No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Rich and smooth homemade fudge made without baking, combining cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk for a luscious texture. This desserts ready in about 17 minutes layers unsweetened cocoa powder, (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, (4 tbsp) unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (optional) chopped walnuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
- Step 3: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 5: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if using, mixing evenly.
- Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Step 8: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Fudge Squares with Cocoa and Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
