetness with evaporated milk, you will need to add sugar to the recipe. For every cup of evaporated milk, add approximately 1 cup of sugar or adjust to taste.
Texture
Condensed milk has a thicker consistency, which can affect the texture of your fudge. Evaporated milk has a higher water content, potentially leading to a slightly different final texture.
Substitution Tips
Add Sugar
In order to match the sweetness of condensed milk, adjust your recipe by adding 1 cup of sugar for each cup of evaporated milk. This ensures that your fudge will be as sweet as intended.
Adjust Cooking Time
Since evaporated milk has a different moisture content, you may need to cook the fudge a little longer to achieve the desired set consistency. Keep a close eye on the fudge as it cooks and remove it from heat when it starts to thickly coat the back of a spoon but is still soft enough to cut into squares later.
A Basic Fudge Recipe Using Evaporated Milk
1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup sugar or more to taste 2 cups chocolate chips or other mix-ins 1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extractInstructions
Combine evaporated milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add butter and chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour into a greased pan and let it cool until set.The result should be a delicious fudge with a slightly different texture and sweetness profile than if you had used condensed milk.
Conclusion
While it is often simpler to use sweetened condensed milk, substituting evaporated milk is possible with some adjustments. Ensure you add enough sugar, adjust cooking time, and follow the steps outlined in the recipe. With a bit of tweaking, you can still produce a fantastic fudge!